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Network & Hiring Event: Agentic AI and Quantum Careers in Knoxville
2026-04-15 17:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Fred’s Around the Corner
Join CGI for an informal networking and hiring event at Fred’s Around the Corner, focused on the next wave of mission-ready technology: advanced agentic AI, quantum-ready systems, and the real-world workloads where they matter most. Meet CGI leaders and technologists, learn about our work in Knoxville, and explore opportunities to build, ship, and scale solutions that move beyond pilots into production.
Heavy hors d’oeuvres and drink tickets will be provided. To confirm your attendance, please complete the RSVP form.
5:00 – 5:30 p.m. — Arrival, appetizers, and networking
5:30 – 6:00 p.m. — Welcome + “What we’re building in Knoxville” (CGI overview)
6:00 – 6:45 p.m. — Hiring spotlight: roles, teams, and mission work (Agentic AI + Quantum)
6:45 – 7:30 p.m. — Q&A, meet-the-team networking, and next steps
About the event
AI is rapidly becoming mission-critical in regulated, high-stakes environments. At the same time, the next advantage is emerging at the intersection of AI and quantum computing—especially for optimization, planning, and resource allocation at scale. Turning that promise into deployable capability takes more than tools: it requires engineering rigor, security-minded delivery, and builders who can operate in real mission contexts.
This event is for people who want to do hands-on work—designing, building, integrating, and operating modern AI systems (and preparing for quantum-ready approaches) in a production environment.
Who should attend

Full-stack engineers, platform engineers, and cloud engineers
AI/ML engineers, applied scientists, and data engineers
MLOps/AIOps, DevSecOps, and automation/orchestration practitioners
Systems thinkers who like solving hard problems end-to-end—from prototype to production
Students, early-career technologists, and experienced hires interested in Knoxville’s innovation ecosystem

What you’ll learn

What CGI does in Knoxville and how our teams deliver real outcomes
How we’re advancing agentic AI orchestration across modernization, greenfield development, and operations
Where quantum-ready thinking fits today (and what “practical” looks like)
How to engage: open roles, interview process, and ways to stand out

Hiring note
Some roles may require U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a security clearance (role-dependent). Bring questions—and if you have a portfolio, GitHub, or project demos, feel free to share.

Founder Friday
2026-04-17 09:00 - 10:00 | 121 Tech Hub, 121 E Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915
Hosted by Haseeb “HQ” Qureshi, Founder Friday features fireside chats where entrepreneurs share their stories, insights and advice, helping students connect with the startup community beyond the classroom.
Apr 17 | Nick DeVore (Lush Drop Beverage Co.)

Southeast Venture Showcase
2026-04-20 - 2026-04-21 | Renaissance Nashville Hotel
The Southeast Venture Showcase is a transformational event that empowers research universities and federal laboratories across the Southeast to showcase their most promising technology ventures for the nation’s venture community.
This exclusive showcase is where investors and early-stage technology ventures come together to accelerate the productization of cutting-edge research that drives real-world impact and create stakeholder value.

Taste of Small Business Kingsport
2026-04-20 17:00 - 19:30 | MeadowView Convention Center
On Monday, April 20th, from 5:00 to 7:30 PM at MeadowView Convention Center, the Taste of Small Business Kingsport brings together 21 of the city’s restaurants, food trucks, coffee shops, and vendors for a one-night sampling experience that is exactly what it sounds like. You walk in, you eat, you meet the people behind the food, and you leave knowing more about your own city than when you arrived.
The participating restaurants include:

Bellafina
Betty’s Stockyard Cafe
Center Street Grill
Chef’s Pizzeria
Chocolate Elegance
Cornucopia
Fusion
Krazy Chicken
Le Brique Bistro
Milly’s Authentic Jamaican Restaurant
Momma D’s
Ole Crow Tavern
Sloopy’s Diner
SmashedMeals
Tacos el Mariachi
Taste & See Charcuterie
Taylored Venue & Events
The Reserve
The Wired Whisk
Urban Brews & Creamery.

