National Science Foundation

Founded in 1794, we’re big on tradition and proud of our humble beginnings as the first public university chartered west of the Appalachian Divide. We serve the state by educating its citizens, enhancing the culture, and making a difference in people’s lives through research and service. U.S. News & World Report ranks UT fiftieth among all public universities in the nation. By attracting the best and brightest students and leading faculty, we’re on track to join our peers in the nation’s Top 25. An aggressive roadmap guides our journey. We’re improving undergraduate and graduate education, research, support for faculty and staff, our campus infrastructure, and our resources. With more than 27,000 students and 10,000 faculty and staff, we power the state’s economy and fuel innovations that yield ideas and solutions that improve people’s lives and our society. Our faculty are renowned scholars in their disciplines and committed teachers who serve through the university’s nine undergraduate colleges and eleven graduate and professional programs. With more than 300 degree programs, we prepare and empower leaders in just about every profession. Our engineering, business, education, law, and social work programs consistently rank among the Top 50 in the nation among public universities, at the undergraduate or graduate level. UT is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Consistently cited as a “best buy” and great value, we’re committed to access and affordability. A wide range of scholarships help to open doors for many qualified students to become Volunteers. The number of students who study abroad has soared during recent years with the rise in new scholarships, internships, and service learning opportunities around the world. We are committed to ensuring our campus is a welcoming environment where people are open to learning from one another. We celebrate our differences and the opportunities they create through experiences with people who have different beliefs and come from other places, cultures, and backgrounds. Diversity means more to our campus community than race and ethnicity; it’s about moving beyond just tolerance to a place of understanding about political views, religion, gender identity, values, age, abilities, and sexual orientation, among other differences. We are proud of our students and committed to their success by providing comprehensive academic support and programs that engage them in campus life. Each new freshman class demonstrates our ever-increasing academic quality. A quick drive through our 560-acre campus illustrates our momentum in enhancing our academic and student life facilities. We opened the $40 million Natalie L. Haslam Music Center, home of the university’s School of Music, the $23.2 million John D. Tickle Engineering Building, which houses the departments of civil and environmental engineering and industrial and systems engineering, and the Fred D. Brown Residence Hall. Work also continues on the new student union, the largest single project in the university’s history. Thirteen new sorority houses, adjacent to campus, are part of the Sorority Village development on Morgan Hill. Our campus master plan guides our vision, which includes a more pedestrian-friendly campus with more green space and the addition of significant classroom and laboratory space in the next decade. Our undergraduate and graduate students have unprecedented opportunities for hands-on work and research through our partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research provides opportunities for graduate students in energy-related science and engineering and puts the university front and center in training the country’s scientists to take on the world’s most challenging energy problems. The partnerships enhance the state’s role as a growing hub for research in critical challenges that include alternative energy, national security, and the creation of new materials. The new UT Humanities Center is broadening research opportunities in the disciplines through a fellows program modeled after the National Humanities Center.

Secure Food Solutions, Inc. is a food safety company based in Martin, Tennessee, established in 2014. The company specializes in developing advanced technologies for the rapid detection of toxins, pathogens, and other contaminants in the global food supply. Among its notable innovations is a patented hyperspectral imaging technology specifically designed to identify corn contaminated with aflatoxin. Additionally, Secure Food Solutions offers rapid microbial tests that monitor and enumerate dangerous pathogens throughout the food and water supply chains. These diagnostic tools enable clients to enhance their food safety programs and mitigate the public health risks associated with foodborne illnesses and outbreaks, all while maintaining affordability.

CrossLink Composites, founded in 2017 and based in Harriman, Tennessee, specializes in developing proprietary carbon fiber technology tailored for various industrial applications. The company focuses on providing low-cost, high-performance carbon fiber and composites designed for sectors such as cleantech, automotive, wind energy, and civil infrastructure. By emphasizing high-volume industrial applications, CrossLink Composites aims to meet the specific needs of its customers with customized carbon fiber solutions.

