Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

From Oak Ridge:

The East Tennessee Economic Council (ETEC) is joining with the Young Professionals of Knoxville to host one of the “After Work With ETEC” from 5 to 7:30 p.m. EDT on October 15 at the American Museum of Science & Energy (AMSE), 115 East Main Street.

Local entrepreneur Brandon Bruce will speak on “a forward-looking discussion on technology businesses and growth opportunities in the region, exploring how emerging developments may shape future business opportunities.”

There is no cost to attend but pre-registration is required. To do so, click here.

From Knoxville:

• Tony Vitello, head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers baseball team that just months ago one its first-ever College World Series title, will be a featured speaker during the Governor’s Luncheon on the first day of GovCon. Registration is still open at this link. The conference begins with the luncheon on October 17 at the Knoxville Convention Center and ends after the Commissioner’s Luncheon on October 18.
• Wanda Malhotra is partnering with Lynn Power from Conscious Beauty Collective to bring the Pop-in Shop concept to Knoxville. This project has been a success in New York City, Miami and Palm Springs, CA. “I’m thrilled that through Crunchy Mama Box these international beauty and wellness brands are now going to be offered by these exclusive retailers,” Malhotra says. The two entrepreneurs are holding their inaugural Pop-in Shops this week. The first is October 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. EDT at Neighborhood Barre Farragut, hosted by Kayla Ridenour, Power, and Malhotra. The next day from 4 to 7 p.m. at Image Studios, Annie Lucas will host another fabulous evening of indie beauty.

Two more from Knoxville:

Pellissippi State Community College (PSCC) is celebrating Manufacturing Month with two events, one later this week and another on October 18.

• On October 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. EDT at PSCC’s Hardin Valley campus, the college is hosting a free workshop to brief industry representatives on MIRAI, the artificial intelligence vision software from Micropsi Industries. Space is limited. To register, click here.
• Then, from 7:30 to 11 a.m. EDT on October 18 at PSCC’s Blount County campus,  Advanced Manufacturing Symposium featuring panel discussions with industry experts from ICC International, StandardAero, Denso, and Smith & Wesson, as well as keynote speaker Paula Penson. The program will conclude with a special presentation by Pellissippi State about workforce pipeline strategies. The symposium is free, but advance registration is requested via this link.

From Nashville:

“InvestTN” has made its first multi-fund commitment to Veteran Ventures Capital.  Founded in Knoxville before relocating earlier this year to McLean, VA, Veteran Ventures Capital’s values reflect the principles of military and U.S. Government service, which together defend our nation and provide the foundation by which small business entrepreneurs succeed.

“The venture fund recipients do not have to be based in Tennessee, but the companies that they invest in with ‘InvestTN’ dollars are required to be based in Tennessee,” said Eller Kelliher, Chief Investment Officer at Launch Tennessee which manages the “InvestTN” program.

From Memphis:

The University of Memphis (UofM) recently was announced as one of six finalists by the 2024 Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) in its annual “Innovation & Economic Prosperity (IEP) University Awards.”

Other finalists include the University of Alabama at Birmingham, East Carolina University, the University of New Mexico, The University of Texas at San Antonio, and Wayne State University. The winners will be announced during the APLU’s annual meeting in November. All six finalists are competing for different awards that recognize exemplary and innovative case studies of economic engagement impact in three distinct areas: 

• IEP Talent Award, recognizing exemplary initiatives in education and workforce development. 

• IEP Place Award, recognizing exemplary initiatives resulting in social, cultural or community development. 

• IEP Innovation Award, recognizing exemplary initiatives spurring innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology-based economic development. 

In its bid to win the IEP Place Award, the UofM has taken a multipronged approach to address barriers to upward mobility and drive economic development in the Mid-South. To help the region access more state and federal grant funding, the University partnered with the Delta Regional Authority and the U.S. Department of Labor to conceive and launch the Delta Revitalization through an Innovation Vision and Equity partnership, which pairs rural communities with resources and guidance needed to apply for – and win – federal grant funding they are eligible for to drive economic development in their towns. Communities receive resources such as professional development, joint proposal development and expert review.  

From Chattanooga:

After three years serving the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga as Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Executive Director of the UC Foundation, Kim White will transition into a new role of Executive Advisor to the UC Foundation, effective January 1, 2025. She has decided to step into a part-time role, which will allow her to focus more on family while continuing her impactful work.

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