RGK Food Incubator Workshop Info Session
2026-04-20 17:30 - 19:00 | Pellissippi State Community College: Magnolia Avenue Campus, 1610 East Magnolia Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37917, United States
Take the next step toward building a sustainable food business. Attend our final required 2026 info session to learn about the Real Good Kitchen Foundation’s Food Business Incubator Program.
Built for early-stage entrepreneurs, this program supports you in formalizing your business, refining your model, and growing from concept to a fully operating venture.

TTU Faculty Innovator Showcase
2026-04-22 | Tennessee Tech University
The Faculty Innovator Showcase is a signature annual event that celebrates and elevates the groundbreaking work of Tennessee Tech researchers. Hosted by TN Tech’s Tech Transfer and powered by the Tennessee Technology Advancement Consortium (TTAC), the Showcase brings together campus innovators, industry professionals, government partners, and regional stakeholders for a day of discovery, networking, and opportunity.
This is more than a poster session or a presentation — it’s a stage for ideas that shape our economy and society.
Itinerary
Free and open to the public—no registration required.

5 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Tradeshow (poster session): Presenters will demonstrate their technologies to the public.
6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Presenters will give five‑minute presentations outlining their technology, the problem it solves, the market opportunity, and planned next steps.

Presenter Registration
Tennessee Tech faculty or staff with an innovative project, research application, or early‑stage invention may register to present. Projects do not need to be patented to qualify. Whether you are developing a new technology, exploring commercialization pathways, or simply interested in sharing your work with a wider audience, the Faculty Innovator Showcase is your opportunity to highlight your work and engage with the public. Registered participants will receive additional information and instructions after completing registration.

Gain Exposure: Present your innovation to decision-makers from industry, government, and economic development sectors.
Spark New Collaborations: Build relationships with potential research, funding, and licensing partners.
Receive $1,500 Non-instructional/extra pay: Faculty presenters who have submitted an invention disclosure will receive $1,500 in non‑instructional (extra) pay in recognition of their participation. Faculty presenters without a submitted invention disclosure will receive $1,000.
Support Your Commercialization Journey: Showcase participation often aligns with TTAC Proof of Concept grant submissions, invention disclosures, and patenting milestones.

Can the Public Attend?
This event is open to the public at no cost (no registration required). This is an open-door opportunity to see what’s next at Tennessee Tech — and be a part of it. Who should attend:

Faculty Innovators across all disciplines — from engineering and science to the arts and humanities.
Students interested in research, entrepreneurship, or career pathways in innovation.
Industry, Government, and Ccommunity Leaders looking to connect with new technologies, university talent, and applied research.
Economic Development Professionals focused on tech-based growth and partnerships.

Past Highlights
Previous showcases have featured inventions in clean energy, AI and data science applications, assistive technologies, sustainable agriculture, education innovations, and more. Presenters have gone on to secure grants, licensing deals, patents, and strategic partnerships proving the Showcase is more than an event, it’s a launchpad.

PYA Ballard Innovation Award (invite only)
2026-04-22 16:00 - 18:30 | PYA, 6016 Brookvale Ln, 6016 Brookvale Ln, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37919
The PYA Ballard Innovation Award is East Tennessee’s largest, annually awarded, combined cash and in-kind services prize for early-stage companies. Named after entrepreneurship advocate Tom Ballard, the competition provides $50,000 to the top winner, fostering innovation by supporting companies with proven concepts, revenue, and high growth potential.

AI Summit @ The Square Room
2026-04-23 | The Square Room, 4 Market Square, Knoxville
AI goes to WORK! A t-shirt-friendly summit focused on real-world AI applications and implications inside real businesses.

More Signal, Less Noise is a t-shirt-friendly summit focused on real-world AI applications and implications inside real businesses.
Let’s get real, folks. We’ve all seen and heard the AI hype. We’ve all scrolled past the “it’s not just ___, it’s a ____ movement and this will change your life forever” LinkedIn posts, and read the doomsday “This will be like Terminator but actually worse” manifestos. Maybe you’ve written some of them yourself. But inside real organizations, from the factory floor to the C-suite, the questions around AI are remarkably similar:

What should we actually do?
What should we ignore?
What happens when this hits real operations?
What exactly is “AI” and why should we care?

