News & Notes | BWXT awarded third grant from the state’s Nuclear Energy Fund
Nashville Entrepreneur Day scheduled as an all-afternoon event on May 15.
From Oak Ridge:
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter announced last week a grant of $715,000 for BWXT Enrichment Operations, LLC, a subsidiary of BWX Technologies, Inc., to support establishing a facility for the manufacturing of centrifuge assemblies in Oak Ridge near Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).
As part of the project, BWXT plans to create at least 60 new jobs and invest at least $45 million in the new facility. Additionally, the company announced the purchase of 96.53 acres in the Horison Center in Oak Ridge, where this facility will be located. That site is part of BWXT’s long-term plans to support fuel production for the National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) defense program mission.
The recent announcement also represents the third grant awarded from the state’s Nuclear Energy Fund, which assists nuclear power-related businesses choosing to relocate or grow in the Volunteer State and supports the state’s educational and research institutions in further developing their nuclear education programs.
The $50 million fund was in Governor Lee’s recommended 2023-2024 budget and approved by the Tennessee General Assembly. Another $10 million was allocated and approved in the state’s budget during the 2024 legislative session, with an additional $10 million recommended in the 2025 budget currently in review.
From Nashville:
The Nashville Entrepreneur Center (EC) will celebrate the graduates of its spring programs with a showcase and expo featuring their amazing work on May 15. The event begins at 1 p.m. CDT at Geodis Park, 501 Benton Avenue, and runs until 6 p.m.
Billed as Nashville Entrepreneur Day, it will be a celebration of innovation, entrepreneurship, and community impact in Nashville and around the world. Opening speakers include Metro Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell and Commissioner Stuart McWhorter of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.
“This event is for you if you’re a potential investor, advisor, community supporter, fellow entrepreneur, or simply curious about Nashville’s innovation scene,” the EC writes. “Whether you’re building your own venture or looking to invest in the next big idea, this is your chance to connect with Nashville’s most promising start-ups—all in one place, all in one afternoon.”
The afternoon event brings together 92 companies and 115 founders from five of the Nashville Entrepreneur Center’s accelerator programs to pitch their businesses to prospective customers, investors, connectors, and the community.
For more information and to register, click here.
Another from Nashville:
In its second year, the Nashville Innovation Summit has announced that the 2025 event is accepting applications for those who want to make 30-minute presentations at this year’s event. Scheduled for August 14 and 15 at the Music City Center, the Summit builds on the success of the nine-year running Nashville Analytics Summit. The Nashville Innovation Summit broadens its scope with data, artificial intelligence (AI), leadership, and innovation programming.
“Share your expertise, insights, and groundbreaking ideas with a room full of innovators, leaders, and changemakers,” the invitation reads. “We’re looking for dynamic speakers to deliver engaging 30-minute presentations on data, AI, leadership, and design thinking. Whether you’re unveiling cutting-edge research, sharing transformative case studies, or challenging conventional wisdom, this is your opportunity to make an impact, spark discussions, and inspire action. Apply now to take the stage and contribute to the future of innovation.”
For more information and to submit a proposal, click here.
From Knoxville:
Applications close May 16 for the newest cohort of the Spark Cleantech Accelerator at the University of Tennessee Research Park. Formal programming begins August 25 and will continue for 12 weeks. The program offers founders stipends, expert mentorship, prototyping support, and critical introductions to customers, investors, and partners.
Those selected for the program will receive:
- $15,000 stipend to help cover living expenses and business development.
- Tailored mentorship from industry and technical experts, in collaboration with the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council (TAEBC).
- Exclusive access to potential customers, investors, and strategic partners.
- Hands-on workshops and one-on-one coaching sessions.
- Partnership opportunities with leading organizations, including the Tennessee Valley Authority, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the City of Knoxville, the University of Tennessee, and members of the TAEBC.
To apply, click here.
From Chattanooga:
River City Company (RCC) has announced that Sarah Mattson has joined the firm as Senior Director of Economic Development, a new senior leadership position that will focus on growing and supporting the economic ecosystem of downtown Chattanooga. She joins RCC from the City of Chattanooga, where she served as Director of the Office of Entrepreneurship.
As Senior Director of Economic Development, Mattson will develop and execute strategic programs to proactively recruit new businesses and support the growth of existing businesses downtown.
PSA Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group, and McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) have agreed to terms for PSA to open and operate a maintenance base at the airport. As part of the deal, PSA will use the hangar previously occupied by a maintenance provider for another regional airline.
The TYS maintenance base will be PSA’s 10th maintenance base. It will be fully operational by this summer and is a strategic addition that supports PSA’s growing fleet and will serve as a “B check” facility. “B checks” occur two to three times each year and are more in-depth than routine checks that are performed frequently.
“As we continue to grow our fleet and further strengthen our reliability, the addition of our new maintenance base at McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville is an important step forward,” said Dion Flannery, PSA President and Chief Executive Officer. “Knoxville has aviation-rich talent, and we’re excited about the opportunity to add local aviation maintenance expertise to the PSA team, further enabling PSA to deliver satisfied customers to their destination safely and on time.”
PSA’s other maintenance bases are at Akron-Canton Airport (CAK), Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT), Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Dayton International Airport (DAY), Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), Norfolk International Airport (ORF), Pensacola International Airport (PNS), and Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV).
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