KTech Pulse Summit 2025
2025-11-06 15:00 - 18:30 (America/New_York) | JTV, 9600 Parkside Drive, Knoxville
Find out what’s happening in the Knoxville tech industry and celebrate the innovative work of entrepreneurs & organizations in East Tennessee! Speakers from Knoxville-based organizations will share about projects featuring new and emerging technologies, and the impact they’re making around the world.
Register for the annual Knoxville Technology Council summit here.
Keynote Address
Dr. Travis Humble from Oak Ridge National Laboratory will give us an inside look at quantum computing—what it can do today, where it’s headed, and why it matters. He’ll share about his work with ORNL’s first on-site, commercial quantum computer cluster, which uses diamond-based quantum processor units that can operate at room temperature in a relatively small package. Learn how he and his team are using this hybrid system to integrate quantum computing with classical computing workflows.

AI Tech Panel
A group of business leaders and AI experts will discuss practical use cases of Artificial Intelligence, including:

How AI is impacting Knoxville-area businesses and tech professionals, especially in the areas of cybersecurity and workforce development
Lessons learned to improve implementation and integrate AI capabilities into daily operations
What’s ahead for the future of AI, and what businesses should be doing now to stay ahead of the curve

Innovation Spotlights
Speakers from Knoxville-based organizations will share about projects featuring new and emerging technologies, and the impact they’re making around the world.

Knoxville Technology State of the Union Report
Travis Howerton, CEO & Co-Founder at RegScale, will deliver the KTech State of the Union Report

Networking Happy Hour
Following the presentations, head to the JTV rooftop to reconnect with familiar faces and make new connections at the networking happy hour.

Everybody is invited to attend – you just might be surprised at all that’s going on in the tech industry right here in Knoxville!

The Pitch - FoundersForge
2025-11-06 18:00 - 20:00 | ETSU Brinkley Center
The Pitch is Northeast Tennessee’s premier startup competition, kicking off the Startup Mountain Summit with a high-stakes battle for $10,000 and bragging rights.
The Pitch is open to the general community. Attending the event will inspire you while providing a showcase of new businesses coming to our region. Every year we have at least one person think the event is entirely focused on baseball, but they always love the unique experience The Pitch provides.
Come see the future of our region and the innovation happening right here in Northeast Tennessee!

SXSW Pitch Applications Due!
2025-11-07
Apply to showcase at SXSW Pitch 2026, a premier startup competition judged by investors and media. Review eligibility, categories, and fees. Applications close November 7.
The 18th annual SXSW Pitch, where innovation takes center stage. Over two exciting days, a live audience and a panel of expert judges will explore the forefront of emerging technology sectors. SXSW Pitch will take place March 13th and 14th, 2026.

Final Day to Apply for Innovation Crossroads at ORNL
2025-11-07
Applications for the 2026 cohort will close at midnight on Friday, November 7.
Apply at this link.
Innovation Crossroads is a two-year fellowship program that focuses on energy and advanced manufacturing technologies. Through an annual national call and competitive stage-gate process, top entrepreneurial-minded fellows are selected to join the program. Selected innovators receive a fellowship that includes a personal living stipend, a health insurance stipend, a travel allowance, a substantial grant to use on collaborative R&D at ORNL, and comprehensive mentoring assistance to build a sustainable business model.
By embedding the next generation of top technical talent within ORNL, Innovation Crossroads positions entrepreneurial researcher fellows to address fundamental energy and manufacturing challenges identified by industry.

Pricing & Customer Experience: Lunch & Learn
2025-11-10 11:30 - 13:00 | Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, 17 Market Square
In this session led by the founder of All Y’all Skincare, you’ll explore how pricing choices shape customer perception and experience. Learn real-world tactics for setting prices that feel right for you and your customers, plus simple ways to elevate the experience without overspending. Walk away with fresh perspective, doable strategies, and confidence to charge what your work is truly worth.

Lunch will be provided.

