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The Spark Innovation Center is the UT Research Park’s focus on entrepreneurship development and commercialization of regional technology-based startup companies. Knoxville was recently rated as the #16 cleantech hub in the country according to Saordah Enterprise Partners, and Spark is a significant contributor to that effort.

Spark offers what selected tech startups typically need; available and reasonably-priced laboratory space, prototyping shops and top-level mentorship in business model development, financial planning, and investor readiness. We have demonstrated our ability to support successful startups through securing outside funding and key strategic partnerships and have grown into two prominent programs, our two-year incubator program and our 12-week cleantech accelerator.

In the first three years of operation, Spark companies have achieved the following:

Total Funding Acquired

  • $54.8 million in grants (non-dilutive)

  • $36.4 million in equity investments

  • $15.8 million in sales revenue

Jobs Created

  • 168 Total full-time employees

  • 52 Internships supported

  • 80% Tennessee Presence

“Growing a clean tech hub in Knoxville helps us all in a variety of ways. It's, first of all, a declaration of our commitment to building a sustainable global future. But on the local level, it also builds our community and boosts Knoxville's economy. More innovation means more talent, equals more jobs, and the City of Knoxville is proud to support our innovation ecosystem and to do our part in the fight against global climate change by supporting Spark.”

—Indya Kincannon, Mayor of the City of Knoxville
Spark Incubator Program logo. Anna Klug works on lab equipment with multiple monitors.
The Spark Incubator program provides laboratory and office space at the UT Research Park to growing companies working in cleantech, materials, and biotech. The Incubator also provides expert mentoring and programming.
 
This 2 year program offers:
  • High-quality lab space for research and development
  • Business development support to refine strategies and scale operations
  • Investor introductions to secure early-stage funding
  • Access to top UT researchers for technology solutions
  • Connections to regional entrepreneurial service providers for additional support
  • Networking opportunities with established companies for collaboration
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Spark Incubator Program logo. One woman doing work on computer in lab
The Spark Scholars program offers unique opportunities to students who are interested in assisting advanced tech and climate-tech startups with materials processing-related research and Product development support.
 
This program provides:
  • Matching support for interns from the UT Center for Materials Processing
  • Skilled students equipped with working engineering knowledge, and familiarity with equipment
  • Access to select UTK facilities
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Spark Cleantech Accelerator logo. 4 Men Looking Enthusiastically at Science Equipment
The Spark Cleantech Accelerator is a 12-week business acceleration program designed to bring promising cleantech innovations to market, faster.
 
In this 12 week program, we offer:
  • $15,000 stipends for travel, living expenses, and business milestones
  • Expert mentoring in business, market strategy, IP, product design, and manufacturing
  • Connections to customers, investors, partners, suppliers, and research institutions
  • Training workshops and personalized support
  • Partnerships with TVA, UT, the City of Knoxville, and TAEBC members
 
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Incubator List