The Spark Innovation Center is thrilled to announce that two of our member companies, Re-du and Holocene, have been awarded the prestigious R&D 100 Awards for 2024. These awards, often referred to as the “Oscars of Innovation,” are a testament to the innovative work being done by these companies, which have leveraged the resources and support of the Spark Innovation Center and other ecosystem partners such as Innovation Crossroads to develop and bring their technologies to market.

Re-du, a pioneer in sustainable materials, and Holocene, a leader in climate resilience technologies, have both utilized key programs at Spark to accelerate their growth. Re-Du took part in the Cleantech Accelerator, which provided them with the mentorship, networking, and funding opportunities essential for scaling their innovative solutions.

Holocene has been a participant in the Spark Incubator, where they honed their business model and connected with critical resources in the East Tennessee entrepreneur ecosystem. Holocene also utilized the Spark Scholars program – taking on a student at UT as an intern.

These successes highlight the importance of East Tennessee’s robust entrepreneur ecosystem, which is uniquely positioned to support cleantech and technology startups. The region offers a wealth of opportunities for companies looking to innovate, from access to cutting-edge research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to partnerships with industry leaders and the support of a community deeply committed to sustainability and innovation. The achievements of Re-du and Holocene are a reflection of what can be accomplished when startups are given the right tools and environment to thrive.

At the Spark Innovation Center, we are proud to have played a role in the journey of these companies and are excited to see how their technologies will continue to make an impact on a global scale. We remain committed to fostering the next generation of innovators and supporting the growth of companies that will shape the future of cleantech and technology.