TCPoly, Inc. specializes in the design, manufacture, and sale of thermally conductive plastics and 3D printing materials aimed at enhancing the thermal management of electronic devices. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with an additional office in Knoxville, Tennessee, the company offers a range of products, including filaments, heat sinks, cold plates, LED fixtures, and battery packs. Notably, TCPoly developed Ice9TM Flex, a thermally conductive 3D printing filament that is widely used in industries such as heat exchangers, mold tooling, and electronics thermal management. The company's innovative materials are lightweight, electrically insulating, and corrosion-resistant, allowing clients to achieve efficient thermal performance while reducing heating and cooling costs in commercial applications. TCPoly's products are distributed in over 20 countries, showcasing its global reach and impact in the additive manufacturing sector.

Eden Concepts is a precision agriculture technology development and consulting firm based in Lenoir City, Tennessee, founded in 2018. The company focuses on enhancing farm productivity for small farmers by providing innovative solutions for vegetable and specialty crop cultivation. Its precision systems are designed to prepare and plant germinated seeds, replacing traditional methods of growing and transplanting seedlings. This approach not only improves soil health but also offers flexibility in crop selection, thereby helping farmers reduce labor costs and streamline energy-intensive farming processes.

Dextrous Robotics is a robotics company established in 2019 and based in Memphis, Tennessee. The firm specializes in developing AI-enabled robots designed for warehouse operations. These robots assist in various tasks, including loading and unloading pallets, trucks, and containers, as well as material picking, sorting, and storage. By providing advanced automation solutions, Dextrous Robotics aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of logistics processes for its clients.

EndoShunt Medical, founded in 2022 and based in Nashville, Tennessee, specializes in developing a medical device aimed at targeted hemorrhage control in emergency situations. The company's innovative device facilitates endovascular shunting of blood past hemorrhaging vessels, allowing surgeons to perform definitive repairs while maintaining blood flow. This technology is designed to enhance outcomes in critical care scenarios, addressing the urgent need for effective solutions in managing severe bleeding.

Winter Innovations is a medical device company based in Knoxville, TN, focused on enhancing patient outcomes following orthopedic injuries. Founded in 2018, the company is currently developing EasyWhip, a patent-pending suturing needle specifically designed for orthopedic ligament and tendon reconstruction surgeries. This innovative device aims to simplify and standardize the whip stitching process, providing surgeons with improved ease of use, speed, stability, and versatility. By streamlining these procedures, Winter Innovations seeks to enhance the efficiency and consistency of orthopedic reconstruction, ultimately benefiting both surgeons and patients.

NellOne Therapeutics, Inc. is a regenerative medicine company based in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, focused on developing and commercializing protein therapeutics aimed at restoring cardiac muscle mass and function in patients recovering from myocardial infarctions and congestive heart failure. The company was established as a spin-off from the U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where research on the Nell1 gene's pathway was conducted, revealing its role in the formation of critical mammalian tissues and organs. Founded by Battelle Ventures, NellOne is dedicated to translating this scientific discovery into effective clinical applications for heart recovery.

Active Energy Systems is leveraging its scientific expertise to develop and market an improved form of ice thermal energy storage. The company's headquarters are in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Healing Innovations, Inc. is a medical technology company based in Nashville, Tennessee, founded in 2018. The company specializes in the development and commercialization of advanced robotic rehabilitation equipment designed for individuals recovering from conditions such as spinal cord injuries, strokes, traumatic brain injuries, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and muscular dystrophy. By focusing on innovative rehabilitation technology, Healing Innovations aims to enhance health, mobility, and independence for patients. Their products are intended to improve efficiency and the quality of care in various rehabilitation settings, making these advanced solutions more accessible and affordable for both medical professionals and managed care groups.

Couture Technologies is a software development firm established in 2019 and based in Gallatin, Tennessee. The company focuses on utilizing artificial intelligence, machine learning, and 3D simulation technologies to enhance retail experiences. Its software enables retailers to create photo-realistic 3D simulations of products, allowing customers to virtually try them on with high accuracy. This innovative approach empowers retailers to offer a personalized and immersive shopping experience, helping them better engage with their customers.

CrossLink Composites, founded in 2017 and based in Harriman, Tennessee, specializes in developing proprietary carbon fiber technology tailored for various industrial applications. The company focuses on providing low-cost, high-performance carbon fiber and composites designed for sectors such as cleantech, automotive, wind energy, and civil infrastructure. By emphasizing high-volume industrial applications, CrossLink Composites aims to meet the specific needs of its customers with customized carbon fiber solutions.