What You’ll Experience:
Real-word use cases, conversations and Q&A from our region’s most successful companies, including: Red Stag I Bush Brothers I Clayton Homes I Avero Advisors I Pet Safe I Ancient Lore Village
Intellectual Property, Privacy, and Security in the age of AI, a live legal professionals panel hosted by Haseeb Qureshi, founder of ForthLaw
Opening Keynote: “More Signal, Less Noise” from life-long entrepreneur, community leader and Fighting Shape Impact Co. Founder Chris McAdoo
Closing Remarks and Big Predictions from Marcus Blair, event creator and founder, CoreIQ
Happy Hour to follow. Lets keep the conversation going.
When & Where
Date: April 23, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM (doors open) – 6:00 PM
Location: The Square Room 4 Market Square, Knoxville, Tennessee
The Square Room offers an intimate, central downtown location designed for real conversation – not auditorium distance. Expect an engaged room, not a passive audience.
Tickets
General Admission: $30 plus applicable fees(Includes full program + post-event happy hour) Space is intentionally limited to keep the room conversational and high-signal.
Who Should Attend
If you are accountable for results (not just headlines), this room is for you.
Your Hosts
Marcus Blair
Founder, CoreIQ
Chris McAdoo
EMCEE & Founder, Fighting Shape Impact Company
Full Speaker list to be announced soon!
Interested in supporting or partnering? Supporters will be aligned with:

Enterprise and mid-market decision-makers
Operators actively deploying AI at scale
A room focused on implementation, NOT spectacle

Contact: Marcus Blair
marcus@omegadigital.us
865.214.7686

PSCC Manufacturing Symposium Emerging Technologies Series
2026-04-24 07:30 - 09:00 | Pellissippi State Blount County Campus
Pellissippi State Community College will soon host a manufacturing symposium on the impact of a significant emerging technology: digital twinning.
Presented by Pellissippi State’s Office of Workforce and Community Development and LaborUp, “Digital Twinining and its Impact on Manufacturing Today” will take place from 7:30 to 9 a.m. in the Ruth and Steve West Workforce Development Center at the college’s Blount County campus on April 24. Breakfast will be provided.
“We are excited to spotlight digital twinning as part of our Emerging Technologies series,” said Executive Director of Workforce and Community Development Susan Webb-Curtis. “While AI continues to dominate the conversation, we wanted to shine a light on another transformative technology shaping the future.”
A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical asset, process or system continuously updated with real-world data, which allows manufacturers to simulate, monitor and optimize without touching the physical object. This technology is accelerating rapidly and becoming more accessible for smaller manufacturers.
Associate Professor and Animation Program Coordinator Kent McQuilkin will explore how digital twinning has become a transformative technology in manufacturing, with applications across the entire production lifecycle.
McQuilkin, an award-winning animation producer, author, college instructor, animator and broadcast-studio consultant, has worked with Oak Ridge National Lab, the State Department, the Department of Energy and others as a 3D Visualization and Simulation designer. He has designed and produced film and television, product labels and more.
At the symposium, he will discuss his experiences with digital twinning in broadcast television, film, nuclear nonproliferation, process simulation, defense simulation and its adoption in the manufacturing industry.
“We invite business, education and manufacturing professionals to join us for breakfast and take full advantage of this symposium,” Webb-Curtis said.
Register for Pellissippi’s spring 2026 manufacturing symposium to reserve your spot. The event is free. For additional information, contact Workforce and Community Development.
Ruth & Steve West Workforce Development Center, Rooms 121, 122, & 123
Pellissippi State, Blount County Campus
2731 W. Lamar Alexander Parkway
Friendsville, TN 37737

Capitol Connections
2026-04-24 08:00 - 09:00 | Knoxville Chamber, 17 Market Square, Knoxville
Join us for Capitol Connections with Tennessee General Assembly Representatives.

Learn what’s happening at the Tennessee General Assembly during a discussion with our local State Senators. They will share their priorities for 2026 and current business issues within our community.
*Light breakfast and refreshments will be served.