POSTPONED | How Businesses Can Partner with ORNL to Drive Economic Development
2025-11-12 09:00 - 10:00 | Oak Ridge National Laboratory Manufacturing Demonstration Facility, 2350 Cherahala Boulevard, Knoxville, TN, 37932
Discover how your business can collaborate with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to accelerate innovation and economic growth in our region. Join us for an informative session exploring partnership opportunities, research collaborations, and technology transfer programs that help businesses of all sizes leverage ORNL’s world-class resources.
Attendees will learn how to connect with experts, access cutting-edge technologies, and take advantage of programs designed to support entrepreneurship, commercialization, and workforce development.
Whether you’re a startup, small business, or established company, this event will show you how partnering with ORNL can fuel your next stage of growth.

NOVA EC "Rural Frontier" Start-Up Pitch Competition in Pulaski
2025-11-13 17:00 - 19:00 | Makeshift, 110 N. 2nd Street, Pulaski, Tennessee, 38478
NOVA EC is hosting our inaugural Start-Up Pitch Competition. Come Pitch, Network, & Win Prize Money. For more information on how to apply to pitch, see below.

InvestTN Road Tour - Capital Conversations
2025-11-14 15:00 - 17:00 | 121 Tech Hub, 121 E Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915
With support from the Nasdaq Foundation, Launch Tennessee and Pinnacle Financial Partners are bringing the InvestTN Road Tour to 10 cities statewide to share key info on funding, investment opportunities, and how to tap into resources right in your community.
Next stop: Knoxville! Join us on Friday, Nov. 14 at 3 p.m. E.T. for Capital Conversations Knoxville, the fourth stop of the insightful tour.
This free event is designed to help founders connect with capital, meet fellow entrepreneurs, learn about InvestTN (LaunchTN’s $70 million equity investment fund), and discover how to access resources and get involved.
In attendance will be members of LaunchTN’s Capital team, financial sector experts from Pinnacle Financial Partners and Pathway Lending, and representatives from the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center.

UT Tailgate with Launch Tennessee
2025-11-15 13:30 - 16:00 | Circle Park on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus.
Join LaunchTN and The University of Tennessee on Nov. 15 for a festive pre-game tailgate experience at UT Knoxville, designed to foster connections within the startup ecosystem.
Enjoy great food, drinks, and tons of Tennessee team spirit while connecting with fellow entrepreneurs, innovators, and supporters of the Knoxville startup community, all in preparation for cheering on the Vols as they face off against New Mexico State.
RSVP by Thursday, Nov. 7 to confirm your spot, space is limited!

Life Science Tennessee Convention (LSTCON)
2025-11-18 08:00 - 19:00 | Westin Hotel, Nashville, 807 Clark Place, Nashville, Tennessee, 37203
LSTCON is a powerful gathering for life science industry leaders to share the latest innovations moving the industry forward

Life Science Tennessee presents LSTCON, an annual conference that brings together Tennessee‘s life science ecosystem to collaborate, learn, and build meaningful connections across the state.
Join us on November 18 to hear from state and national industry leaders and researchers about topics that affect life science companies daily. The day will conclude with the crowd favorite Venture Forum where life science startups will pitch their prospective companies to the full conference audience for a chance to win $10,000!
Check out the website to stay up to date on speakers, panels, and announcements for the conference.

Opportunities in Energy - Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council
2025-11-19 09:00 - 17:00 | Crowne Plaza Knoxville Downtown University, an IHG Hotel, 401 West Summit Hill Drive Southwest, Knoxville, TN, 37902
The Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council will hold its annual Opportunities in Energy event on Wednesday, November 19, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. ET at the Crowne Plaza in downtown Knoxville.
This all-day event invites members and stakeholders to hear about new and innovative “opportunities” in the advanced energy sector, including trends, businesses, technologies, partnerships and initiatives.
At the event, TAEBC will present a state or local leader with the annual Thomas B. Ballard Advanced Energy Leadership Award. The award honors exemplary leadership and success in championing, connecting, and strengthening Tennessee’s advanced energy economy.
Attendees will receive breakfast, lunch and refreshments throughout the event. A networking happy hour will follow the event programming.
If you are a presenting supporter, event supporter, student, startup, government official, speaker, or Gold or Platinum TAEBC Member, please email mallory@tnadvancedenergy.com or sjohnson@piper-communications.com to receive your free promo code.

