Spark’s Policy and Progress newsletter provides quarterly updates on SBIR/STTR developments, key policy changes, and other important updates across the Spark ecosystem. Each issue highlights insights from reputable, well‑vetted sources and includes links to all referenced information to ensure clarity and transparency.
SBIR & STTR Updates
Legislative Update: SBIR/STTR Reauthorization
On March 17, 2026, the House passed the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act, advancing the reauthorization of the SBIR and STTR programs. The bill now heads to the President. If it is not signed within 10 days, it will automatically become law.
2026 Federal Research Budget Snapshot
The 2026 budget outlook showed a modest increase of about 1% for NIH and a small cut of roughly 3.5% for NSF. While not surprising, both shifts will ultimately reduce available funding flowing into the SBIR program. The impact is not ideal for innovation but is expected to be manageable overall.
Read about NSF funding | Read about NIH Budget
Policy Developments
Tennessee Energy Landscape: Report Highlights
The Tennessee Business Leadership Council commissioned Powering Tennessee: Landscape, Challenges, and Opportunities for Tennessee’s Energy Future from the University of Tennessee Baker School of Public Policy & Public Affairs. The report examines rising energy costs and renewed electricity demand, noting that Tennessee still benefits from comparatively lower and more stable prices even as demand grows for the first time in nearly twenty years. It outlines three priority strategies for a secure, affordable energy future.
DOE Supports University Nuclear Energy Infrastructure
The U.S. Department of Energy recently announced more than $5.3 million in funding to support nuclear energy infrastructure at universities. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville received over $250,000 to advance research on irradiated materials. The project will establish an in‑situ scanning electron microscope (SEM) at UTK, enabling high‑resolution evaluation of low‑activity radioactive samples, post‑irradiation examinations, and in‑situ thermal, mechanical, and irradiation experiments.
TVA Secures $400M to Advance First U.S. BWRX‑300 SMR Deployment
The U.S. Department of Energy has selected the Tennessee Valley Authority to support early deployments of advanced light‑water small modular reactors. TVA will receive $400 million to advance the GE Vernova Hitachi BWRX‑300 at the Clinch River Nuclear Site in Tennessee and to accelerate additional units in partnership with Indiana Michigan Power and Elementl. TVA is the first U.S. utility to have a construction permit application for a BWRX‑300 accepted by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Congress Passes Fiscal Year 2026 Energy Funding Bill
In January, Congress passed the 2026 Energy & Water bill with 397 House votes, delivering long‑term stability for Oak Ridge and Tennessee’s nuclear programs. Major funding wins include $800M supporting 2024 initiatives,$2.7B for LEU and advanced fuel efforts, and ongoing budget proposals approaching $10B for Oak Ridge Reservation projects.
News & Events
New & Relocated Tenants
Several companies have recently joined or relocated across our spaces:
Atom Q, Single Quantum, and Aquafer are slated to move in to space in the research park, Orion will be moving to the Spark BioHub in CPH, and Safire will be moving to IAMM.
Spark X DEIC Road Trip
Last week, Spark traveled to Richmond, bringing four Spark founders along for two days of rare inside access at Dominion Energy. The group attended Dominion’s EnergyTech conference at the Virginia Museum of Science and toured the high‑voltage research lab and transmission operations center.
The trip offered practical insights for teams nearing deployment and strengthened ties between Tennessee’s energy innovators and Virginia’s advanced energy and nuclear ecosystem.
New Faces at Spark
We are excited to welcome several new team members to the Spark Community!
New staff members:
- Olivia Tanner – Marketing Coordinator
- Sarah Boertje – Director of Business Operations
Spark Scholars Interns:
- Katie Cummings – Administrative and Program Operations intern
- Gavin Gajjar – Portfolio Operations Intern: Research and Analytics
- Elizabeth Pollion – Portfolio Operations Intern: Programs and Operations
Wins in the Spark Community
“Perseus Materials Closes Strategic Investment From Lockheed Martin Ventures”
Perseus Materials has closed a strategic investment for an undisclosed amount from Lockheed Martin, one of the largest defense technology companies in the world. Congratulations to Dan Lee and the entire Perseus team on this milestone!
Orion Therapeutics and Aquafer Attend SXSW Competition as Finalists
Orion and Aquafer were named finalists for 2026 SXSW Pitch Competition.
The pair attended the SXSW Competition on March 13–14 in Austin, TX where they pitched their technology to a panel of industry experts, high-profile media professionals, venture capital investors, and angel investors.
Eight UT Innovators take the stage for Chancellor’s Innovation Fund, chance to secure $50K”
Spark Accelerator Alum and UTK Professor, Maged Guerguis, competed against 7 innovators in the 3rd annual Chancellor’s Innovation Fund competition.
Guerguis applied to the Chancellor’s Innovation Fund in hopes of securing $50,000, which would allow him to build out a full-scale prototype.
“SkyNano Named the Recipient of the Pinnacle Business Award in the Woman-Owned Business Excellence category”
The Knoxville Chamber recognized SkyNano as the Woman-Owned Business Excellence winner for the 2026 Pinnacle Business Awards.
The Pinnacle Awards celebrate regional business excellence and honor local companies and leaders in nine categories.
Let us know about your recent wins and updates! Fill out the UTRP Community Update Form