Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

From Nashville but with Statewide Implications:

Jennifer Skjellum has joined the Launch Tennessee commercialization team full-time as Associate Director of University Engagement. While on contract, she played a critical role in the development of  Tennessee Technology Advancement Consortium (TTAC) over the past two years while simultaneously serving in her previous role at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Skjellum originally led the creation of the Commercialization Counselor model and will now be taking the lead on its statewide deployment, overseeing counselor development and coordination across all TTAC institutions that currently include:

1. East Tennessee State University;
2. Meharry Medical College;
3. Middle Tennessee State University;
4. Tennessee State University;
5. Tennessee Technological University; and
6. The University of Memphis

LaunchTN is also hiring three roles focused on the continued development of TTAC and its programming. They are:

1. TTAC Operations Coordinator;
2. Research Development Manager; and
3. TTAC Technology Manager.

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 engaged Lukasz Urbanski as the Director of its Stable Isotope Laser Program.

A seasoned technologist, he brings 12 years of experience in the semiconductor industry, specializing in high-power CO₂ laser systems for Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography. As a High-Power Laser Systems Architect at ASML Research, Dr. Urbanski led the development of next-generation drive lasers, critical components for laser-produced plasma in high-volume manufacturing EUV lithography systems. His work focused on scaling laser power and efficiency while reducing technology costs, resulting in multiple world records in power output, stability, repetition rate, and system architecture.

Prior to the architect role at ASML, Dr. Urbanski served as a Staff Systems Engineer, where he acted as a key interface between Research, Engineering, and Product Development teams. He coordinated cross-disciplinary efforts to translate early-stage innovations into manufacturable solutions, with a strong emphasis on system throughput and optical performance. His contributions spanned the entire product lifecycle, from concept and design through implementation, ensuring technical alignment and performance optimization across teams.

From Chattanooga:

The Summer Edition of Chattanooga’s annual Basecamp returns Thursday, June 12. Over a six-hour period starting at 9 a.m. EDT, there will be two panels and several networking opportunities. The first panel, beginning at 11 a.m., will explore how local teams and tourism institutions that fuel Chattanooga’s energy and civic pride. Moderated by Malcolm Harris, the panelists include Andrew Zito, Vice President of the Chattanooga Lookouts; Calvin M. Claggett, Director of Marketing for the Chattanooga Football Club; and Allison Wolfe, Director of Community Engagement for Chattanooga Tourism Co.

The second panel, which starts at 12:30 p.m., focuses on how accessible, inclusive public programming helps build stronger communities. Panelists are Dawn Hjelseth, Vice President of Marketing & Communication at River City Company; Carla Pritchard, Owner of Chattanooga Presents; and a representative of Hamilton County Department of Parks & Recreation.

Hosted by The Enterprise Center at the Choo Choo Courtyard + Skate Station, the event is sponsored by UNUM and Hamilton County Parks & Recreation. To register, click here.

Another from Oak Ridge:

Erik Olds is the newly named Manager of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management (OREM). He was selected for the post earlier this month.

As OREM’s manager, Olds oversees the advancement of DOE’s environmental cleanup mission at the Y-12 National Security Complex, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and East Tennessee Technology Park. That mission is eliminating risks, enabling research and national security missions, and making cleaned land available for reuse.

Prior to this role, Olds joined OREM in 2024 as the organization’s Deputy Manager where he oversaw daily operations including deactivation and demolition, capital projects, waste management and waste processing, surveillance and maintenance programs, and procurement and contract functions. He was named Interim Manager earlier this year.

From Jellico:

Jellico Elementary School won first place in the ninth annual “Dream it. Do it.” competition, which is sponsored by the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce and Consolidated Nuclear Security, managing contractor for the Y-12 National Security Complex.

“Dream It. Do It.” pairs eighth-grade students with local industries. The students produce videos describing the businesses, then the videos are judged to determine the winners of the competition. The goal of the program is to introduce students to careers in manufacturing and help develop the future workforce.

The program was initially offered to middle schools in Anderson County. Campbell County Schools were added last year, and Scott and Union counties were added this year. Students from the 10 schools worked with eight industry partners to learn more about careers and training opportunities in manufacturing available in the local area.

From Memphis:

Epicenter has announced several programs for which applications are being accepted.

They include the inaugural Epicenter Launch, an intensive, eight-week program designed specifically for innovative entrepreneurs with high-growth, high-impact start-up ideas. Here, founders learn essential skills, tools, and strategies to transform concepts into viable businesses. Participants will achieve these critical outcomes:

1. Lean Canvas Development: Clearly articulate your business model, value propositions, customer segments, and revenue streams.
2. Compelling Pitch Preparation: Master storytelling, build impactful slide decks, and outline a go-to-market strategy to confidently pitch to investors and partners.
3. 90-Day Strategic Plan: Craft a robust roadmap detailing clear milestones and immediate next steps to maintain momentum beyond the program.

Applications for this new program close on June 17. To apply, click here.

Also, Epicenter’s ZeroTo510 and AlchemistX have officially launched the Medical Device Operations Challenge (MDOC), a national call for start-ups to solve some of the most pressing operational challenges in the medtech industry. After two days of problem discovery sessions with leading medical device companies in Memphis, six real-world challenge statements have been released. From inventory tracking and surgical instrumentation to field feedback and continuous improvement, selected start-ups will work directly with industry leaders to develop solutions that can impact patient care and streamline healthcare operations.

Information on the six challenges and a link to the application can be found here. The application deadline is July 7.

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