Spark Cleantech Accelerator announces partnership with TVA
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) shares a priority to invest in innovation & research initiatives surrounding clean energy sources.
The Spark Innovation Center at the University of Tennessee Research Park and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) are pleased to announce a new partnership aimed at accelerating the development and commercialization of cleantech innovations.
TVA will be one of the sponsors of the Spark Cleantech Accelerator’s programming, providing financial support and expertise to help startups and entrepreneurs working in TVA’s technology interest areas. These areas center around TVA’s priority innovation & research initiatives and include Advanced Nuclear Solutions, Decarbonization Options, Storage Integration, Future Grid Performance, Regional Grid Transformation, Connected Communities, and Electric Vehicle Evolution, along with an overarching focus on optimizing existing assets and environmental stewardship.
“This partnership marks an exciting milestone for the Spark Innovation Center and the cleantech ecosystem in Tennessee,” said Lilly Tench, Director of the Spark Innovation Center. “By joining forces with TVA, we can provide even greater support to entrepreneurs working on cutting-edge cleantech solutions that address critical challenges facing our region and the world.”
Through this partnership, Spark and TVA will work together to:
- Identify and support promising cleantech startups that align with TVA’s technology priorities.
- Provide mentorship, technical assistance, and access to resources to help companies advance their technologies.
- Facilitate connections between startups and TVA, as well as other key industry partners.
- Create opportunities for pilot projects and commercialization of innovative cleantech solutions.
“TVA is committed to advancing clean energy technologies and supporting the entrepreneurs who are driving innovation in this sector,” said Miles Biggs, TVA Ecosystem Partnerships Manager. “Our partnership with the Spark Cleantech Accelerator will help us identify and nurture the next generation of cleantech leaders and companies that we need as we transition to the energy system of the future. The collaboration also complements TVA’s broader economic development mission by supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Tennessee.”
This partnership builds upon the success of the Spark Cleantech Accelerator and Incubator, which has supported 29 companies since it was founded in 2020, which have collectively raised over $77 million and created 108 jobs. The program will continue to provide entrepreneurs with mentorship, funding, and resources to help them bring their innovations to commercialization.
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