Teknovation.biz spotlights all things related to technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship in East
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Rob Monday and Josh Wright joined forces to solve a problem they both encountered repeatedly in their property management careers - constant text messages from tenants. Tenant Text is a virtual assistant supporting both landlords and tenants!
Read more about the company that is part of 'The WORKS' accelerator at the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center⤵️
https://www.teknovation.biz/tenant-text-emerges-as-the-go-to-platform-for-landlord-tenant-communications/
121 Tech Hub - a new co-working space has just opened in Old City Knoxville as the "clubhouse for the club." It will welcome local tech founders and their teams. Check it out 📸⤵️
Brandon Bruce and John Bruck are the founders behind the space, which will also host the offices for Market Square Ventures!
PYA and Teknovation.biz are the first two sponsors of the Tech Hub.
Register for the grand opening on Oct 2 during Innov865 week: https://www.121techhub.com/
Read more: https://www.teknovation.biz/121-tech-hub-emerges-at-the-new-hot-spot-for-tech-start-ups-in-knoxivlle/
As Tennesee Vols Football gears up to play The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga on Saturday, many people have been hard at work behind the scenes. Hundreds have been preparing the campus, stadium, and field.
We sat down with a group of innovators who are ensuring the field conditions are precisely perfect using the "The fLEX" machine. Check out University of Tennessee, Knoxville's turf lab ⤵️
https://www.teknovation.biz/two-utk-researchers-are-focused-on-the-interaction-of-turf-with-safety-of-athletes/
We love tech... But, when screen time gets out of hand, there's Aro. The Knoxville-based company preaches “family-centric digital wellness."
Two years ago, they released the Aro "Smart Box" which rewards families for putting their phones in a physical box. This week, the company released a mobile app to pair with the hardware!
"It will take a technology solution to solve our dependence on technology," - Aro
Read more from our interview with the co-founders ➡️
Now, users can still track their time away from their phone while traveling.
After spending nearly a decade of leadership in the Hospice space, Lacey Hayes is stepping into a new venture as an EOS Worldwide Implementer.
She has purchased one of the first few franchises in East Tennessee, and is eager to get plugged in!
Read our interview with Lacey in Teknovation ➡️ https://www.teknovation.biz/from-hospice-to-entrepreneurship-lacey-hayes-is-paving-her-own-way/
BIG NEWS: was awarded an SBIR grant by to design quiet and efficient fans for spacecraft cabin ventilation.
“Whisper is now designing the quietest, most efficient fans on Earth and in space,” said COO, Ian Villa. “This program will further cement Whisper as the definitive next-generation propulsion provider of choice and accelerate Whisper’s commercialization flywheel.”
What can learn from when it comes to vibrant entrepreneurial communities?
Mike Halloran, Procter & Gamble's former Marketing Director, five-time Founder, and Professor of Entrepreneurship at Xavier University has some ideas.
1️⃣ Find a great leader and hire a couple of people to support them.
2️⃣ Engage private corporations, and business leaders to support/ invest.
3️⃣ Make sure the higher-education community is fully engaged with innovative efforts!
Read more tips ➡
He was in Knoxville to speak about business models to the participants in the “Innovation Crossroads” and the Spark Cleantech Accelerator.
A Knoxville-headquartered company could teach us all how to leverage assets. After merging and acquiring several companies, New Day Diagnostics is unveiling new products, services, and pilots.
Read more ⤵
While seeing its cancer diagnostic work to fruition, the future is becoming a national leader in clinical trial management along with contract research.
I don’t like you. Can I fire you?
Gera Grinberg answered this question at the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center's latest 'In the Room' session.
The answer is simple... kind of.
Read more ➡️ https://www.teknovation.biz/i-dont-like-you-can-i-fire-you/
The 865 Academies allow children in Knox County Schools to explore various career fields. But, the program needs more business partners!
Hear from the Knoxville Chamber and Knox Education Foundation about why career exploration opportunities are so important for students.
Also, hear from professionals at UT Medical Center, Denark Construction, and Turner Recruiting & Consulting about their experiences working with students.
➡️ https://www.teknovation.biz/865-academies-is-engaging-students-in-career-pathways/
Every company starts with an idea 💡
But the most successful companies are a compilation of many good ideas compounded over time. Clayton is a perfect, local example of staying on the cutting edge of their industry. 🏠
The Knoxville Entrepreneur Center's "The WORKS" participants toured HQ in Blount County. Check it out ⤵️
https://www.teknovation.biz/kec_clayton_homes_tour/
When you think , do you think East TN?
There's a lot more happening in this region than meets the eye. This week teknovation covered three events: Two “Lab to Launch” celebrations and the “Beer and Biotech” meetup! Life Science Tennessee/ BioTN
All three events were highly focused on start-ups commercializing life science technologies in the region.
