Mid-South I-Corps Hub adds a 10th member
The University of Memphis joins the four-state consortium, adding a fifth institution from the Volunteer State.
Tennessee’s innovation corridor now spans the state with the addition of the University of Memphis to the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Mid-South Innovation Corps (I-Corps) Hub.
Led by Vanderbilt University through its innovation center, the Wond’ry, the I-Corps Hub is an alliance of institutions that promotes inclusive innovation and economic development to position the Mid-South as a center for commercializing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-related technologies.
“By joining the Mid-South I-Corps Hub, the University of Memphis reinforces a collective vision for innovation that is rooted in diversity, collaboration, and impact,” said Padma Raghavan, Vice Provost for Research and Innovation and Chief Research Officer at Vanderbilt. “Together, we are building an entrepreneurial ecosystem that advances research commercialization while ensuring innovation that benefits all communities across the region.”
With this step, Memphis strengthens its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. This partnership provides faculty, researchers, and students with access to NSF’s I-Corps programs, offering training and resources to translate research discoveries into commercial ventures.
“A research-driven entrepreneurial ecosystem is a hallmark of cities that lead through innovation,” said Cody Behles, Executive Director of Research and Innovation Development at the University of Memphis. “Partnering with the universities in the Mid-South I-Corps Hub will unlock a collaborative network that will advance both the research of the UofM and our ability to translate the value of research for industry.”
With the addition of the newest member, the Mid-South I-Corps Hub now boasts 10 universities across four states. Five of those universities call the Volunteer State their home. In addition to Vanderbilt and the University of Memphis, the other three are Meharry Medical College, Tennessee State University, and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
The NSF designated the Wond’ry as an I-Corps site in 2017, later selecting it to lead the Mid-South I-Corps Hub in 2022. The new hub officially launched in 2023.
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