Unlocking Entrepreneurship: A Workshop on Franchising, Funding, and Fit
2026-04-28 09:00 - 10:30 | Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, 17 Market Square
Thinking about starting a business but daunted by the idea of building from scratch? Or perhaps you’re a current business owner looking to diversify your portfolio or stack additional revenue streams? This interactive workshop breaks down the franchise model and helps you determine if investing in a proven system is a better fit for your goals than trying to launch a traditional startup.
We’ll start by exploring the realities of franchising beyond the fast-food stereotypes—covering funding, industry types, and business models. Then, we will transition into a hands-on workshop where you will take an entrepreneurial assessment to identify your unique business and leadership profile, with a discussion around how the results point to the types of businesses where you would thrive.
What to Bring:

A laptop or tablet (Required to take the assessment during the session)
An open mind about business models and industries that you may never have considered before!

You’ll Learn How To:

Compare the pros and cons of “DIY” entrepreneurship vs. the Franchise model
Evaluate the different types of franchise industries, including which ones are AI- and recession-resistant
Navigate funding options and investment requirements
Interpret your personal business profile from the entrepreneurial assessment
Identify which business environments match your specific skills, personality, values, and work style

Who Should Attend?

Entrepreneurial-minded individuals who want to start a business but aren’t sure where to begin
Investors who want to diversify their existing portfolio with a scalable business
Corporate types who are tired of the rat race and want to take control over their time and income
Individuals who have recently been laid off and want to explore alternatives to another job
Career transitioners who are eager to find something meaningful in their next chapter of business

Meet the Speaker:

About Brett:
Brett started his first business while in graduate school with the goal of being financially independent by the time he started a family. He succeeded, growing that business to seven figures in annual sales and generating a passive income stream that freed him up to launch a cutting edge business in the EdTech space in 2010. Coming out of Corporate America to achieve success in different types of businesses across varying industries, Brett understands the needs of a diverse clientele and uses his skills to help match them with the perfect franchise for leaving a lasting legacy. Brett has a MA (International Finance) from the University of Denver and a BA (Public Policy) from Duke University. He lives on a small farm in east Tennessee with his wife, four kids, dog, cat, horses, and chickens.
About Legacy Franchise Solutions:
Legacy Franchise Solutions is a full-service franchise consulting firm committed to empowering corporate refugees and would-be entrepreneurs find their next right thing. We believe that business ownership is the most viable way to leave a lasting legacy for your family and loved ones, and we relish the opportunity to come alongside our clients and help them find businesses where they will thrive, coaching them through every step of the franchise award process. Our commitment is to help you achieve Freedom today, Wealth tomorrow, and Legacy forever!
Whether you are looking to start your first business or add to your empire, this workshop is relevant for all experience levels.
Walk away with a clear understanding of your entrepreneurial profile and a roadmap for your next business move.
The KEC Office will open at 8:30 AM with a light breakfast provided. The workshop will start promptly at 9 AM. Spots are limited, so please RSVP today!

Location
Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, 37902

Scaling Apprenticeships to Meet Regional Workforce Needs
2026-04-29 08:30 - 10:00 | Knoxville Chamber, 17 Market Square, Knoxville
Part of National Apprenticeship Week

Join the Chamber for an engaging discussion on how Registered Apprenticeship programs are fueling economic growth and building a highly skilled workforce in our region. This event brings together leaders from CGI, the U.S. Department of Labor, and local experts from TVA, UT Medical Center, Pellissippi State Community College, and Messer Construction to highlight the successes and impact of apprenticeships across industries.
Attendees will learn how these programs:

Equip workers with in-demand skills for high-growth industries
Create clear career pathways for job seekers
Strengthen the regional economy by meeting workforce needs

The Chamber will also share how expanding apprenticeship opportunities directly supports our 2030 Protocol, a long-term strategy to drive economic growth and increase prosperity across the region.
Whether you’re an employer, educator, policymaker, or career seeker, this session will provide insights and practical examples of how apprenticeships can transform our workforce and community.
Breakfast will be served.
*We validate parking in Market Square Garage.

