Spark Innovation Center | The University of Tennessee Research Park at Cherokee Farm

The Spark Innovation Center is the UT Research Park’s focus on entrepreneurship development and commercialization of regional technology-based startup companies. Knoxville was recently rated as the #16 cleantech hub in the country according to Saordah Enterprise Partners, and Spark is a significant contributor to that effort.

Spark offers what selected tech startups typically need; available and reasonably-priced laboratory space, prototyping shops and top-level mentorship in business model development, financial planning, and investor readiness. We have demonstrated our ability to support successful startups through securing outside funding and key strategic partnerships and have grown into two prominent programs, our two-year incubator program and our 12-week accelerator.

In the first three years of operation, Spark companies have achieved the following:

Total Funding Acquired

Over $129 million in grants (non-dilutive)
Over $44 million in equity investments
$29.9 million in sales revenue

Jobs Created

205 jobs created
59 internships supported
70% Presence in East Tennessee

“Growing a clean tech hub in Knoxville helps us all in a variety of ways. It's, first of all, a declaration of our commitment to building a sustainable global future. But on the local level, it also builds our community and boosts Knoxville's economy. More innovation means more talent, equals more jobs, and the City of Knoxville is proud to support our innovation ecosystem and to do our part in the fight against global climate change by supporting Spark.”

—Indya Kincannon, Mayor of the City of Knoxville

Anna Klug works on lab equipment with multiple monitors.

The Spark Incubator program provides laboratory and office space at the UT Research Park to growing companies working in cleantech, materials, and biotech. The Incubator also provides expert mentoring and programming.

This 2 year program offers:

High-Quality Lab Space for research and development
Business Development Support to refine strategies and scale operations
Investor Introductions to secure early-stage funding
Access to Top UT Researchers for technology solutions
Connections to Regional Entrepreneurial Service providers for additional support
Networking Opportunities with established companies for collaboration

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The Spark Scholars Program offers unique opportunities to students who are interested in assisting advanced tech and climate-tech startups with materials processing-related research, product development support, marketing and much more!

This program provides for companies:

Cost-Sharing: Matching support for intern wages
UT Facility Access: Utilize specialized campus resources.
Skilled Interns: Connect with students proficient in engineering, marketing, business, and more

And For Students:

Compensation: A competitive hourly wage
Work Hours: Scholars may hold other on-campus jobs, but total weekly hours across all UT positions must not exceed 20 during academic semesters

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4 Men Looking Enthusiastically at Science Equipment

The Spark Accelerator is a 12-week business acceleration program designed to bring promising innovations to market, faster.

In this 12 week program, we offer:

$15,000 stipends for travel, living expenses, and business milestones
Expert mentoring in business, market strategy, IP, product design, and manufacturing
Connections to customers, investors, partners, suppliers, and research institutions
Training workshops and personalized support
Partnerships with TVA, UT, the City of Knoxville, and TAEBC members

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Applications are closing soon for The Spark Mobility Lab, a collaboration between the Spark Innovation Center and the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council, with support from Launch Tennessee.

This new initiative equips early-stage mobility founders with the technical and economic tools they need to scale by combining Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) training with direct industry engagement and investor readiness support. Led by Spark Entrepreneur-in-Residence Bill Malkes, the program offers a focused workshop series and live industry panel that connect startups to experts, mentors, and market opportunities.

The week-long program will take place from April 20 to April 24.

The deadline to apply is February 28th at 12:00am ET.

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