Center for Rural Innovation at Tennessee Tech University

09/24/2026

Want to connect your research with industry? Launch Tennessee has two upcoming virtual sessions to help Tennessee Tech faculty and researchers get started with TNIX and make the most of the platform.

Sept. 30 | 3–4 p.m. CT
TNIX Account Setup Training: Get Discovered by Industry Partners
Get your account set up, build a profile that showcases your expertise and learn how TNIX connects researchers with industry-sponsored partnership opportunities.

Oct. 7 | 1–2 p.m. CT
Connect Your Research with Industry: TNIX Partnering Best Practices
Already on TNIX? Take the next step by learning how to respond to partnership opportunities, publish listings and position your research to stand out to potential industry partners.

Register for one or both sessions: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/JySjr2vNQYSMLpCznfMJAQ #/registration

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/mZ0RtXCWQru-O5ZzAbYzQw #/registration

09/23/2026

Your research has value. Do you know how to protect it, or where it could go next?

Join us Sept. 29 at 11 a.m. for Protecting Your Research: Intellectual Property for Faculty, the first in our TTAC faculty workshop series.

We’ll break down the fundamentals of patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, and research data, while introducing the funding, resources, and commercialization support available to Tennessee Tech faculty through TTAC.

If you’re working on research, software, an invention, or another project with commercial potential, come learn what resources are available to help you move it forward.

Register online to attend: 927579ac-c904-4c02-a8a5-13758476c853@66fecaf8-3dc0-4d2c-b8b8-eff0ddea46f0?source=copyLinkLegacyShareEventDialog" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/927579ac-c904-4c02-a8a5-13758476c853@66fecaf8-3dc0-4d2c-b8b8-eff0ddea46f0?source=copyLinkLegacyShareEventDialog

09/22/2026

Tennessee Tech showed up in a big way at LaunchTN’s 3686 conference this year!

Our team spent the last couple of days in Nashville for 3686, and there was a LOT happening. We sat in on conversations about AI, quantum technology, grid innovation, research commercialization, startup funding, and where Tennessee’s innovation economy might be headed next.

We also got to catch up with some familiar faces, meet a whole bunch of new ones, and share some of what we’ve been working on at Tennessee Tech University.

And a special thank you to Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council for inviting us to be part of this year’s Partner Popups! LaunchTN knocked it out of the park this year, and we’re already looking forward to the next one!

09/20/2026

We are thrilled to be a small part of the Upper Cumberland TN tourism success 👏🏼💛

Tourism Pumps Nearly $550 Million Into Upper Cumberland Economy. Regional tourism leaders gathered in Gatlinburg this week to spotlight the partnerships and local businesses driving the Upper Cumberland’s tourism growth.

READ MORE: https://www.ucbjournal.com/tourism-pumps-nearly-550-million-into-upper-cumberland-economy/

09/15/2026

09/15/2026

What if the future of the energy grid could also create new opportunities for Appalachia?

On Wednesday, Dr. Michael Aikens will join Mike Marshall, Lilly Tench, and Miles Biggs for HILLTOP+ Spotlight: Grid Innovation in Tennessee to talk about what grid innovation could mean for people and communities across the region.

There’s a bigger picture here than just how we power our homes and businesses. New energy technology will also mean new jobs, new businesses, and new opportunities for the region.

Dr. Aikens will also share how HILLTOP+ is helping move promising new energy technologies closer to real-world use, and what that could mean for the region.

📅 Wednesday, Sept. 16 | 1:45 - 2:45 p.m. CT
📍 Launch Tennessee Office | 601 Taylor Pl.

Register with the link below:
https://luma.com/l0ux9usg

09/10/2026

We love doing these workshops!!! If your chamber or organization is interested, let us know!

08/18/2026

What does it mean for a university to be a good neighbor?

In a new Knox News op-ed, Tennessee Tech President Phil Oldham highlights how the university is putting its people, expertise, and resources to work beyond campus, including through Rural Reimagined, which has worked across all 78 of Tennessee’s rural-designated counties.

“From tourism branding and economic impact studies to grant support and community planning, our faculty, staff and students are helping rural communities unlock opportunities they might not otherwise have the resources to pursue.”

We’re proud to see Rural Reimagined highlighted and the incredible work our faculty, staff, and students are doing alongside rural communities across Tennessee.

Read President Oldham’s full piece below.

https://www.knoxnews.com/story/opinion/2026/08/18/opinion-universities-should-make-the-best-neighbors/91341318007/

Projects like Rural Reimagined and Tech Engineering for Kids are making a tangible difference in the lives of Tennesseans, writes Philip B. Oldham.

08/17/2026

We’re headed to 3686! 🎉

TCRI Executive Director Michael Aikens will lead our Partner Popup at Launch Tennessee’s 3686 Entrepreneurship Festival this September in Nashville.

From September 14–16, founders, investors, innovators, and leaders from across the country will come together for three days of conversations, connections, and opportunities designed to move ideas and businesses forward.

If you’re joining us at 3686, be sure to add TCRI’s Partner Popup to your list. We’ll share more details about Michael’s session as we get closer!

Registration and event information: attend3686.com

LaunchTN, The Biz Foundry, Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council

08/13/2026

Our newest Tennessee Rural Fellows are already looking ahead to the impact they hope to make in their host communities. Take a moment to meet the cohort and hear what they're most excited about as they begin their fellowship journey.

Thank you to TNECD for highlighting these talented fellows!
Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development