Unlocking Workforce Funding & Employer Support in TN
2026-04-29 15:00 - 16:00 | Blount Partnership
Join us on April 29 at 3 p.m. at the Blount Partnership as representatives from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development and the East Tennessee Local Workforce Development Board hold a conversation on financial incentives, grants, and workforce programs available to support employers.

3rd Annual KAULed to Lead - Young Professionals Conference
2026-05-02 | 600 Henley Street, Knoxville, TN 37902
On Saturday, May 2, 2026, we’re bringing together 200+ young professionals, students, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for a powerful one-day conference at the University of Tennessee Conference Center attendees will experience a full day of programming built to help them grow, connect, and lead with purpose.

What’s waiting for you inside:

Keynote Speakers — hear from leaders who’ve done it and are doing it
Speed Networking Sessions — make meaningful connections fast
Workshops & Breakout Sessions — hands-on learning you can apply immediately
Panel Discussions — real conversations about real career paths
Leadership Roundtables — sit at the table with decision-makers in your community

For High School Students — Free Admission We believe leadership starts early. That’s why students have their own dedicated track, including mock interview sessions and custom breakout sessions designed to meet them exactly where they are, and prepare them for where they’re going.
Topics We’ll Cover: AI & Other Tools and Recourses | Mindset & Mental Health | Professional Development | Entrepreneurship & more

The Knoxville Area Urban League Young Professionals (KAULYP) are back for the 3rd Annual KAULed to Lead Conference.

In 2025, we talked about the “Power Pivot.” In 2026, we’re activating that power by Leading Where We Stand because leadership doesn’t require a title, permission, or position. This one-day intensive equips young professionals with the social capital, mental resilience, and technical skills to lead from wherever they are, strengthening their communities and influencing Knoxville’s evolving economy.

Your donation helps us provide:

World-Class Keynote Speakers & Local Industry Facilitators
Access to thought leaders who inspire innovation, leadership, and community impact.
Mental Health Resources for the “Grind” Culture
Tools and sessions that promote balance, resilience, and sustainable success.
Mentorship for Emerging Leaders
One-on-one and group mentorship opportunities that foster growth and accountability.
Speed Networking Breakout Sessions
Dynamic, fast-paced networking that builds meaningful professional connections.

Dorm & Students College Prep
Laptops, Schools Supplies, Dorm Supplies, Scholarship Prep, etc.

Don’t just watch leadership happen. Fund it.

KEC Mentor Network Mingle
2026-05-05 17:30 - 19:30 | Tennessee
Join us on Tuesday, May 5th for a KEC Mentor Network Mingle at Ricky’s Bar!
We’re bringing together our KEC Mentors and founders that are actively participating in or interested in getting connected to the KEC Mentor Network. This is the perfect opportunity to connect and network with other founders, ask our KEC Mentors questions, and find out more information about resources and programs that KEC offers.
We hope to see you there!
About Ricky’s:
Ricky’s is a new bar brought to you by the owners of Tern Club and Fly By Night. Located at 1520 Washington Avenue, Ricky’s has plenty of parking, and a food truck out back.
Register now.

Knoxville Chamber Capitol Connections - Spring 2026
2026-05-08 07:30 - 08:30 | Knoxville Chamber, 17 Market Square, Knoxville

Food, Space, & Place: Shaping the Future of Knoxville’s Food Retail
2026-05-11 17:30 - 19:30 | Pellissippi State Community College: Magnolia Avenue Campus, 1610 East Magnolia Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37917, United States
Your voice, your business, and the future of Knoxville’s food landscape.

From farm stands to independent grocers, the success of Knoxville’s food entrepreneurs depends on more than just great products—it depends on the rules and spaces that govern our city. Whether you are a producer, a grower, or a retail owner, you are a vital link in our food supply chain.
Join us for an interactive session where we bridge the gap between local food business and city planning. This is your opportunity to learn the “status quo” of our current zoning and, more importantly, help rewrite the blueprint for Knoxville’s future.
What’s on the Agenda?
Part 1: The Planning Blueprint (Knoxville-Knox County Planning) Planning officials will pull back the curtain on the current zoning landscape. We’ll discuss:

Definitions & Zoning: What the current codes mean for food retail and production.
The Comprehensive Plan: This is a vital moment for our community. We will be gathering direct input from attendees for Knoxville’s Updated Comprehensive Plan, which will inform land use regulation and capital investment for years to come. Tell the planners what you need to thrive!

