About UT Research Park & The Peninsula Innovation District
Cherokee Farm Development Corporation (CFDC) serves as the master developer of the University of Tennessee Research Park and is leading the development of The Peninsula Innovation District, one of the most ambitious innovation district expansions in the Southeast.
What began as a 60-acre research park is growing into a 300+ acre innovation district that brings together the University of Tennessee, UT Medical Center, UT Institute of Agriculture, UT Research Foundation, researchers, entrepreneurs, startups, and industry partners around a shared vision for innovation, discovery, and economic growth. The district represents more than $750 million in planned investment, including major infrastructure improvements, new research facilities, startup support programs, and future mixed-use development.
Join us to help shape the future of research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development in East Tennessee.
Leadership
The UT Research Park team is dedicated to helping both established companies and entrepreneurs forge successful collaborations with the University of Tennessee. With our strong ties to university leadership, faculty and students, we’re able to help connect your new ideas or current challenges to the correct solution.













