Spark Innovation Center Wins DOE OTT Award to Support Clean Energy Tech Startups

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Spark Innovation Center at the UT Research Park at Cherokee Farm has been named one of five Phase 2 winners of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Energy Program for Innovation Clusters (EPIC) Round 3 competition.

This prestigious $1M award will help fund the development of SparkShop, in partnership with Tickle College of Engineering at the University of Tennessee and the UT Center for Materials Processing (CMP). This program will provide product development support, resources, and training designed to help cleantech startups accelerate market entry, validate technology, and boost investor confidence.

Advancing Innovation and Economic Development

The Spark Innovation Center has become a launchpad for startups and a catalyst for economic growth in East Tennessee. With the EPIC award and the addition of SparkShop, the Center’s ability to drive high-paying job creation and strengthen Knoxville’s reputation as a cleantech hub is reaching new heights.

SparkShop is poised to accelerate the commercialization efforts of startups by providing the resources and training they need to refine products, validate technologies, and attract investors. This initiative not only reinforces the Spark Innovation Center’s commitment to fostering innovation but also serves as a key component of the UT Research Park’s broader mission to advance regional economic development.

By achieving the ambitious goals of SparkShop, the Spark Innovation Center aims to elevate its role in shaping the future of clean energy entrepreneurship. As the program launches, it is set to amplify the Center’s impact, solidifying East Tennessee’s position as a national leader in emerging industries and cleantech innovation.

UT Research Park Celebrates Program Win

“Cleantech innovation is a key growth sector for Tennessee and we are honored to have the support of DOE to accelerate startups bringing world-class breakthroughs to market.  The UT Research Park and our Spark Innovation Center is a nexus for entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and university researchers to collaborate and have impact at a global level.”

Bret Malone
President & CEO of Cherokee Farm Development Corporation

“We’re honored to be awardees of the DOE EPIC award. With support from key partners in the region, such as UT Tickle College of Engineering and the Center for Materials Processing, we will be able to provide impactful support in prototyping and product development for the East Tennessee cleantech community.”

Lilly Tench
Director of Spark Innovation Center

Pretty Woman Looking Into Camera

“Congratulations to the Spark team for being awarded EPIC Round 3, Phase 2 funding. This award is a testament to the value of the proposed SparkShop prototyping hub and the ongoing collaborations between TCE, CMP, and Spark Innovation Center. We very much look forward to supporting this program.”

Andy Sarles
James Conklin Fellow and Professor
UT Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering

About the Spark Innovation Center 

The Spark Innovation Center leverages the unique science and technology resources of the region to help high-tech, high-impact startups grow, succeed, and stay in East Tennessee. Located at the University of Tennessee Research Park, Spark offers promising energy technology companies access to top-quality lab space, expert mentoring, and coordinating support services from partner organizations in the region. Follow us on LinkedIn!

About the Department of Energy Office of Technology Transitions 

The Department of Energy’s Office of Technology Transitions (OTT) is one of the largest supporters of technology commercialization in the federal government. Founded in 2015, OTT bolsters the technology industry’s market skills and enables clean energy technologies to progress through research, development, demonstration, and to deployment into the private sector to meet our nation’s climate and energy goals. Visit us at energy.gov/ott to learn more and subscribe to receive our latest opportunities and accomplishments via email. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.