Read the recap: https://www.teknovation.biz/life-science-tn-biotn-hold-three-events-in-the-knoxville-area-earlier-in-the-week/
What does manufacturing have in common with basketball? 🏀
At face value, not much. But, the two have a lot in common when it comes to building a strong team. Read more about the Tennessee Manufacturing Extension Partnership Peer Group launch featuring Tennessee Basketball Assistant Coach Bryan Lentz.
University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services
READ MORE: https://www.teknovation.biz/what-do-local-manufacturers-have-in-common-with-utk-basketball/
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development has awarded $2.9 million to seven collaborative teams through the Transportation Network Growth Opportunity (TNGO) initiative.
One is in East Tennessee - University of Tennessee, Knoxville received $500,000 to build an automotive cybersecurity testing platform.
Read more: https://www.teknovation.biz/tngo-announces-inaugural-projects-receiving-funding/
Innovation Crossroads and the Spark Cleantech Accelerator launched programming for their newest cohorts!
Participants will undergo joint programming over the next three months:
🔹 Product development, led by Knoxville serial entrepreneur Bill Malkes.
🔹 Business model and go-to-market strategies, led by John Bruck, Co-Founder of the Spark Innovation Center at UT Research Park at Cherokee Farm, and General Partner in Market Square Ventures.
🔹 Finances, led by Carol Seamons, a long-time banker.
Read more about Spark: https://www.teknovation.biz/joint-programming-begins-for-two-local-accelerators/
Read more about Innovation Crossroads at Oak Ridge National Laboratory: https://www.teknovation.biz/founders-forum-event-welcomes-fellows-for-the-2024-innovation-crossroads-cohort/
Oak Ridge National Laboratory announced its work with Whisper Aero to bring to market a nine-passenger electric airplane called the Whisper Jet.
The start-up is using the laboratory's "Summit" supercomputer to expand the scope of design and analysis activities regarding aircraft control and aeropropulsive integration.
Read more on Teknovation ➡ https://www.teknovation.biz/whisper-aero-uses-time-on-ornls-summit-for-aerodynamic-design/
In 2013 - Nicole Riggs Broesch took a bold leap of faith - leaving her Roots to pursue a creative career in fashion design. Today, her company fern + daisy is giving back to the community that raised her.
“People experiencing generational poverty have a mindset that they don’t have the ability or the skills to be entrepreneurs. Many people don’t see the potential beyond their circumstances. I’m super passionate about proving to my community that they can do anything,” Broesch said.
Read her full story:
The sustainable clothing company launched in 2023, paying homage to the founder's heritage.
Knoxville's own Let Her Speak is officially its own 501(c)(3) and the founder Catherine Porth is planning to bring the programing to women across the country.
Through programs like Let Her Lead, Let Her Invest, and Let Her Vote, the organization has touched hundreds of women across East Tennessee. Read more about the expansion plans ⬇
https://www.teknovation.biz/knoxvilles-own-let-her-speak-is-launching-nationally/
📸: Photos by Jalynn Baker
Congressman Chuck Fleischmann described himself as the “Nuclear Congressman."
He co-chairs six Congressional caucuses focused on various aspects of the nuclear matter. Why?
“It’s a vehicle to have conversations,” he explained to the audience on day two of the Southeast Energy Policy Forum. The event was hosted by The Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs.
Read more from his engaging, rapid-fire session: https://www.teknovation.biz/congressman-chuck-fleischmann-delivers-keynote-on-final-day-of-southeast-energy-policy-forum/
Developers of myHome based in Nashville interviewed thousands of people about their home maintenance grievances - from landscaping to plumbing.
✔ They want to rebuild the trust between homeowners & contractors.
✔ The MyHome mobile app streamlines the process from monitoring routine service to identifying the right person for the job.
✔ It could soon become the "DoorDash" of home repairs.
Read our interview with the founders: https://www.teknovation.biz/myhome-addresses-the-pain-of-home-maintenance/
It was a jampacked first day of the Southeast Energy Policy Forum - Hosted by The Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Including a thought-provoking keynote by Daniel Poneman, the former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy.
Read the day one recap: https://www.teknovation.biz/enough-talking-lets-start-building
Does your business have swag?
From branded mugs to t-shirts, swag isn't just a trend—it's a powerful way to keep your brand top of mind.
Did you know that one of the fastest-growing premium businesses has roots in East Tennessee? Dovetail Strategic is boldly and creatively reshaping the market for corporate swag.
READ MORE: https://www.teknovation.biz/dovetail-strategic-secures-success-in-the-swag-business/
In just its first year, LaunchTN's Tennessee Technology Advancement Consortium (TTAC) has exceeded expectations, catalyzing a significant boost in university innovation across the state. We highlight the key achievements ⤵
https://www.teknovation.biz/launch-tennessee-deems-first-year-of-the-tennessee-technology-advancement-consortium-a-success/
Nestled in the heart of downtown Knoxville, Aught, a coworking space for female entrepreneurs is hopeful to keep its doors open. Erika Biddix founded the company in 2019 with a clear mission.
