Welcome to the first edition of Spark Innovation Center’s policy newsletter!
This quarterly update is designed to keep our Spark community informed about SBIR/STTR developments, key policy changes that may affect companies in our network, and other relevant updates from across the Spark ecosystem.
Each edition highlights key insights from reputable, well-vetted publications, and includes links to all referenced information. We hope you find this resource helpful. If you have questions or suggestions for future issues, we’d love to hear from you.
Email Lily Lovingood at lillian@tnresearchpark.org
SBIR & STTR Updates
Congress passed the FY2025 Continuing Resolution (CR) on November 12, extending government funding at current levels through January 2026 while lawmakers continue FY2026 negotiations. However, the CR did not include an extension of the SBIR and STTR programs, meaning both remain paused until Congress reaches a reauthorization agreement [cebn].
As this lapse continues, small businesses will feel the impact: SBIR/STTR typically supports 4,000+ companies annually, including 1,000+ new government contractors each year. Economic studies show a $22–$33 return for every dollar invested, and over a 23-year period, the programs generated an average of 65,578 jobs annually [nbsa].
Are you or your company personally impacted by the lapse in SBIR/STTR programs?
You may consider urging your Senators to support a 1-year extension (HR 5100) to continue the programs while negotiations on long-term reauthorization are underway.
Appeal to the Senate here.
Policy Developments Shaping Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Big news for AI and critical material research
On November 24, 2025, the President signed an Executive Order launching the Genesis Mission, a new national initiative led by the Department of Energy (DOE) and its 17 National Laboratories. The Genesis Mission will leverage artificial intelligence to build one of the most advanced scientific platforms in the world.
Learn more and get involved:
Plans are underway for the DOE to open parts of Genesis Mission’s national discovery platform to researchers, innovators, and companies.
Stay informed to see how you can be involved with this acceleration of innovation.
How the “Big, Beautiful Bill” Will Impact Tennessee Manufacturing and Energy
The “Big, Beautiful Bill” could roll back key clean energy incentives, putting Tennessee’s significant manufacturing investments and job growth at risk. These changes may slow progress in the state’s rapidly expanding clean energy sector and impact major ongoing projects.
Energy Communities Alliance Highlights U.S. Nuclear Leadership in New Report
The Energy Communities Alliance (ECA) has released From the Atomic Age to New Nuclear, a report showcasing communities across the country poised to support advanced nuclear technologies. The report provides a comprehensive overview of ongoing nuclear projects in the U.S. and identifies the key attributes that make energy communities ideal partners.
A dedicated section on Tennessee highlights recent developments, including announcements from Oklo, Inc., Orano USA, and Kairos Power.
Updates at the Research Park
New Spark Scholars Partnerships and Availability
The Spark Innovation Center is officially partnered with the Center for Materials Processing and the Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. This partnership supports companies by covering 50 percent of each intern’s hourly wage.
Spark will host a lunch and listening session for those interested in learning about these new changes and available Spark Scholars. The session will be on Jan. 14th, 12:00pm – 1:30pm in IAMM 310. If you plan to attend, email Lily Lovingood with dietary restrictions.
Director of Spark, Lilly Tench, begins new journey at Skynano
Executive Director Lilly Tench will conclude her role at the Spark Innovation Center on December 12 to join Spark Alumni, SkyNano, as Chief of Staff.
Her expertise will continue to influence Spark’s work, and SkyNano will benefit greatly from her vision and experience.
Serial entrepreneur, Bill Malkes, will be serving as interim director.
New Tenant at the Park
The Spark Incubator Program welcomes our newest tenant Brian Iezzi!
Brian is the founder of Fibarcode, a company developing a fiber-based “barcode” technology to improve textile recycling and authentication.
If you are interested in joining the Incubator Program, take a look at our Incubator Handbook.
Wins in the Spark Network
Safire Awarded Contract by U.S. Airforce
Safire has been awarded a $2 million U.S. Air Force contract to strengthen energy resilience for command and control operations in extreme environments. The project will showcase Safire’s advanced energy platform, integrating durable storage systems and intelligent software to support critical missions.
Lance Alder of Witching Hour Closes his First Institutional Round of Capital
Congratulations to Lance! This funding will supercharge Lance’s fast-growing commercialization path to eliminate forest fires, save lives, and protect critical infrastructure. Witching Hour develops innovative technology that reduces electrical faults and ignitions on power lines, a leading cause of catastrophic wildfires.
CTA Cohort 4 Graduation
On November 20, CTA Cohort 4 celebrated the completion of their program at Monkey’s Bar.
The celebration marked months of hard work, including their final pitches at TAEBC’s “Opportunities in Energy” Event.
Eric Heikkenen, the co-founder and CEO of NXT MFG, won the $10,000 TVA award from the utility giant.
Congratulations to all the graduates on this exciting milestone!
Let us know about your recent wins and updates! Fill out the UTRP Community Update Form