Part 2: The Power of Place (Yes! Knoxville) Local nonprofit Yes! Knoxville will share their vision for a more connected, vibrant city.

Learn about the role of placemaking in building successful retail environments.
Discover how “third spaces” and community-centered design can turn a storefront into a destination.
Explore the resources available to entrepreneurs looking to create a presence in the community.

Who Should Attend?

Farmers and Growers
Food Entrepreneurs & Startup Makers
Independent Grocery Store Owners
Farm Stand & Market Managers
Stakeholders along the Food Retail Supply Chain

The Details

Cost: Free to attend.

Come hungry for change. Let’s build a Knoxville where local food is accessible, sustainable, and supported by the very ground it’s built on.
Your Presenters
Knoxville-Knox County Planning
Jessie Hillman is a Principal Planner with Knoxville-Knox County Planning. Prior to serving Knox County residents, Jessie worked as a green infrastructure project manager in Baltimore, MD and a public health educator in Sarasota, Fl. She has a BA in Cultural Anthropology from Reed College and a Master in City and Regional Planning from Morgan State University. In her spare time, she loves cooking with her 5-year old son at home in Alcoa.
Yes! Knoxville
Ellen Zavisca is a transportation planner who spent 18 years on the staff of Knoxville-Knox County Planning before taking a job with the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations. She serves on the board of Yes! Knoxville and is co-chair of their Policy Committee. Ellen has a master’s degree in urban planning from the University of Illinois-Chicago and lives in the Edgewood Park neighborhood with her daughter and two poorly trained dogs.

Tennessee Smart Mobility Expo
2026-05-12 | Geodis Park, 501 Benton Avenue, Nashville, 37203
Hosted by TennSMART, the Tennessee Smart Mobility Expo is a celebration of the latest transportation technologies, innovations, and research that make Tennessee an emerging leader in mobility solutions.
The expo is attended by leaders from vehicle manufacturers and suppliers, Tennessee based research institutions and universities, fleet operators, utilities, municipalities, state agencies, and the advanced transportation ecosystem to form valuable connections. With thought-provoking sessions, tech demonstrations and networking, the expo celebrates the state’s position as an automotive manufacturing giant and generator of smart mobility solutions.
Key topics being covered include:
AI readiness at state DOTs — insights for building the right data infrastructure and governance frameworks to integrating AI into core functions like traffic management, asset maintenance, and safety analysis
Connecting the Dots: Freight Innovation in Motion — a discussion of freight efficiency, critical infrastructure considerations, grid readiness, and public-private coordination
Smart City Projects Delivering Results — real-world strategies for connected infrastructure and smarter urban mobility
Tennessee’s Quantum Opportunity — demystifying the fundamentals of quantum science and exploring how these technologies could reshape transportation and mobility systems
Collaborative Deployment & Project Success — practical insights on partnerships between industry, government, and research institutions
Time: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Venue: GEODIS Park
501 Benton Avenue
Nashville, TN

Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development WorkSource Summit
2026-05-12 - 2026-05-13 | Sonesta Nashville Airport
The Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development is hosting the inaugural WorkSource Summit, a new statewide gathering of the leaders shaping Tennessee’s workforce and economy.
This no-cost to register, two-day conference brings together employers, educators, workforce professionals, policymakers, and economic development leaders around a shared goal: strengthening a talent ecosystem that meets industry needs. Attendees will gain insights into apprenticeships, micro-credentials, Workforce Pell, and innovative work-based learning opportunities advancing across Tennessee, along with proven strategies that keep our state nationally competitive.

