Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

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Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Official account of the Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the University of Tennessee.

09/16/2026

Welcome to the Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation! 🍊

The Anderson Center is here to support students at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey — from exploring a new idea to building and growing a business.

Through hands-on programs, startup coaching, competitions, events and more, we’re helping students turn ideas into action and discover what’s possible through entrepreneurship.

No matter your major or experience level, there’s a place for you at the Anderson Center. We’re glad you're here!

Come see us | HBB 418

09/08/2026

Agriculture is a lot more innovative than you might think 👀🌱

Join us for a conversation with founders who are doing things a little differently—from drone technology and smarter equipment to turning a family farm into an interactive Airbnb experience.

Come hear how they found their ideas, built something from them and are bringing a fresh perspective to the agriculture space.

📍ANR 123
📅 Monday, September 14
⏰11:30am-12:30pm

Come curious. Leave inspired. 💡

09/07/2026

Ready to put your business plan in front of investors for your chance at $5,000? 👀

The Graves Business Plan Competition gives current UT students the opportunity to pitch their original business ideas in a 10-minute, in-person presentation for a chance at startup funding.

📌Apply to pitch in either the Growth or Lifestyle category
📌Practice, prep, and prepare for pitch day
📌Pitch in front of judges for your chance to win!

Prizes are awarded to the top three teams in each category:

$5,000 for first place
$3,000 for second
$2,000 for third

Applications open now! Don't miss your chance to get eyes on your business plan! 💡 👀

Apply here: https://bit.ly/4yjmyzb

09/03/2026

Waiting until you feel 100% ready? You might be waiting a while 👀

Starting something new means figuring it out as you go — mistakes, pivots and all.

And you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our Startup Coaches are here to help you talk through your idea, work through what’s holding you up and figure out your next move.

Take it from a coach: start before you’re ready. 💡

09/02/2026

UT alum David Youngblood (’02) found opportunity by solving the problems bigger businesses overlooked. 🍊

As CFO of Strategic Acquisitions Group and owner of EJ Thermo, Youngblood has built his career around identifying specialized needs, creating innovative solutions and finding opportunities to grow.

His advice for aspiring entrepreneurs? Be willing to take the leap.

“I always encourage people to take that risk or take that leap.”

Now, Youngblood is giving back as an Anderson Center startup coach, helping the next generation of entrepreneurs do the same.

Read his full story: https://bit.ly/4qMJgxn

09/01/2026

September is looking a little busy around here 👀

We’ve got a full month of events coming your way. Save the dates, grab your friends and come hang out with us!

See you soon 🍊

08/31/2026

Thinking about pitching at Vol Court but still working out the details? That’s exactly what the Feedback Session is for. 👀🍊

Stop by to meet with startup coaches, get feedback on your idea, ask questions, or practice your 90-second pitch. No polished pitch (or fully figured-out business) required.

Every student who attends the Feedback Session will get priority on Pitch Night!

See you there:
📅 September 2nd
🕜 10am-2pm
📍 SU 262A

08/28/2026

What a summer. 🍊

After 10 weeks of building, testing, learning and growing, our 2026 Summer Studio cohort celebrated just how far they’d come at Demo Day on August 20th.

20 entrepreneurs. Six colleges represented. One summer filled with bold ideas and a community of mentors, donors, presenters and supporters who helped make it possible.

Now, we’re taking a look back at the people, progress and impact behind Summer Studio 2026.

🔗 Read the full story: https://haslam.utk.edu/news/ut-entrepreneurship-center-celebrates-of-a-summer-of-growth-and-innovation/

Address

418 Haslam Business Building
Knoxville, TN
37996

Telephone

+18659745126

Website

https://haslam.utk.edu/anderson-center

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