Startup Jumpstart 🚀 | UTC Entrepreneur Panel
2025-11-19 15:30 - 16:30 | Max Fuller CIE, MAPP Building, 2nd Floor UT at Chattanooga
Exciting upcoming panel at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 3:30 PM – for every student (or future founder!) who’s ever said, “I want to start a business, but I don’t know where to begin.”

Join us for Startup Jumpstart: Turning Ideas Into Action, featuring an incredible lineup of Tennessee founders and resource partners who are sharing real stories about how they took the first step:
🎙️ Panelists:
Jennifer Skjellum – LaunchTN
Lynn Chesnutt – Tennessee Small Business Development Centers (TSBDC)
Krue Brock – Chattanooga Football Club
Hudson Brock – AlloHire
Builder Brock – WAYPOINT
Megan Cales – Sensory Bridges, LLC
💡 In-person: Max Fuller CIE, MAPP Building, 2nd Floor
💻 Virtual: Join via Zoom https://lnkd.in/gPsszgED

Start Here Pitch Competition - Cookeville
2025-11-19 17:30 - 19:30 | 37 Cedar, Cookeville, TN
The Biz Foundry is thrilled to announce the Top 6 Finalists for this year’s Start Here Pitch Competition, happening Wednesday, November 19 at 37 Cedar in Cookeville, TN!
These incredible startups stood out for their bold ideas, scalable business models, and connection to the Upper Cumberland region. Each one is ready to make big waves — and they’ll compete live for cash prizes of $10,000, $5,000, and $2,500, plus the chance to pitch to the Upper Cumberland Angel Investors Fund.
Congratulations to our 2025 Finalists:

Tee Williams of Better Butter Cookie Company

Kent Simpkins of AETIVA Sweetener, Inc

Thomas Robertson of Digithreads

Cindy Malawey of Rebabit Health

Mike Taylor of Volunteer Bulk Transfer

Jay Lefkovitz of ElevateTrak

📅 Event DetailsDate: Wednesday, November 19, 2025Time: Doors open 5:30 p.m. | Competition begins 6 p.m.Location: 37 Cedar, Cookeville, TNMore Info & Tickets: Register Here

Hackathon for Non-profits in East Tennessee
2025-12-02 09:00 - 21:00 | 121 Tech Hub, 121 E Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Welcome to the Hackathon!

Coffee, bagels, and orientation. Event overview, ground rules, prize criteria, and Definition of Done (demo, Readme, owners, next steps).

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Team formation and roles

Assign roles: Problem Owner, Team Lead, Builders, Data/Process, Storyteller.

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Discovery sprint

Map current process, users, data; define success metrics. Output: Problem Framing Canvas.

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Solution sketch & scope

Brainstorm and select a Minimum Lovable Prototype (MLP); define one-page build plan.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch

Catered lunch in the 121 Tech Hub kitchen

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Build Sprint #1

Develop the core workflow; use sample/sanitized data; ident

3:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Break

Reset and refresh

3:15 PM – 4:30 PM
Build Sprint #2

Develop features tied to success metrics; stabilize basics.

4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
User Checkpoint

Nonprofit lead tests prototype; capture top 3 changes.

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Build Sprint #3

Polish. Apply feedback, finalize workflow, and prepare Readme.

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Dinner

Catered dinner in the 121 Tech Hub kitchen

7:00 AM – 7:30 AM
Demo Prep

Refine presentation: problem, approach, demo, impact, next steps (1–2 slides).

7:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Handoff & Setup

Finalize Handoff Packet with links, instructions, and owners.

8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Presentations & Prizes

5-min demo + 2-min Q&A per team. Judged on usability, impact, feasibility, clarity. Celebrate!

