Accelerator marks Techstars first in Tennessee

Media Contact: Cortney Piper, cpiper@tnadvancedenergy.com

Knoxville, Tenn. (June 3, 2021) — Oak Ridge National Lab, The University of Tennessee and the Tennessee Valley Authority today announced the launch of a Techstars Industries of the Future Accelerator. Cortney Piper, Executive Director of the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council, issued the following statement in response to today’s announcement.

“We are thrilled to welcome Techstars to Tennessee, and the Oak Ridge-Knoxville region, where we anticipate this accelerator will create opportunities for innovation and job creation that will have a meaningful impact on our local communities and the world. This moment in which UT, ORNL, and TVA are aligning forces is important. Adding Techstars to work with these institutional assets is a strategic advantage in advanced energy that Tennessee can claim.

The Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council (TAEBC) was created to champion the advanced energy industry, which includes fostering the growth of advanced energy startups and technologies.

With Techstars launching an accelerator in East Tennessee, it is further proof that our state has the talent, ideas, and skills to be a leader in advanced energy. TAEBC is thrilled about theTechstars Industries of the Future Accelerator and looks forward to meeting the 30 startups that will come to Tennessee to grow businesses that will change the world.”

About Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council

TAEBC champions advanced energy as an economic development and job creation strategy. Advanced energy is technology neutral and includes electricity and transportation. Anything that makes energy cleaner, safer, more secure or more efficient is in the tent. No other entity in the state concentrates specifically on this robust sector. We educate public officials and business leaders about Tennessee’s advanced energy economy, establish strategic partnerships to connect assets with opportunities, and inform policy that expands and strengthens the industry. For more information, visit: https://tnadvancedenergy.com/