Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

From Knoxville:

The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation, better known by its acronym IACMI, has announced that Jason Gibson, Ph.D., will join the organization on June 2 as its new Chief Commercialization Officer (CCO). In that role, he will succeed Dale Brosius, who is retiring following 10 years as the institute’s founding CCO. IACMI is one of 18 Manufacturing USA^® institutes created to secure U.S. global leadership in advanced manufacturing through large-scale public-private collaboration on technology, supply chain, and workforce development.

Gibson brings more than 20 years of leadership in composites innovation, technology commercialization, and cross-sector collaboration to this pivotal role. As CCO, he will lead efforts to commercialize advanced composites technologies, guide strategic direction, and coordinate high-impact collaborative projects aligned with IACMI’s mission to advance sustainable U.S. manufacturing. He will also serve as executive director of IACMI’s Consortium Council.

“Jason has a proven track record in the area of applied innovation, industry collaboration, and a commitment to workforce development,” said Chad Duty, IACMI Chief Executive Officer (CEO). “As a results-driven professional, he is the right leader at the right time to build on the strong foundation Dale has created and to take our commercialization strategy into the next decade.”

Gibson joins IACMI after more than two decades at Composites One, where he most recently served as Chief Applications Engineer. There, he led the development and commercialization of technologies such as aerospace-certified thermoplastic composites, graphene-enhanced resins for hydrogen storage, and next-generation lightweight defense materials. His work consistently bridged research and market readiness, often involving collaborations with Original Equipment Manufacturers, national laboratories, and academic research institutions.

From Cookeville:

Téa Phillips, Founder of ATS Innovations Inc., announced on social media that the start-up has officially closed its $500,000 pre-seed round. The company does business under the MetaFlex™ Adjustable Grip Strengthener Compression Gloves brand.

“This milestone marks a major step forward in our mission to revolutionize hand therapy with smarter, more accessible solutions that empower recovery and restore independence,” Phillips wrote. “A heartfelt thank you to our incredible investors: Upper Cumberland Investment Alliance (UCIA), Arben Ventures, LaunchTN, Three Roots Capital, and a few amazing angels who believe in the power of innovation in cutting edge tech and affordable healthcare.

She concluded the post with this tease: “To our partners, supporters, and early investors, thank you for helping us turn vision into momentum. The journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to share what’s next!”

Another from Knoxville:

elliTek, Inc., a solutions-based automation distribution company representing best-in-class manufacturers, has received the Eagle Award from Siemens, a global leader in industrial automation and digitalization. This honor recognizes elliTek’s exceptional performance, technical excellence, and commitment to empowering its customers through value-added engineering support.

As an “Engineering Elite” Automation Distributor, elliTek is redefining what it means to be a partner in automation. The company’s unmatched level of engineering service – delivered by a team of four Field Sales Engineers and four Applications Engineers – extends well beyond traditional distribution. By leveraging its extensive integration background and hands-on product expertise, elliTek meets customers exactly where they are, offering practical, in-house solutions that drive results.

“We’re deeply honored to be recognized by Siemens with the Eagle Award,” said Brandon Ellis, President of elliTek. “This award reflects the dedication of our entire team and our mission to support End Users, Machine Builders, and System Integrators with more than just products – it’s about empowering them with the knowledge and tools to succeed.”

From Oak Ridge:

LIS Technologies Inc., a proprietary developer of advanced laser technology and the only USA-origin and patented laser uranium enrichment company, has announced that it has appointed Julie Olivier as its Regulatory Affairs and Licensing Director. She brings more than 25 years of experience across the commercial energy sector, with a primary focus on the nuclear fuel cycle and ash management at coal sites. Oliver’s expertise covers environmental protection, facility siting, decommissioning, waste management, risk assessment, security, material control and accountability, quality assurance, performance improvement, emergency preparedness, and chemical safety.

“This is a really exciting time for the nuclear industry, and the U.S. government’s commitment to build back nuclear, including a robust domestic fuel supply chain, suggests that it is only the beginning,” said Olivier. “I am delighted to join LIST at this pivotal moment for the Company amidst the nation’s nuclear renaissance. The future of this technology is bright, and I am very excited to help steer it through the licensing process and toward commercialization.”

Olivier began her career as a Safety Analyst at the Department of Energy’s West Valley Demonstration Project before spending nine years at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards, New Nuclear Licensing, and the Chairman’s Office. She later became the Regulatory Affairs Manager for Global Laser Enrichment, then Nuclear Fleet Licensing Manager at Duke Energy, where she was promoted to Director within the Coal Combustion Products team. Most recently, Olivier consulted on advanced nuclear facility siting and licensing for the Tennessee Valley Authority.

From Chattanooga:

As summer approaches, The Enterprise Center, in collaboration with more than nine local partners, is welcoming our community to SummerOfSkills.com, a new online hub where everyone can find free or low-cost opportunities to build new skills and advance their professional goals.

This constantly updated website will allow residents to browse a library of opportunities from many local organizations in one free, easy-to-access place online. From technology training and creative workshops to career certifications and hands-on learning opportunities, SummerOfSkills.com aims to remove barriers to upskilling across Chattanooga by allowing residents to find programs that align with their interests and schedules.

“Our community is fortunate to have many organizations that offer outstanding services, but it’s important for everyone to know about all the opportunities available to them. We built SummerOfSkills.com to serve as the starting point for anyone looking to develop professionally,” said Sammy Lowdermilk, Acting CEO and President of The Enterprise Center. “We are confident this new resource will allow even more Chattanoogans to take advantage of opportunities to upskill this summer through programs like Tech Goes Home’s Learning Agility Accelerator, CO.LAB’s Skills Accelerator, or a certification program at Chatt State.”

From Jackson:

During the month of June, theCO, Launch Tennessee’s entrepreneur center serving much of West Tennessee, will host two “Finding Your Funding” events that will feature engaging panel discussions designed to equip business owners or aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools and connections to grow their businesses.

1. The first will be at 5 p.m. CDT on June 10 at theCO, 541 Wiley Parker Road in Jackson (registration link here). 
2. The second will be at 12 noon CDT on June 17 at Paris Station, 304 West Washington Street in Paris (registration link here). It is a collaboration with The Mill Workspace.

The panelists will include Avery McConkey, Capital Associate at LaunchTN; Jarlecia Jones, Vice President of Lending for West Tennessee at Pathway Lending; and a local entrepreneur who has successfully secured funding.

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