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Find similar grantsInnovation & Research for Industry Success (IRIS) Grant Program is sponsored by Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. Stimulates new industry-led R&D partnerships between Tennessee-based companies and the state's leading research institutions.
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TNECD Announces Launch of Innovation & Research for Industry Success Grant Program - TNECD TNECD Announces Launch of Innovation & Research for Industry Success Grant Program Grant to stimulate new industry-led research and development (R&D) partnerships between Tennessee-based companies and the state’s leading research institutions NASHVILLE, Tenn.
– The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) announced today the launch of the Innovation & Research for Industry Success (IRIS) Grant Program. IRIS funding, which aims to enhance and facilitate partnerships between private industry and the state’s leading research institutions, was in Gov. Bill Lee’s recommended FY2026 budget for TNECD and approved this spring by the Tennessee General Assembly.
These dollars are included in the $63 million allocated in this year’s budget for innovation-related initiatives and represent the largest investment in innovation in Tennessee history. “Tennessee is a top contributor to our nation’s economy because of our willingness to adapt and welcome emerging industries,” said Gov. Lee.
“The IRIS Grant Program is part of a historic investment in strategic economic development grants, and I thank the General Assembly for their partnership in signaling that that Volunteer State is the new frontier for America’s greatest innovators.
” The grant program will allow TNECD to encourage companies to pilot innovative technologies and pursue new discoveries within the state, which, in turn, will facilitate collaborations that highlight the strength of Tennessee’s research capabilities and foster long-term corporate investment in the state’s innovation ecosystem.
“We have been intentional in our efforts to promote new research and innovation across the state, beginning with the launch of the Transportation Network Growth Opportunity (TNGO) initiative in 2023, and today, with the announcement of IRIS,” said TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter.
“TNGO specifically focused on challenges in the mobility sector, and we are now launching the next step in our innovation strategy to spur collaboration between Tennessee-based companies and our state’s leading research institutions. ” Today, Tennessee is home to some of the most well-known companies and brands across the globe; however, the state is lagging when it comes to corporate research and development expenditures.
The IRIS grant program represents the next step in the state’s innovation efforts to demonstrate that Tennessee is a great place for companies to research, test and build for the future right here in their own backyard. As of July 1, 2025, applications for the inaugural round of IRIS funding are open and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Activities must involve collaboration between a company and research institution(s) aimed at developing new products, processes or technologies that support business growth or innovation. Activities should be investigative or experimental in nature, with a clear objective to advance technical knowledge or solve industry-specific challenges. For program guidelines, visit here , and to apply, click here .
Any questions or assistance identifying a research partner can be directed to IRIS@tn. gov . About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) TNECD is the state’s primary agency committed to fostering economic growth through job creation and community development.
By attracting new corporate investment and facilitating the growth of existing businesses, the department works to strengthen Tennessee’s competitive landscape. Additionally, TNECD strives to increase the economic prosperity for all Tennesseans by providing grants to communities statewide, helping them to become vibrant, business-friendly environments where companies can flourish. For more information, visit us at tnecd.
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Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: Tennessee-based companies seeking to partner with state research institutions. Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
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Agricultural Enterprise Fund is a grant from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture that funds value-added agricultural, food, and forestry businesses to support job creation and economic development in Tennessee. The program prioritizes projects that benefit other producers or forest landowners through processing, value-added production, market access, and agricultural innovation. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000. Eligible applicants include starting or expanding agricultural businesses, nonprofits, local governments, and other entities whose projects are located in Tennessee, with priority given to businesses in at-risk and distressed counties. The application deadline is July 10, 2026, and the selection process is competitive.
Governor's Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) is sponsored by Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. The GIVE initiative invests in competitively awarded community grants that fund regional partnerships between high schools, industry, and Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs). The aim is to build new work-based learning/apprenticeship programs, market-driven dual-credit opportunities, and expand industry-informed career and technical education offerings.
The purpose of this FOA is to provide funding for up to four (4) Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) that will provide entrepreneurial development services to Native American communities, focusing on supplying services to socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs in locations that are outside of the geographical areas of existing SBA resources. Eligible applicants must be Tribal Colleges and Universities as defined in the Higher Education Act HEA 316 (U.S.C. 1059c). Funding Opportunity Number: SB-GC7J-23-002. Assistance Listing: 59.007. Funding Instrument: G. Category: BC,ED. Award Amount: Up to $250K per award.
The purpose of this FOA is to provide funding for up to two (2) private, non-profit organizations that will provide entrepreneurial development services to women, with an emphasis on socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs in locations that are outside of the geographical areas of existing WBCs for the District of Columbia (DC) and the State of Oregon. There will be one award for each location. Eligible applicants must be private, non-profit organizations with 501(c) tax exempt status from the U.S. Treasury’s Internal Revenue Service and must provide services to the District of Columbia (DC) and State of Oregon. Funding Opportunity Number: SB-OEDWB-23-002. Assistance Listing: 59.043. Funding Instrument: G. Category: BC,CD,RD. Award Amount: $75K – $150K per award.
Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs Phase I is sponsored by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The USDA SBIR/STTR programs support small businesses in creating innovative, disruptive technologies with commercial potential or societal benefit, including projects dealing with agriculturally-related manufacturing and alternative and renewable energy technologies. Specialty tubing could be relevant for agricultural equipment or renewable energy systems.