Access to Capital for Small Businesses — Helping Small Business Navigate Funding with Confidence
2025-12-10 08:00 - 09:00 | Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce, 1400 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, 37830, United States
Access to capital is one of the most crucial and often misunderstood aspects of running or growing a small business. Many Tennessee entrepreneurs walk in with strong ideas and real determination, but they often feel lost when it comes to funding: Which lenders should they approach? What does the SBA actually guarantee? How much cash flow do they need? What documents are required? This workshop is designed to help TSBDC clients and prospective clients cut through the confusion and understand how the capital process truly works.
Speaker(s): Stephen W. Williams, MBA, Director of TSBDC at Roane State Community College

Nashville Investors and Innovators
2025-12-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Nashville Entrepreneur Center, 41 Peabody St, Nashville, TN 37210
​Black Dog Venture Partners VC Fast Pitch and The Emerging Managers Podcast invite you to Investors and Innovators in Nashville!
​​Connecting and networking with private equity firms, family offices, VCs, angel investors and top innovators.
​​Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025 6pm-9pm.
​Location: Nashville Entrepreneur Center, 41 Peabody St, Nashville, TN 37210 RSVP at https://lu.ma/y7sttzmj
​​Enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres in a relaxed environment with top emerging investors and innovators.
​Questions? Send email scott@blackdogvp.com

Oak Ridge Chamber's Annual Awards Gala: Celebrating the Future
2026-01-09 18:00 - 22:00 | Oak Ridge Conference Center
The Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce invites you to step into the future at our Annual Awards Gala, taking place in January 2026. This year’s theme embraces futuristic innovation and artificial intelligence, reflecting the Chamber’s vision for a forward-thinking Oak Ridge — a community and business network poised to thrive in the years ahead.
Experience an evening where technology meets elegance, with chrome and silver décor, neon blue accents, and high-tech touches inspired by the cutting-edge world of AI and robotics. Guests will enjoy immersive visuals, curated music, and interactive elements that highlight the possibilities of the future while celebrating today’s achievements.

Economic Outlook with Dr. Don Bruce
2026-01-14 09:00 - 10:00 | Knoxville Chamber, 17 Market Square, Knoxville
Join the Knoxville Chamber for an economic forecast from Dr. Donald Bruce, Boyd Distinguished Professor at the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Known for his objective, non-partisan policy research and evaluation under contracts with an array of government agencies at the federal and state levels, Dr. Bruce will provide a national perspective on current economic trends.

Knoxville Chamber | How businesses can partner with ORNL to drive economic development
2026-01-16 09:00 - 10:00 | Oak Ridge National Laboratory Manufacturing Demonstration Facility, 2350 Cherahala Boulevard, Knoxville, TN, 37932

Protecting Innovation: Insurance Solutions for Life Sciences
2026-01-20 17:00 | Epstein Becker Green – Nashville Offices, 1222 Demonbreun St., 9th Floor, Nashville, TN
This session will focus on insurance considerations that life science startups should understand early—from risk management to coverage strategies as companies scale. We’re excited to kick off the 2026 Edu Series with this important and often under-discussed topic.

The event will be immediately followed by networking as part of the Beer & Biotech – please also register for that.

Angel Investing 101 - Chattanooga
2026-01-29 12:00 - 13:00 | Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, 811 Broad St #200, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 37402
Curious about how angel investing works? Want to invest in local companies? Join VentureSouth Chattanooga for Angel Investing 101!

VentureSouth has been angel investing in Chattanooga for four years — and across the southeast for two decades.
You do not need to be a finance expert, multi-millionaire, or sports franchise owner to be an angel investor.
This session provides an overview of what angel investors do and why you might want to consider investing in southeastern startups.
Please join Venture South at the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, 3rd floor, at noon for an introduction to Angel Investing

Maker City Summit
2026-01-30 - 2026-02-01 | Maker Exchange in World’s Fair Park at the Marriott Knoxville & Tennessean Hotels
For a whole decade, makers, dreamers, and doers have been coming together at The Maker City Summit to build businesses, spark ideas, and cheer each other on. And this year, we’re celebrating 10 years of Making Space: space for creativity, for community, and for the next big thing.
Through speakers, workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, you’ll learn how to scale your business, attract customers, and build a sustainable brand.

