TTAC Partnership Program
TTAC Partnership Program
The Tennessee Technology Advancement Consortium (TTAC) Partnership Program strengthens Tennessee's innovation ecosystem by funding collaborative projects that accelerate technology transfer, help researchers launch startups, strengthen industry-academic partnerships, and increase R&D investment.
Core Objectives
The program brings together industry partners, entrepreneurial support organizations, and universities around three essential elements:
COMMERCIALIZATION READINESS
Bridging the gap between research and market solutions through activities that translate innovative ideas into commercially successful products and services, including resources and mentorship for bringing innovations to market.
STRATEGIC CONNECTIONS
STRATEGIC
CONNECTIONS
Building industry relationships across key sectors by fostering connections between entrepreneurs, industry experts, investors, researchers, and support organizations.
CAPITAL ACCESS
Strengthening pathways for startups and university spin-offs to secure growth resources, including investment readiness programs that equip researchers to engage with industry partners and investors.
Competitive Proposals
Strong proposals must demonstrate an integrated approach with a clear strategy for how activities will:
Accelerate technology commercialization:
Include specific, measurable activities to bring innovations to market.
Foster cross-sector partnerships:
Demonstrate meaningful collaboration among industry, academia, and entrepreneurial support organizations.
Build stronger pathways to startup formation:
Detail how the project will help researchers and innovators validate their innovations and facilitate new business creation, and enable or create access to resources.
Enhance early-stage capital investment across Tennessee:
Articulate how activities will increase investment in Tennessee startups and commercializable university research.
The Details
The TTAC Innovation Partnership Program represents a significant commitment to fostering a dynamic and thriving innovation ecosystem throughout Tennessee.
Grant Types
Program Grants: Up to $50,000 in one-time seed funding for innovation-driven projects that foster entrepreneurial activity and advance novel ideas.
Event and Meeting Grants: Up to $10,000 for Tennessee-based events providing information-sharing and networking opportunities in entrepreneurship and technology commercialization.
Eligibility
- Tennessee universities or non-profit organizations with an independent tax ID/EIN
- One award per lead organization (can participate in multiple applications)
- Must serve university researchers/startups commercializing research
- Requires a participating industry partner (letter of support required)
- Requires a letter of support from at least one TTAC institution
- Must have demonstrated a track record supporting Tennessee innovators and/or industry networks
- Programs and events must take place in Tennessee; however, strategic out-of-state events may be considered if they directly support Tennessee’s innovation ecosystem—for example, representing the state at national industry conferences or events that promote TN-based research and commercialization
Timeline
- Applications open: July 15, 2026
- Deadline: Rolling (must be within performance period)
- Lead time: Apply a minimum of 30 days before the program/event starts
- Period of Grant: Grant activities must be completed by June 1, 2027.
FAQs
Have questions about the program? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more.
TTAC Member Institutions
TTAC is a collaborative effort between Launch Tennessee and the state’s leading universities. This network empowers universities to accelerate technology transfer and commercialization of faculty innovations.
