Tennessee Tech to host 3rd annual ‘Faculty Innovator Showcase’ this April
The 'Faculty Innovator Showcase' is a signature annual event that celebrates and elevates the groundbreaking work of Tennessee Tech researchers.
On April 22, Tennessee Tech University (TTU) will host its third annual Faculty Innovator Showcase, an event designed to bring together campus innovators, industry professionals, government partners, and regional stakeholders for a day of discovery, networking, and opportunity.
The event, held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. CDT at the TTU Memorial Gym, is hosted by Tennessee Tech’s Office of Tech Transfer and powered by LaunchTN‘s Tennessee Technology Advancement Consortium (TTAC). It will feature two phases:
- 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Tradeshow & Poster Session: A hands-on hour where presenters demonstrate their technologies and engage directly with the public.
- 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Pitch Presentations: Presenters take the stage for five-minute pitches outlining their technology, the problem it solves, and its market potential.
The event is free and open to the public, with no registration required for attendees.
“The Faculty Innovator Showcase is about more than just presenting research. Our goal is to provide a launchpad where our faculty can connect with the industry and community leaders who can help take their ideas to the next level,” said Michael Aikens, Acting Vice President for Research & Economic Development.
Incentivizing innovation
For TTU faculty, the event offers more than just exposure. It provides a tangible boost to their commercialization journey.
Faculty presenters who have submitted an invention disclosure will receive $1,500 in non-instructional pay. Those without a disclosure on file will receive $1,000.
Beyond the stipend, participation often serves as a springboard for TTAC Proof of Concept grants, patenting milestones, and licensing deals. Many previous presenters have successfully leveraged the showcase to secure strategic partnerships and federal funding.
Interested in presenting?
Faculty and staff with innovative projects (patented or not) are encouraged to connect with Aikens via email.
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