VenoStent, Inc. is a clinical-stage tissue engineering company based in Nashville, Tennessee, with an additional office in Houston, Texas. Founded in 2017, it specializes in the development of bioresorbable smart polymers designed to enhance vascular surgery outcomes. The company’s primary product, SelfWrap, is a perivascular wrap that functions as an external stent, providing mechanical support to veins and promoting outward growth. This innovative technology aims to reduce complications at the vein-artery junction in dialysis patients, particularly by minimizing vein collapse and improving the usability of arteriovenous fistulas (AVF). By utilizing a new class of shape-memory polymers that do not require sutures, VenoStent's approach reduces surgery time and lowers the risk of infection, ultimately enhancing the quality and length of life for patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis.

LiBAMA Power, established in 2017 and based in Cookeville, Tennessee, specializes in the design, manufacture, and marketing of advanced metal anodes (AMAs) for next-generation lithium-metal batteries. The company's core business involves developing and commercializing cutting-edge lithium metal battery technology, aiming to enhance energy density without disrupting existing manufacturing processes. This innovation caters to various industries, including consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and aerospace, offering unprecedented mobile power solutions.

TCPoly, Inc. specializes in the design, manufacture, and sale of thermally conductive plastics and 3D printing materials aimed at enhancing the thermal management of electronic devices. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with an additional office in Knoxville, Tennessee, the company offers a range of products, including filaments, heat sinks, cold plates, LED fixtures, and battery packs. Notably, TCPoly developed Ice9TM Flex, a thermally conductive 3D printing filament that is widely used in industries such as heat exchangers, mold tooling, and electronics thermal management. The company's innovative materials are lightweight, electrically insulating, and corrosion-resistant, allowing clients to achieve efficient thermal performance while reducing heating and cooling costs in commercial applications. TCPoly's products are distributed in over 20 countries, showcasing its global reach and impact in the additive manufacturing sector.

VenoStent, Inc. is a clinical-stage tissue engineering company based in Nashville, Tennessee, with an additional office in Houston, Texas. Founded in 2017, it specializes in the development of bioresorbable smart polymers designed to enhance vascular surgery outcomes. The company’s primary product, SelfWrap, is a perivascular wrap that functions as an external stent, providing mechanical support to veins and promoting outward growth. This innovative technology aims to reduce complications at the vein-artery junction in dialysis patients, particularly by minimizing vein collapse and improving the usability of arteriovenous fistulas (AVF). By utilizing a new class of shape-memory polymers that do not require sutures, VenoStent's approach reduces surgery time and lowers the risk of infection, ultimately enhancing the quality and length of life for patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis.

Tennessee State University’s College of Engineering provides quality education in engineering, technology, mathematics, and computer science. It aims to produce graduates with technical competency and excellence, leadership skills, and a global life/language experience. Tennessee State University’s College of Engineering was founded in 1912.

Active Energy Systems is leveraging its scientific expertise to develop and market an improved form of ice thermal energy storage. The company's headquarters are in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Stony Creek Colors, Inc. is a manufacturer of bio-based colorants specifically designed for the textile industry. Founded in 2012 and based in Springfield, Tennessee, the company collaborates with small farmers in the Southeast U.S. to produce plant-based dyes, including indigo. Stony Creek Colors aims to provide clean and safe natural dyes that replace hazardous chemicals traditionally used in textile manufacturing. By focusing on sustainable practices, the company enables the textile and fashion industries to offer environmentally conscious premium products to consumers.

Path Ex, Inc. is a Nashville-based company established in 2017 that specializes in the development of extracorporeal blood-cleansing equipment aimed at treating sepsis, a severe and often fatal condition linked to blood-borne infections. The company has created a proprietary technology that selectively separates and captures bacteria and toxins from human blood, offering a novel approach to treatment. Unlike traditional methods that rely on broad-spectrum antibiotics to kill infections, Path Ex's device effectively removes intact bacteria from the bloodstream, regardless of the bacteria type or antibiotic resistance. This innovative technology has the potential to improve patient outcomes by reducing diagnostic times, treatment costs, readmission rates, and fatalities associated with sepsis.