Innovation Night at the Park
2026-05-13 | Covenant Health Park
Wednesday, May 13 | Covenant Health Park | Knoxville, Tennessee
Join founders, innovators, investors, and the wider Knoxville community for an afternoon and evening celebrating innovation.
12:00-2:00 PM
Investor Pitch: $100K Opportunity
Join us for lunch in the Clubhouse and watch top founders pitch their startups. Selected founders will have 3 minutes to pitch to local and regional investors and a chance to receive a $100,000 investment from Market Square Ventures.
2:00-4:00 PM
LEEP Demo Day 2026
Experience breakthrough technologies from startups in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Program (LEEP).
Featuring startups from:

Chain Reaction Innovations at Argonne National Laboratory (Illinois)

Cyclotron Road at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (California)

Innovation Crossroads at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (Tennessee)

West Gate at National Laboratory of the Rockies (Colorado)

Meet the founders building the next generation of energy and advanced technology companies.
4:00-5:30 PM
Coworking + Networking at 121 Tech Hub
Founders, investors, and operators are invited to continue conversations and collaboration at 121 Tech Hub, located block from the stadium at 121 E. Jackson. Drop in, connect, and work alongside fellow innovators. Coworking at 121 Tech Hub will also be available all day for founders and investors attending the event.
5:30-7:00 PM
Innovation Showcase on the Concourse
Gates open at 5:30pm! Explore the latest technologies from startups and innovative companies.

Live startup demonstrations

Founder meet-and-greets

Emerging technology displays

Meet the people building the future of energy, AI, mobility, advanced manufacturing, and more.
7:00-9:00 PM
One Knoxville SC game ⚽️
Watch the national champion One Knoxville SC soccer team take on Union Omaha at Covenant Health Park, which was named the best ballpark in the country. Get your special discount group rate tickets.
Before the game, celebrate Knoxville’s culture of innovation on the Jumbotron.
At halftime, recognize founders and innovators from the day’s event on the field.
Why This Event Matters
Knoxville brings together entrepreneurial ambition, national laboratory research, and university talent.
Innovation Night welcomes:

Local and regional founders

Venture investors

Corporate innovators

National lab startups

Students

The wider community!

All in one place to celebrate the future being built here.
Brought to you by
121 Tech Hub
Innovation Crossroads at Oak Ridge National Lab
LaunchTN
Market Square Ventures
One Knoxville SC
PYA Accountants & Advisors

From Lab to Market: Accelerating AI Innovation
2026-05-19 | Ashraf Islam Engineering Building, 200 West 10th Street, Cookeville, TN, 38501, United States
Please join us for a statewide event designed to accelerate the transition of artificial intelligence research into real-world deployment, commercialization, and job creation across Tennessee. Hosted by AI Tennessee’s Industry Innovation Consortium, AI TechX, and supported by Launch TN’s Tennessee Technology Advancement Consortium (TTAC), the convening will bring together industry leaders, startups, faculty researchers, government, and other relevant stakeholders to align applied AI Innovation with market and societal needs. The event will feature curated programming focused on applied AI use cases, research-to-commercialization pathways, startup and talent showcases, and facilitated conversations around industry-academic collaboration.

How to Start a Business in Blount County
2026-05-21 09:00 - 10:00 | Blount Partnership
Thu, May 21 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Blount Partnership
Downstairs Boardroom

Topic: Start-up Assistance

Are you interested in starting a business in Alcoa, Maryville, Townsend or any area located in Blount County?
This in person course is designed to provide an overview of what the first steps of starting a business in Blount County would be. Our center director will discuss the different forms of business organizations, tax requirements, business licenses, and financing options.
For a deeper dive into your specific business startup idea or interest, you will have an opportunity to schedule an appointment for one-on-one consulting after attending this event.

Speaker(s): Gregg Bostick – Director at the Knoxville SBDC
Co-Sponsor(s): Blount Partnership
For event related questions, please reach out to Samantha Fox: sfox@tsbdc.org
Fee: No Cost

Nashville Entrepreneur Day: Spring 2026
2026-05-21 13:00 - 18:00 | Geodis Park, 501 Benton Avenue, Nashville, 37203
Last year, 1000+ investors, advisors, and business leaders showed up to Nashville Entrepreneur Day. They didn’t come for inspiration. They came to meet companies with actual traction. Don’t miss your chance.

