Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

From Oak Ridge:

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) work on the cutting edge of science to develop new methods and tools that combat many of the world’s challenges. But after discovery, how can researchers connect their innovative technology with a company that can further develop and implement it?

Communication is key.

“The ability to explain your research to somebody who doesn’t have the same scientific background is extremely important when trying to build partnerships or bring research out of the lab and into the real world,” said Nicholas Gregorich, a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the lab’s Chemical Sciences Division.

Gregorich and Syed Islam, R&D staff, recently completed Cohort 19 of the Energy I-Corps program, an initiative of the Department of Energy’s Office of Technology Transitions that provides teams of researchers and industry mentors with an immersive two-month training to develop commercialization pathways for laboratory-developed technologies. The two researchers worked with industry mentor Zamidi Ahmad, R&D manager at GENERON, on their technology named Green Capture. The membrane technology, initially developed through funding from ORNL’s Laboratory Directed Research and Development program, absorbs carbon dioxide from industrial emissions, such as those from power plants or cement or steel production. It’s more cost-effective, energy-efficient, and sustainable than technology currently on the market.

From Cookeville:

The Biz Foundry is hosting a “Happy Hour & Open Mic Pitch Night” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. CST on February 18 at its office, 114 North Cedar Avenue.  The Upper Cumberland’s entrepreneur center invites individuals to practice pitching their idea in a fun, low-pressure setting (no slides needed!). Get feedback and make connections with fellow entrepreneurs and creatives. Attendees can also enjoy a free beer while soaking in new ideas and inspiration. Whether you’re stepping up to the mic or just there to support and connect, you’ll walk away with fresh insights, new connections, and a boost of confidence. To register, click here.

From Chattanooga:

The inaugural issue of the Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative‘s Quantum Connect has just been published. Among the news items at the end is a report that the group has joined the QllianSE  consortium, a new collaboration aimed at fostering quantum innovation across the Southeast. Consisting of leading universities, quantum technology companies, and industry players in sectors such as automotive and finance, members share a common interest in building momentum for our collective quantum future. “While there’s a long way to go, we’re excited to be part of the movement to develop a regional quantum ecosystem,” the group writes.

From Nashville:

The Greater Nashville Technology Council, along with Dell and Microsoft, is hosting a discussion titled “AI Unplugged: Shaping the Future in Music City.” Scheduled for 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. CST on February 12 in Nashville, the event will feature a presentation by Omar Hijazi, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Leader at Microsoft. After his presentation, there will be a panel discussion from Jason Morgan and Mike Henry, both with Tractor Supply Company, about that company’s experience with AI.

Following the panel discussion, attendees will break into industry-specific groups to share their own AI experiences, challenges, and success stories. This collaborative breakout session will allow participants to connect with peers in their field and learn how AI is impacting that industry locally and globally.

Another from Chattanooga:

Dr. David Altig, Executive Vice President and Chief Economic Adviser at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, will be one of the speakers at the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Outlook Breakfast” on February 18. He will be followed by City of Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly and Dr. Howard Wall,  University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Chief Economist, who will bring the discussion home with insights on what to expect for Chattanooga’s economy.

Doors open at 7:30 a.m. EST at the Walker Theatre for networking and a light breakfast, with the program starting at 8 a.m. Tickets can be purchased at this link.

Another from Oak Ridge:

The Energy, Technology, and Environmental Business Association (ETEBA) has scheduled an all-day “Business Opportunities Exchange” for February 27 at the Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter in Covington, KY. The event will provide participants with an opportunity to learn about what’s new with EMCBC (Environmental Management Consolidated Business Center) and upcoming federal opportunities and projects in the region, particularly the Portsmouth and Paducah Sites. It is also an opportunity to interact with Department of Energy leadership as well as providing ample opportunity to network with potential business partners.

Registration is $300 for ETEBA members and $450 for non-members.

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