“I founded Aught with the mission to change lives and local communities through female entrepreneurship. I think we have done that,” Biddix said.
As we approach October 1, Aught faces the possibility of closing its downtown location. But, there are ways the community can help change that ⬇
READ MORE: https://www.teknovation.biz/help-keep-the-doors-of-aught-open-for-female-entrepreneurs/
Syleste Davis, the first-ever intern for Market Square Ventures, is closing a chapter on her time in Tennessee.
We sit down with the venture capitalist student about her time in the region. ⤵
https://www.teknovation.biz/syleste-davis-wrapping-up-her-internship-with-market-square-ventures/
In the past 25 years, Pathway Lending has provided $350 million in financing to 1,510 businesses, which supported more than 30,150 jobs. Last week, the company celebrated a quarter century in business!
“We don’t want any entrepreneur to miss an opportunity because they didn’t have the capacity or capital,” said the company's President, Clint Gwin.
Read more: https://www.teknovation.biz/pathway-lending-celebrates-25-years-of-creating-opportunities/
Students head back to the classroom this week! ✏📚🏫
In case you missed it - the Knox Education Foundation met last week to discuss Knox County Schools' priorities, community partnerships, and initiatives. Read more ➡️ https://ow.ly/sm7450SRl3v
What is a Smart Farm? Smart Farms are set up with sensors in various capacities that provide farmers with real-time insight into how environmental conditions impact crop growth and health.
Michael Nattrass at Tennessee Tech University founded Agri-Smart Analytics to create a network of blockchain software solutions that will allow farmers nationally to store and share their data.
Read more ➡ https://www.teknovation.biz/agri-smart-analytics-could-help-bond-traditional-farms-with-smart-farm-technologies/
If you missed this year's "Nuclear Opportunity Workshop," then check out teknovation.biz for the recap!
Day 1: https://www.teknovation.biz/nuclear-opportunities-workshop-sees-record-attendance/
Day 2: https://www.teknovation.biz/76193-2/
Kairos Power started construction on the "Hermes Low-Power Demonstration Reactor." The FIRST and ONLY Gen IV reactor to be approved for construction by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission - NRC.
It's also the first non-light-water reactor to be permitted in the U.S. in more than 50 years!
The announcement came during the "Nuclear Opportunities Workshop" hosted by East Tennessee Economic Council - ETEC!
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Narval Founder, Jose Luis Nuño shared his technology to make antibody drugs safer, easier to use, less costly, and without systemic side effects. Additionally, his innovations could lead to billions more people having direct access to life-saving medications. Narval is part of the Techstars Industries of the Future Accelerator Read more about it: https://ow.ly/NFWc50RNxUG GIF 📸 from Narval.
Preparations are underway for the 2024 PYA Ballard Innovation Award. It is the largest gift of cash and in-kind services available to East Tennessee entrepreneurs and startups ($10K monetary capital + $40K in-kind services). The application goes live in February! PYA Teknovation.biz Learn more ➡️ pyapc.com/ballard
From your teknovation.biz team, we wish you a very happy Holiday Season! Whether on the road or in the air, prioritize safety in your travels. Above all, reflect on the true essence of the season. Take the time to cherish moments with family and friends, celebrating responsibly. Please be informed that our newsletter will pause publication for the rest of 2023. We will return on January 3, 2024, with more exciting content. Until then, may your holidays be merry and bright!!
