Startup Guide: Knoxville
Startup Guide: Knoxville
An overview and resource directory for the tech scene at the base of the Smoky Mountains.
Intro
Tucked amongst the Cumberland Mountains, the Tennessee River, and the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville is emerging as a powerhouse hub for energy, climate, and battery technologies. While primarily known for its rich football heritage and Lady Vols basketball, the city is transforming into a thriving ecosystem for startups and innovators, especially in deep tech.
Knoxville's innovative spirit is deeply rooted in its history. The city's proximity to Oak Ridge, which played a pivotal role in the Manhattan Project during World War II, has fostered a culture of scientific advancement that continues to shape the region. This legacy of innovation extended into the post-war era with the establishment of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), now a world-leading research institution.
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), established in 1933, revolutionized regional energy production and development. This paved the way for the Tennessee Valley Corridor (TVC), a collaborative network spanning five states. Formalized in 1995, the TVC links world-class facilities like Oak Ridge National Laboratory and NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center with research universities. This network has positioned the region as a key contributor to national advancements in science, technology, energy, and security.
Today, Knoxville is home to industry giants like Clayton Homes and Pilot Flying J (both owned by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway), Warner Bros Discovery, Team Health, and Covenant Health. However, the city is increasingly becoming fertile ground for entrepreneurs and early-stage builders.
The presence of ORNL and the University of Tennessee Research Foundation (UTRF) further fuels this innovation engine, bridging cutting-edge research with practical applications. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) plays a crucial role in this ecosystem, fostering entrepreneurship through programs like the Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and collaborating with ORNL on advanced research initiatives.
This guide is your compass for navigating Knoxville's dynamic startup landscape. Whether you're a newcomer getting acquainted with the city or a seasoned local seeking a comprehensive resource, we've got you covered. Developed in collaboration with the team at Build In SE, this guide equips startups, operators, and venture professionals with the essential resources to build both companies and community in East Tennessee.
From accessing capital and finding co-working spaces to connecting with mentors and navigating local regulations, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to launch and grow your startup in Knoxville. Join us as we explore the innovative spirit of this city that's quickly becoming a hotspot for deep tech in the Southeast.
(Side note: Interested in learning more about the region or what we do at Build In SE? Or perhaps you'd just like to say hello? Reach out to me at evan@buildinse.com. I'm always excited to connect with fellow innovators and ecosystem builders!)
Resources for startups
Funds
Firm | Industry I Stage
Community Equity Partners | DeepTech | Pre-Seed, Seed
Market Square Ventures | Agnostic | Pre-Seed, Seed, Early Stage
Sheltowee Venture Fund | Hardware, Life Sciences, SaaS | Pre-Seed, Seed
Three Roots Capital | agnostic | Early Stage
UT Research Foundation Accelerate Fund | CleanTech, Energy, Hardware, Life Sciences | Pre-Seed
Incubators and accelerators
Provider and/or Program | Industry I Stage
Innovation Crossroads | Energy & Advanced Manufacturing | Pre-Seed
Spark Cleantech Accelerator | Clean Tech | Pre-Seed
The Works by KEC | Agnostics | Pre-Seed
For a complete list of funding resources in Tennessee, check out Build in SE’s Southeast Capital Landscape. Also check, Knoxville Entrepreneur Center for more programs for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Coworking Spaces
121 Tech Hub | Downtown
CoKno | Downtown
e|spaces | Bearden
Knox Base | Downtown
Community & Event Organizers
Knoxville Entrepreneur Center (KEC): KEC has been a cornerstone of Knoxville's startup ecosystem since 2013. It fosters a collaborative environment where entrepreneurs can thrive, aiming to make Knoxville the most founder-friendly city in America.
Innov865: Innov865 Week is an annual celebration of Knoxville's entrepreneurial spirit. Organized by the Innov865 Alliance, it brings together diverse stakeholders for a week of educational events, pitch competitions, and networking opportunities.
Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation: Based at the University of Tennessee, this center builds entrepreneurial ecosystems across the state. It focuses on developing student skills, providing experiential learning, conducting research, and connecting students with mentors and resources to support new business growth.
Startup Knox: Supports startups with the goal of growing a significant and sustainable startup economy in Knoxville and the surrounding region.
Teknovation.biz is a platform for East Tennesseans to share successes, learn from others, and focus on long-term growth strategies. It aims to raise awareness of the region's assets and drive technology, innovation, and entrepreneurial job growth.
Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council champions advanced energy as a job creation and economic development strategy. They educate public officials and business leaders about Tennessee’s advanced energy assets, establish strategic partnerships to connect assets with opportunities, and inform policy that expands and strengthens the industry.
The Knoxville Technology Council (KTech) connects, develops, promotes, and advocates for the technology industry in the Greater Knoxville region.
Startups to Watch
Aro: Creator of a consumer tech app to help people reduce smartphone usage.
Authrentics.AI: Developer of an AI performance platform for system attributional analysis.
Endeavor Composites: Developer of advanced composites for the automotive sector, focusing on carbon fiber mats.
Eonix: Manufacturer of materials for lithium-ion batteries to increase energy density.
I-O Urology: Developer of patient monitoring technology for urologic care at home.
Laborup: Connects blue-collar workers with meaningful opportunities in American manufacturing.
Onrise: Provides comprehensive mental health care for teams, sports organizations, leagues, and players' associations.
Perseus Materials: Manufacturer of large-scale load-bearing structures for infrastructure and energy applications.
Safire Technology Group: Developer of li-ion electrolyte additive technology for safer electric applications.
Trillium Renewable Chemicals: Manufacturer of chemical process technology for sustainable acrylonitrile and acetonitrile production.
BONUS: Food, Drink, and Lifestyle Highlights
For those looking for a place to meet up with a new connection or just wanting to explore the city’s bustling hospitality and recreation scene
A Dopo Pizza: Wood-fired pizzeria in downtown Knoxville, TN that specializes in Neapolitan style pizzas made with a sourdough crust
VG’s Bakery: a 100% scratch bakery offering a full line of tasty pastries, pies, cakes, cookies, breads and more
Kaizen: laid back Asian restaurant from Chef Jesse Newmister relocated to the heart of the Old City on Central St.
Foothills Milling Company: a fine dining restaurant out in Maryville, TN
Paysan: bread & bagels!
Stock & Barrel: solid spot for burgers and a cocktail!
Thank you for checking out this guide to the Knoxville tech and startup ecosystem. If you’re interested in being a part of the ever-growing success story that is entrepreneurship in the Southeast, check out the Build In SE website, or learn more via our publications on Substack.
If you know of any resources that should be added to this guide, or if you simply want to get in touch, please reach out to me at evan@buildinse.com!