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Find similar grantsRolling application basis with no fixed deadline. Program launched July 1, 2025.
IRIS Grant Program (Innovation & Research for Industry Success) is sponsored by Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD). 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.
com . Join the conversation on Twitter , Instagram , LinkedIn , Facebook and YouTube . Public Information Officer
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Tennessee-based companies with a physical presence in the state, in good standing with state agencies, capable of substantial financial contribution to project costs alongside a research institution partner. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows $250,000 minimum. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
IRIS Grant Program (Innovation & Research for Industry Success) is funded by Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD). Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
This opportunity targets applicants in Tennessee. If your organization operates elsewhere, check the official notice for location requirements.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
Historic Development Grant Program (Courthouse Round) is a grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development that funds the preservation and redevelopment of Tennessee's historic courthouses. More than $5 million was allocated in the most recent round to renovate and preserve these historically significant buildings. Applications are reviewed by TNECD Rural Development staff with assistance from the Tennessee Historical Commission and scored on community need, project need, and project impact. Eligible applicants are entities holding title or a lease to a certified historic courthouse in eligible Tennessee counties. Matching funding requirements vary depending on the county's tier designation.
Community Development Block Grant (State CDBG) is a grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD), funded through HUD, that funds community development infrastructure projects in non-entitlement areas of Tennessee. The program supports activities such as water and sewer improvements, community facilities, and housing rehabilitation that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income residents. Eligible applicants are local governments in Tennessee non-entitlement areas that cannot finance the proposed project on their own. Maximum awards are up to ,000,000. A special Imminent Threat category is also available for urgent needs arising from incidents within the previous 18 months.
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