Faculty Innovator Showcase
Spotlighting Breakthroughs. Creating Connections.
April 22nd 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Memorial Gym
Tennessee Tech University
W 8th St, Cookeville, TN 38505
The Faculty Innovator Showcase is a signature annual event that celebrates and elevates the groundbreaking work
of Tennessee Tech researchers. Hosted by TN Tech's Tech Transfer and powered by the
Tennessee Technology Advancement Consortium (TTAC), the Showcase brings together campus
innovators, industry professionals, government partners, and regional stakeholders
for a day of discovery, networking, and opportunity.
This is more than a poster session or a presentation — it’s a stage for ideas that shape our economy and society.
Itinerary
Free and open to the public—no registration required.
- 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. - Tradeshow (poster session): Presenters will demonstrate their technologies to the public.
- 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. - Presenters will give five‑minute presentations outlining their
technology, the problem it solves, the market opportunity, and planned next steps.
Presenter Registration
Tennessee Tech faculty or staff with an innovative project, research application, or early‑stage invention may register to present. Projects do not need to be patented to qualify. Whether you are developing a new technology, exploring commercialization pathways, or simply interested in sharing your work with a wider audience, the Faculty Innovator Showcase is your opportunity to highlight your work and engage with the public. Registered participants will receive additional information and instructions after completing registration.
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Gain Exposure: Present your innovation to decision-makers from industry, government, and economic development sectors.
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Spark New Collaborations: Build relationships with potential research, funding, and licensing partners.
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Receive $1,500 Non-instructional/extra pay: Faculty presenters who have submitted an invention disclosure will receive $1,500 in non‑instructional (extra) pay in recognition of their participation. Faculty presenters without a submitted invention disclosure will receive $1,000. Invention dislosure form.
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Support Your Commercialization Journey: Showcase participation often aligns with TTAC Proof of Concept grant submissions, invention disclosures, and patenting milestones.
Can the Public Attend?
This event is open to the public at no cost (no registration required). This is an open-door opportunity to see what’s next at Tennessee Tech — and be a part of it. Who should attend:
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Faculty Innovators across all disciplines — from engineering and science to the arts and humanities.
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Students interested in research, entrepreneurship, or career pathways in innovation.
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Industry, Government, and Ccommunity Leaders looking to connect with new technologies, university talent, and applied research.
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Economic Development Professionals focused on tech-based growth and partnerships.
Past Highlights
Previous showcases have featured inventions in clean energy, AI and data science applications, assistive technologies, sustainable agriculture, education innovations, and more. Presenters have gone on to secure grants, licensing deals, patents, and strategic partnerships proving the Showcase is more than an event, it’s a launchpad.
View the 2025 Showcase Gallery
Questions?
Want to know if your project is a fit? Curious how to prepare your display or presentation? We’re here to help you shine. Reach out to Michael Aikens at maikens@tntech.edu to learn more.