Secure Food Solutions, Inc. is a food safety company based in Martin, Tennessee, established in 2014. The company specializes in developing advanced technologies for the rapid detection of toxins, pathogens, and other contaminants in the global food supply. Among its notable innovations is a patented hyperspectral imaging technology specifically designed to identify corn contaminated with aflatoxin. Additionally, Secure Food Solutions offers rapid microbial tests that monitor and enumerate dangerous pathogens throughout the food and water supply chains. These diagnostic tools enable clients to enhance their food safety programs and mitigate the public health risks associated with foodborne illnesses and outbreaks, all while maintaining affordability.

Vanderbilt University, located in Nashville, Tennessee, is a prominent private research institution with approximately 6,500 undergraduate students and 5,300 graduate and professional students. The university encompasses ten schools, including the highly regarded Peabody College, known for its excellence in education. Vanderbilt offers a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including liberal arts, sciences, engineering, and music. The university is consistently ranked among the top 20 in the nation, with numerous programs recognized in the top 10. The Vanderbilt University Office of Investments oversees the university's endowment fund, which plays a crucial role in providing financial stability and growth. This office collaborates with the Investment Committee of the Vanderbilt Board of Trust to establish asset allocation policies, select investment managers, and monitor performance, with a significant focus on alternative assets such as private equity, real estate, hedge funds, and natural resources.

PurSolutions is a biotechnology startup that specializes in cytoskeletons for self-assembling materials and devices. The company was founded in 2015 and is based in Nashville, Tennessee.

Path Ex, Inc. is a Nashville-based company established in 2017 that specializes in the development of extracorporeal blood-cleansing equipment aimed at treating sepsis, a severe and often fatal condition linked to blood-borne infections. The company has created a proprietary technology that selectively separates and captures bacteria and toxins from human blood, offering a novel approach to treatment. Unlike traditional methods that rely on broad-spectrum antibiotics to kill infections, Path Ex's device effectively removes intact bacteria from the bloodstream, regardless of the bacteria type or antibiotic resistance. This innovative technology has the potential to improve patient outcomes by reducing diagnostic times, treatment costs, readmission rates, and fatalities associated with sepsis.

Secure Food Solutions, Inc. is a food safety company based in Martin, Tennessee, established in 2014. The company specializes in developing advanced technologies for the rapid detection of toxins, pathogens, and other contaminants in the global food supply. Among its notable innovations is a patented hyperspectral imaging technology specifically designed to identify corn contaminated with aflatoxin. Additionally, Secure Food Solutions offers rapid microbial tests that monitor and enumerate dangerous pathogens throughout the food and water supply chains. These diagnostic tools enable clients to enhance their food safety programs and mitigate the public health risks associated with foodborne illnesses and outbreaks, all while maintaining affordability.

Branch Technology, Inc. is a Chattanooga-based company that specializes in advanced 3D printing and cellular fabrication technologies. Founded in 2014 by Christopher W. Weller and Platt Boyd, the company creates innovative structures using its proprietary algorithms to design complex geometries in open space without relying on support materials or controlled environments. Branch Technology focuses on producing a variety of products, including decorative walls, non-loadbearing interior partitions, and exhibition structures. Its unique approach allows for the construction of designs that traditional methods cannot achieve, offering clients benefits such as cost-effectiveness, enhanced material strength, and improved energy efficiency.

Stony Creek Colors, Inc. is a manufacturer of bio-based colorants specifically designed for the textile industry. Founded in 2012 and based in Springfield, Tennessee, the company collaborates with small farmers in the Southeast U.S. to produce plant-based dyes, including indigo. Stony Creek Colors aims to provide clean and safe natural dyes that replace hazardous chemicals traditionally used in textile manufacturing. By focusing on sustainable practices, the company enables the textile and fashion industries to offer environmentally conscious premium products to consumers.

Branch Technology, Inc. is a Chattanooga-based company that specializes in advanced 3D printing and cellular fabrication technologies. Founded in 2014 by Christopher W. Weller and Platt Boyd, the company creates innovative structures using its proprietary algorithms to design complex geometries in open space without relying on support materials or controlled environments. Branch Technology focuses on producing a variety of products, including decorative walls, non-loadbearing interior partitions, and exhibition structures. Its unique approach allows for the construction of designs that traditional methods cannot achieve, offering clients benefits such as cost-effectiveness, enhanced material strength, and improved energy efficiency.