The energy is high heading into Knoxville’s 865 Fest | Here’s what to expect
865 Fest is a full-day entrepreneurial event presented by the Innov865 Alliance, a coalition that develops, supports, and promotes the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Knoxville’s “865 Fest” (formerly Startup Day) is back this year a full day of engaging programming. The annual event, hosted by the Innov865 Alliance, will take place Tuesday, Sept. 29, at Bridgewater Place in West Knoxville and includes pitch competitions, keynote speakers, panel discussions, and breakout sessions designed to spark ideas, foster collaboration, and celebrate innovation.
865 Fest invites investors, students, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community members to celebrate Knoxville’s vibrant and growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. Each year, hundreds of attendees gather for this signature event.
Main Stage Programming
865 Fest will feature keynote speakers, including a sit-down with the newly elected Mayor of Knox County, Betsy Henderson. Additional main stage programming includes a deep dive into the quantum movement in East Tennessee, which will be presented by Three Roots Capital. And a candid conversation, hosted by Visit Knoxville.
Breakout Programming
865 Fest will feature two breakout session rooms presented by PYA, the power behind Teknovation.biz, and LocaliQ. These sessions will cover various topics designed to inspire and equip entrepreneurs, from Abby Ham and Heather Waliga discussing thier new venture: We Knox People, to tips for founders seeking investment, and the psychology of trust that goes into building a business and a brand.
Pitch Competitions
865 Fest’s signature start-up pitch competition will celebrate its fourteenth year in Knoxville. Six of Knoxville’s top start-ups will pitch their companies before a panel of judges and a live audience for a chance to win up to $15,000 in cash prizes. Attendees will vote for their favorite start-up to win the $5,000 Crowd Favorite Award, and judges will select the $10,000 Judges’ Choice winner.
865 Fest is honored to host three judges for this year’s start-up pitch competition, including Michael Dirla, Rachel Mehta, and Mike Thibodeaux.
Jay Niblick, Katy Daniels (the 2025 emerging entrepreneur winner), and Jeff Abbott will judge the emerging entrepreneur pitch competition.
The Innov865 Alliance, which collectively plans 865 Fest, is proud to announce six start-up companies to pitch at 865 Fest that reflect Knoxville’s diverse entrepreneurial spirit. Those start-ups include:
- Aquafer Technologies – Led by Marton Krivan
- New Horizon Precision – Led by Spencer Dore
- Applied 2D Materials – Led by Alec Readel
- DataRook – Led by Gustavo Alvarez-Suchini
- Fibarcode – Led by Brian Iezzi
- AtomQ – Led by Kevin Roccapriore
Returning for the third year is the emerging entrepreneur pitch competition for students and new graduates, organized by the Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. The emerging entrepreneurs will showcase their ideas for a cash prize of $3,000. Those selected to pitch in the emerging entrepreneur pitch competition include:
- Edura – Led by Joseph Shinkle
- Big Al’s Hot Mustard – Led by Alex Del Vechhio
- WarmWave – Led by Kendra Mueller
- ArborAI – Led by Patrick Ragozzine
- JobWillow – Led by Jack Ford & Alan Schneider
- Cofluence – Led by Blake Hopkins
“Investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders look forward to 865 Fest every year,” said Breanna Hale, Executive Director of the Anderson Center and Innov865 Alliance member. “Knoxville’s signature startup event is a day in which we celebrate the innovation and the ever-growing startup ecosystem in our region. The event showcases the resources available to entrepreneurs in the area and why East Tennessee is a great place to start and grow a business.”
The annual Traction Award, presented by AXLE Logistics, will also be announced. This award recognizes a Knoxville entrepreneur who has made significant progress since participating in Startup Day.
Doors for the event will open at 8:30 a.m. EST on Sept. 29 for a networking breakfast and registration. Programming will begin at 9 a.m. EST and lunch will be provided for attendees. Registration is now open, and the general admission price is $100. Tickets will be available to students at no cost. Click here to purchase tickets.
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