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 contains insights from reputable, well‑vetted sources and includes links to all referenced information to ensure transparency.
Policy Developments
Energy Department Releases Finalized Fusion Science Roadmap to Accelerate Commercial Fusion Power
The U.S. Department of Energy has released its finalized Fusion Science and Technology Roadmap, a national strategy designed to accelerate the development and commercialization of fusion energy. The roadmap outlines a coordinated approach among industry, universities, national laboratories, and government partners to support fusion pilot plants and commercial fusion power in the mid-2030s. The strategy aims to strengthen U.S. leadership in fusion while advancing reliable, abundant domestic energy production.
Tennessee Valley Authority 2025 Annual Report
TVA has released its 2025 Annual Report, providing an overview of the organization’s financial performance, operations, and strategic priorities. The public can review the report for updates on TVA’s activities and investments across the Tennessee Valley region.
News & Events
Spark Q2 Meeting and Social Hour
The Spark community recently came together for its second quarterly meeting, where attendees connected, shared updates, and learned about valuable HR resources available to Spark companies through the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The evening continued with a social hour at YeeHaw Brewing where attendees were able to network and connect with fellow founders, partners, and community members.
Spark, UT Anderson Center Collaborate to Grow High Impact Startup Internship Program
Launched in fall 2025 through a partnership between the Spark Innovation Center and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Spark Scholars program connects students with startups through hands-on internships that turn classroom learning into real-world experience.
Current interns Katie Cummings, Gavin Gajjar, and Ellie Pollion are supporting startups through operations, strategic initiatives, and community-building efforts while gaining firsthand exposure to entrepreneurship and innovation.
Inaugural Cohort Graduates from Spark Mobility Lab
Spark launched its first Mobility Lab, featuring a standout first cohort of innovators within the mobility industry.
This cohort brought together seven participants representing five companies: Electrovia, Fuel Daddy, PF Design Lab, PRSVR Systems, and ThermoVerse.
Following the mobility lab, cohort members attended our virtual pitch event where they took the stage to showcase their companies and the skills they developed over the course of the program.
Spark Community Wins
Kevin Roccapriore Co-Authors Advanced Science Article on Single-Atom Interactions
Kevin Roccapriore co-authored a research article published in Advanced Science exploring a new electron beam positioning technique capable of targeting individual atoms with sub-20-picometer precision. The research demonstrates how this approach can improve the measurement and control of matter at the atomic scale, creating new opportunities for advances in quantum technologies, energy systems, and materials science.
An Update on OTTO: The Sustainable Home Design of the Future
OTTO, founded by Spark Accelerator alumnus Maged Guerguis, is advancing a new approach to home construction through prefabricated building systems designed to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and increase cost predictability. OTTO is developing innovative U-Panel technology and smart home systems aimed at creating more sustainable, accessible, and resilient housing.
Electrovia Announces First Heavy-Duty Electric Truck Integration
Electrovia Technologies, founded by Thomas Rush, a member of Spark’s inaugural Mobility Lab cohort, recently achieved a major milestone by successfully demonstrating 505 kW of wireless power transfer for electric vehicle charging. The breakthrough marks a significant step toward commercial deployment of high-power wireless charging for heavy-duty transportation and other advanced mobility applications.
Kupros Wins the 2026 RAPID + TCT Materials Award
Congratulations to Ian Ramsdell and the entire Kupros team on receiving the RAPID + TCT Materials Award 2026. We are excited to see this well-deserved recognition of their hard work.
Opportunities
865 Fest Pitch Applications Open
Applications are now open for the 865 Fest Pitch Competition. Knoxville-area startups are invited to apply for the opportunity to compete for cash prizes, gain media exposure, and connect with local investors. Participating companies will also receive promotion through the Innov865 Alliance’s digital platforms.
Let us know about your recent wins and updates! Fill out the UTRP Community Update Form