We are hiring a Commercialization Counselor. See job posting here.
We are hiring a Commercialization Counselor. See job posting here.
Bring Your Ideas to Life
We help faculty and students turn breakthrough ideas into real-world solutions. We support faculty and researchers in protecting their intellectual property, exploring commercialization pathways, and connecting with industry partners to bring innovations to market. Whether you’re disclosing a new invention, seeking proof-of-concept funding, or showcasing your work to potential collaborators, our goal is to help you navigate the journey from research to impact — while advancing economic growth across Tennessee and beyond.
If you have an invention, want to license a technology, wish to start a spin-off company, or just an idea you’re exploring and want help understanding its commercial potential, we encourage you to engage with us. Please explore available resources below and/or connect with us directly.
Our Commercialization Pillars
- Ideation
Enabling translational research and access to innovation: We support faculty members in shaping their research into impactful real-world solutions by aligning innovation with market needs and increasing the value of intellectual property. - Development
Supporting university technologies with commercial potential: Our team provides critical development resources, including Proof of Concept funding and SBIR/STTR support, to help researchers reach key milestones that validate and de-risk their technologies. - Commercialization
Advancing technologies from lab to market: We facilitate startup formation, venture development, and marketing strategies for university-developed technologies — and connect researchers with industry partners to help move innovations into the marketplace.
Powered by the Tennessee Technology Advancement Consortium (TTAC)
Tennessee Tech is a proud member of the Tennessee Technology Advancement Consortium
(TTAC)—a statewide initiative led by Launch Tennessee (LaunchTN) to support innovation,
research commercialization, and entrepreneurship across Tennessee’s universities and
research institutions. TTAC provides the foundation and funding for our tech transfer
program. As a TTAC member, faculty, researchers, staff, and students at Tennessee
Tech have access to resources that help evaluate and advance the commercial potential
of ideas, technologies, and research discoveries. TTAC supports our institution in
screening and validating technologies, exploring intellectual property (IP) opportunities,
and connecting innovators to
commercialization pathways.
TTAC Resources Available to You
- TTAC Innovation Fellowship: A 6-week training program offered each Fall and Spring to help researchers evaluate commercial potential and explore entrepreneurial pathways. More Information Here
- TTAC Travel Grant: Supports travel to industry conferences and events that help advance the commercialization of your technology. More Information Here
- TTAC Proof of Concept Funding: Awards between $1,500–$15,000 to help validate early-stage ideas and build a proof of concept. More Information Here
- TTAC Maturation Grant: Awards of $50,000–$100,000 to help de-risk technologies through milestone-driven collaborations with industry partners. More Information Here
- TTAC Partnership Program: Funding for strategic events and initiatives that connect the university to external industry and innovation partners, fostering a culture of commercialization on campus. More Information Here.
Where Research Meets Real-world Change: Read Our Latest Stories
- From Soil to Sky, Tennessee Tech Is Redefining Rural Innovation
Discover how Tennessee Tech researchers are turning breakthrough ideas into real-world impact from electrified soil to hybrid flight. See how innovation is transforming rural communities and industries across Tennessee.
- Harnessing Power from Dirt
Tennessee Tech’s Terra Watts startup proves electricity can travel wirelessly through soil. Learn how this breakthrough could revolutionize farms, mines, and remote communities.
- Cleaner Skies, Smarter Engines, Cheaper Travel
Tech’s Minco Technologies is developing hybrid jet engines to cut fuel use and redefine aviation. Discover how faculty and students are powering the future of flight.
- Identifying the Hidden Patterns Behind Everyday Scams
Text-message scams are evolving, but Tech’s SmishViz platform is fighting back. See how AI-powered visualization helps cybersecurity experts detect and defend against new threats.
- Simplifying Smart Farming
AgriSmart Analytics uses AI and blockchain to turn farm data into actionable insights. Learn how this platform is making smart farming easier and more secure for producers.
Key Initiatives
Our Tech Transfer efforts are grounded in helping faculty and researchers turn ideas into innovation with real-world value. These key programs are designed to protect, fund, and elevate your work — from early-stage invention to market-ready solutions.
Submitting an invention disclosure is the first step in protecting your intellectual property and exploring its commercial potential. This process allows us to evaluate your innovation, provide guidance on patentability, and begin identifying pathways for development and licensing. Our team is here to assist every step of the way — from completing the disclosure form to conducting prior art searches, assessing feasibility, and identifying potential commercialization opportunities.
Learn More Now
The TTAC Proof of Concept Grant Program, in partnership with LaunchTN, helps bridge the gap between promising research and commercial application. Faculty can receive $500 to $10,000 in funding to de-risk early-stage ideas, achieve critical milestones, and move innovations closer to market readiness.
Our annual Faculty Innovator Showcase brings together faculty, industry partners, and government leaders to highlight campus-created inventions and research. It’s a celebration of innovation and a powerful networking opportunity that fosters collaboration, investment, and future commercialization.
Ready to Get Started or Looking for More Information?
Connect with our Tech Transfer team to discuss your invention, explore funding opportunities, or learn how we can support your path to commercialization.