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.
Total Funding Acquired
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$54.8 million in grants (non-dilutive)
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$36.4 million in equity investments
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$15.8 million in sales revenue
Jobs Created
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168 Total full-time employees
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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.”