5️⃣ Tips for success from the Founder of a year-round Christmas company, Joy To The World Collectibles🎄 ---- 💡 Tip #1: It’s all about who you know CEO and founder Lisa Kelechava and Joy to the World Collectibles harbored the “influencer marketing” technique before the term was coined more broadly. She worked with celebrities like Betty White, Ted Danson and Sharon Stone to promote her ornaments! 💡 Tip #2: Think outside the box Kelechava tapped into the collecter market by creating unique lines of ornaments. They helped set Joy to the World Collectibles apart from other companies. 💡 Tip #3: Make new friends, but keep the old Kelechava pays attention to the age range and interests of her current customers. For example, her 'pickleball Santa' was an idea that emerged from the rise in pickleball players collecting ornaments. "If you keep a customer happy, chances are they’re gonna keep coming back,” she said. 💡 Tip #4: Work with people you trust Joy to the World Collectibles has cultivated relationships between its employees for decades. Kelechava said every person, at every step of the process, is aligned with the company's mission - From Polland to Knoxville, TN! 💡 Tip #5: Get comfortable with rejection When starting a business, discouragement is dangerous. “You are going to get ‘no’ a lot more than you’re gonna get ‘yes,’ and you just have to be like a pillar of stone and handle that rejection,” she said. Read more about the strategy that made this international Christmas company so popular! https://ow.ly/OAuT50QjHxl
We had a lot of fun meeting Amelia Galvas, who is the founder of Aviary Broom Co and a well-known broom-maker in Knoxville. Her business has been a sweeping success, blending traditional methods with contemporary design. Amelia is also an active member of The Maker City and teaches broom-making classes to keep the tradition alive 🧹 Read our interview: https://ow.ly/EIWh50Qj8iH
Cordelia Norris is the founder of Luna Creative. She works primarily with conservation, clean tech, and renewable energy companies to help them design messaging and campaigns around environmental awareness. She is also an active member of The Maker City and is dedicated to helping the maker community grow in Knoxville! Read more: https://ow.ly/a8QQ50QiJFU
Ashley Garner founded Nest in 2018. It is a furniture restoration company specializing in client commissions, heirloom restoration, vintage antiques, and unique candles! She shared that her pathway to success as a full-time maker went from 'surviving' to thriving, thanks to organizations like The Maker City City and Knoxville Entrepreneur Center. Read more from our interview with Ashley: https://ow.ly/40qt50QhRSw
We had the best time meeting Diahn Ott, who is an artist with the Maker City! She is a potter who specializes in unique wax and glazing techniques. Her beautiful mugs and serving plates are primarily influenced by nature. Read more on Teknovation: www.teknovation.biz/local-makers-pottery-flies-off-the-shelves/ If you want memorable gifts from local makers, check out the artists with The Maker City!
A big announcement from DigiTrax Entertainment, Inc. 📣 We last told you about the company's launch of a brand-new artificial intelligence (AI) music production software plugin. Now, the Knoxville-based company is extending an exclusive licensing opportunity to music publishers, composers, producers, and beatmakers. Here's how CEO Joe Vangieri explains it: "The KR38R PRO plugin is the razor, and the downloadable content (DLCs) are the blades. Our plan is to get artist-licensed DLC for our marketplace. This is a new licensing opportunity for the music publisher, composer, or beatmaker – who all have existing songs that can now be sold as AI-licensed training models in the form of StudioPack, SoundPack, and MixPack DLC." More: https://ow.ly/XWww50QcugR
Are you running low on shampoo, dish soap or cleaning supplies? "Dr. Fill" and KnoxFill can help! 😉 Learn how Dr. Michaela Barnett opened Knoxville's first zero-waste refillery. Read more about her story: https://www.teknovation.biz/ditch-trash-and-opt-for-treasure-at-knoxvilles-only-zero-waste-refillery/
This week's top Teknovation.biz stories feature: Techstars PYA Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council Teknovation.biz is powered by PYA.
Here are your top 5 teknovation.biz stories wrapped up into one quick video. This week we're chatting about: The Maker City 865 Candle Company Pathway Lending TenHats FoundersForge ...and a new member joining our team! Teknovation.biz is powered by PYA.
Your top five Teknovation.biz stories this week feature: Trillium Renewable Chemicals Real Good Kitchen South Carolina Research Authority - SCRA Oak Ridge National Laboratory KnoxBots - Powered by Autmow Want more details? Check out all these articles and more at Teknovation.biz, powered by PYA.
Between #GOVCON, 3686 Festival and a new free online #ChatGPT course from Vanderbilt University, we have a lot to #TekTok about this week! Teknovation.biz is powered by PYA.
After 13 start-up pitches, hundreds of attendees, eight days of programming, expert panel discussions, and a tour of the Sunsphere for good measure, Innov865 Week wrapped up its 10th year in East Tennessee. Read: bit.ly/45WDn5e
That's a wrap on Innov865 Week! On this week's TekTok, we're chatting about the highlights and importance of this week dedicated to innovation and entrepreneurship in East Tennessee. Teknovation.biz is powered by PYA, which is also a proud sponsor of Innov865 Week.
Your top 5 Teknovation stories, wrapped up into one quick video! This week we're sharing updates from: Innov865 The Sky City Entrepreneur Center America's Cutting Edge - ACE Tennessee Tech University Let Her Speak Teknovation.biz is powered by PYA.
Your top 5 Teknovation stories to know this week leading into Labor Day Weekend! The Sky City Entrepreneur Center Innov865 CGI Visit Knoxville FILM FEST KNOX Teknovation.biz is powered by PYA.
Your top 5 Teknovation stories this week are summed up in this video! Get all these stories and more in your inbox six days a week by subscribing to our free newsletter. Teknovation.biz is powered by PYA.
Now operating 46 luxury motorcoach buses, Premier Transportation is the top choice of group transportation for schools, businesses, and sports teams in East Tennessee. Read: https://ow.ly/owLz50PBwV9
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