No matter if you’ve been at this for years or you’re just dipping your toes in, there’s a seat saved for you. Our lineup’s as diverse as the makers themselves — from painters to potters, brewers to bakers, performers to fabricators. Whether you’re a part-time hobbyist or a full-time entrepreneur, this is where you’ll learn, be inspired, and connect with folks who get what it means to build something from scratch and pour your heart into it.

2026 Regional Legislative Agenda Breakfast
2026-01-30 07:30 - 09:00 | Hilton Knoxville Airport
Each year, local chambers collaborate to create a regional legislative agenda that reflects shared priorities for state-level advocacy. Join the chambers on January 30th to learn about the finalized agenda during a special program.

Morning Momentum: Developing and Promoting Your Business
2026-02-04 08:30 - 09:30 | Maple Hall, 414 South Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37902
Morning Momentum is the Knoxville Chamber’s monthly series designed to connect seasoned business leaders & entrepreneurs experiencing growth challenges. It returns for 2026!

Life Science Venture Program Education Series
2026-02-10 15:30 - 17:00 | UTK Center for Precision Health
This session will be led by members of the Avantor team and will walk through key considerations for startups building or expanding lab space — including lab layout and design, equipment and furniture selection, budgeting and timelines, and common pitfalls to avoid when setting up an early-stage lab.
👉 Registration & event details: Eventbrite Registration

Beer & Biotech Knoxville Meetup
2026-02-10 17:00 - 19:00 | Calhoun’s on the River
Join Life Science TN members and life science professionals for a Beer & Biotech networking reception

Join Life Science Tennessee in Knoxville at Calhoun’s On The River for a Beer & Biotech industry networking opportunity. Enjoy a complimentary drink and light bites while meeting researchers, postdocs, entrepreneurs, and representatives from East Tennessee’s growing biotech landscape. It’s a great opportunity to discover exciting local innovations, build meaningful relationships, and spark new business opportunities.
The Beer & Biotech will immediately follow the Life Science Venture Program’s monthly educational series. February’s session will cover how to build your lab as a life science startup with Avantor. Those wishing to attend the LSVP session can learn more and register here.

Capitol Connections - Knoxville
2026-02-27 08:00 - 09:00 | Knoxville Chamber, 17 Market Square
Join the Knoxville Chamber for Capitol Connections with Tennessee General Assembly Representatives. Learn what’s happening on the Hill during a discussion with representatives from Congress. They will share their priorities for 2026 and current business issues within our community.

MARCON Conference
2026-03-02 - 2026-03-05 | Knoxville Convention Center
MARCON (Maintenance and Reliability Conference) is an annual conference hosted by the University of Tennessee’s Reliability and Maintainability Center (RMC). It brings together industry leaders, professionals, and academics to share best practices in maintenance, reliability, and asset management.
You’ll explore proven methodologies, learn how to diagnose and prevent failures, and get hands-on experience with techniques you can apply as soon as you return to your facility. From planning and scheduling to predictive technologies, asset management, and continuous improvement, our workshops are designed to meet you where you are—and help you level up.

Morning Momentum Knoxville Chamber
2026-03-04 08:30 - 09:30 | Maple Hall, 414 South Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37902
This monthly series takes place every first Wednesday at 8:30 AM at Maple Hall. It’s designed to help small business owners tackle growth-related challenges by presenting real issues to seasoned business leaders for immediate feedback. This month’s presenters are seeking input on how to strengthen their business development strategy, from building partnerships to identifying new revenue opportunities. As an attendee, you’ll hear from two entrepreneurs facing real growth hurdles and be invited to offer actionable ideas to help them move forward.

Invest: Nashville 4th Edition Leadership Summit + Report Launch!
2026-03-05 08:00 - 11:00 | Bridgestone Arena, 501 Broadway, Nashville, Tennessee, 37203
Join us at the Invest: Nashville 4th Edition Leadership Summit for insights and networking with top industry leaders!

Get ready to dive into a morning filled with inspiration, networking, and growth at the Invest: Nashville 4th Edition Leadership Summit.
Join us at Bridgestone Arena to connect with industry leaders and gain valuable insights from our expert panel discussions. Bringing together hundreds of Nashville’s business and regional leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities for businesses and investors.
Light breakfast and refreshments available.