Evergreen Youth Startup Day
2026-06-06 10:00 - 13:00 | Knoxville Entrepreneur Center,
A FREE half-day event for middle & high schoolers with a business idea. Take the Mogul Score quiz, pitch your idea, and meet real mentors.

You’ve got the idea. You’ve been thinking about it for weeks.
But is it actually ready to launch?
Evergreen Community Development Corp. invites middle and high school students in the Knoxville area to Evergreen Startup Day — a FREE, high-energy, half-day experience built for young entrepreneurs like you.
What You’ll Do
• Take the FREE Mogul Score quiz live at the event and find out exactly where your business idea stands
• Work in a small group with a real mentor who helps you sharpen your idea and map out your next steps
• Pitch your idea to the room — 60 seconds, no judgment, just practice saying it out loud to real people
• Get your official Mogul Score badge and be featured on the Evergreen Mogul Wall
• Connect with other young entrepreneurs from across Knoxville who share your drive
• Walk away with a personalized action plan and the next steps to actually launch
Who Is This For?
Any middle or high school student in the Knoxville area who has a business idea — no matter how big, small, or unfinished. No experience needed. No business plan required. No startup money necessary. You just need your idea and a willingness to show up. Whether you want to start a lawn care business, launch an Etsy shop, build an app, or sell your artwork — this event is for you.
The Schedule
1. 10:00 AM — Doors open, check-in, snacks, and meet your fellow moguls
2. 10:15 AM — Kickoff: the question every entrepreneur has to answer
3. 10:25 AM — Take the Mogul Score quiz live + badge reveal
4. 10:45 AM — Idea Bootcamp: small group mentorship session
5. 11:25 AM — The Mogul Pitch: 60 seconds, your idea, the room
6. 11:55 AM — Mogul Wall photos with your official badge
7. 12:15 PM — Closing, next steps, and how Evergreen can help you keep going
8. 12:30 PM — Open networking with mentors and fellow entrepreneurs
About the Venue
Knoxville Entrepreneur Center (KEC) — 17 Market Square, Suite 101, Knoxville, TN 37902. KEC is downtown Knoxville’s premier entrepreneurship hub, right on Market Square. Parking is available at the Market Square Garage (1.7 min walk) and Langley Garage (3.9 min walk).
About Evergreen Community Development Corp.
Evergreen Community Development Corp. is a trusted nonprofit that has helped hundreds of young people in Knoxville turn big ideas into real businesses and projects. We are dedicated to developing the next generation of entrepreneurs right here in our community. Safe, supportive, and built to help you succeed.
This event is FREE. Spots are limited.

Shrimp Boil
2026-06-11 17:00 - 19:00 | Tennessee
Join us for an evening of Peelin’ Eatin’ & Politickin’ at Shrimp Boil 2026!
This business climate program will feature great food and the opportunity for business community representatives to meet with local elected officials and others from across the state of Tennessee who have been invited to attend.
Two ticket options are available: individual tickets at standing cocktail tables, or table purchases for a sit-down experience.
Reserved tables include one table of ten (10), table sign displaying your logo, two drink tickets per guest + bucket of bottled beer, and a southern country boil buffet.
Parking will be available onsite.
Please email events@knoxvillechamber.com for invoice requests.

Sloss.Tech Conference in Birmingham, AL
2026-06-24 - 2026-06-26 | Downtown Birmingham, Alabama
Sloss Tech is the Southeast’s premier annual technology and innovation conference held in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, focusing on fostering, connecting, and showcasing the region’s growing tech scene. Founded in 2015, the three-day event features expert speakers, breakout sessions, and a major startup pitch competition with significant funding.

2026 NEXT Awards + Entrepreneurs’ Hall of Fame, Presented by Amazon
2026-10-19 17:30 - 22:00 | Schermerhorn Symphony Center
NEXT Awards and Entrepreneurs’ Hall of Fame is entrepreneurship’s biggest night to honor the up and comers, the game-changers and those that have left a legacy in their wake.
