Policy & Progress at Spark – March 2026

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 … Read More

Launch Tennessee Grants New Awards to Seven Recipients

Launch Tennessee grants TTAC Partnership Program Awards to seven recipientsAwardees are working on everything from quantum technology to agtech Launch Tennessee is providing funding for programs and events that support researchers and entrepreneurs statewide to advance innovation and commercialization across Tennessee’s research institutions. Through the Tennessee Technology Advancement Consortium (TTAC) Partnership Program, LaunchTN awarded funding to its first seven organizations. The … Read More

Policy & Progress at Spark – December 2025

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. … Read More

New Partnership Expands Internship Opportunities for UT Students

The UT Research Park is pleased to share that the Spark Innovation Center Spark has partnered with the Tickle College of Engineering’s Center for Materials Processing to develop and grow the Spark Scholar intern program with excellent results. The new partnership with the Anderson Center will allow us to expand Spark Scholars and provide opportunities to a broader range of students.. This collaboration … Read More

Skuld LLC’s Lightning Metal Machine Finds Academic Home at UT Knoxville

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Skuld LLC, an innovator in sustainable metal manufacturing and alum of both Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Innovation Crossroads program (2023 cohort) and the Spark Cleantech Accelerator, has achieved a significant milestone: The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has acquired Skuld’s Lightning Metal LM-16 machine for advanced materials research. As reported by 3DPrint.com, Skuld’s proprietary Additive Manufacturing Evaporative Casting (AMEC) technology enables cost-effective production of complex metal parts … Read More

Shift Thermal Secures $1M to Advance Energy Efficiency Technology

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Shift Thermal, a startup developing next-generation thermal energy technology, has raised nearly $1 million in funding to bring its innovative system to industrial applications. The company’s progress marks a significant step toward more efficient industrial heating and cooling processes, with potential energy savings across multiple sectors. A Leap Forward in Thermal Energy Efficiency Shift Thermal’s proprietary system aims to dramatically reduce energy … Read More

Celebrating a Global Triumph: Perseus Materials Wins Big at JEC World in Paris

In a momentous victory that underscores the global impact of East Tennessee’s tech entrepreneurial ecosystem, Perseus Materials, has emerged as one of the three total winners at the prestigious JEC World 2025 in Paris. Winning in the highly competitive category of “Process, Manufacturing, & Equipment,” Perseus Materials has not only brought international recognition to itself but has also highlighted the innovative spirit … Read More