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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). This Tennessee state grant aims to stimulate new industry-led research and development (R&D) partnerships between Tennessee-based companies and the state's leading research institutions.
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Innovation & Research for Industry Success (IRIS) Grant Program Click here to view the IRIS 1-Pager. The goal of this grant is to stimulate new industry-led research and development (R&D) partnerships between Tennessee based companies and the state's leading research institutions.
IRIS aims to lower the barrier for companies to pilot innovative technologies and pursue new discoveries within the state, while also demonstrating the strength of Tennessee’s research capabilities and fostering long-term corporate investment in the state’s innovation ecosystem.
The expectation is for the IRIS Program industry partners to be substantial financial contributors (beyond in-kind contributions) to the project costs at the associated research partners. Funding awarded will be based on the total cost of the project at the research partner. This program is designed for companies interested in researching, testing and building for the future in Tennessee.
This program is designed for companies capable of self-funding their R&D initiatives but seeking state support as a strategic incentive. Grant awards start at $250,000 (minimum award amount). Program launched on July 1, 2025.
Accepting applications on a rolling basis. Prior to applying for funding, the IRIS Intake Form (to be completed by the industry partner) must be submitted to confirm program eligibility. Application process requires a joint application & budget to be submitted by the research partner/s and company.
An application link will be provided once the project intake has been approved. For questions or if a company needs help identifying a research partner, email IRIS@tn. gov .
Company Eligibility Requirements Company must have a physical presence in Tennessee and be a substantial financial contributor to the project costs at the associated research partner. Company must be in good standing with the State of Tennessee, including, but not limited to the Tennessee Department of Revenue, the Tennessee Secretary of State’s Office and TNECD. Intended for companies with capital ready to invest in R&D projects.
Not designed for early-stage startups or pre-revenue ventures. Not intended for companies relying on state funding to proceed. 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. Routine business operations, marketing activities, or general product testing not involving research or technical advancement are not considered eligible.
Only eligible expenses incurred by the participating university or research partner qualify for reimbursement under the grant program.
Examples of Eligible Activities Collaborative research to develop or improve products, materials, or production processes Applied research to address a specific technical or scientific challenge facing the company Prototyping or pilot testing of new technologies Development and validation of innovative tools, systems, or software Technical modeling, simulations, or lab-scale experiments conducted jointly with a research institution Note: Grant funds are not intended to serve as gap financing or fund projects that otherwise would not proceed without state incentives.
Application Period: Program launched on July 1, 2025, and applications will be reviewed and projects funded on a rolling basis. Prior to accessing the formal application, an IRIS Intake Form (to be completed by industry partner) must be submitted in order to confirm eligibility and scope.
IRIS applications will be reviewed and scored by TNECD's Office of Innovation as well as a R&D Advisory Group comprised of R&D experts from universities and research instituions across Tennessee. Questions? Email the TNECD Office of Innovation at IRIS@tn.
gov .
Based on current listing details, 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. Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates $250,000 minimum Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
The current target date is rolling deadlines or periodic funding windows. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, attachments, and final submission checks.
Federal grant success rates typically range from 10-30%, varying by agency and program. Build a strong proposal with clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and a well-justified budget to improve your chances.
Requirements vary by sponsor, but typically include a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capability statement, and key personnel CVs. Check the official notice for the complete list of required attachments.
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Review timelines vary by funder. Federal agencies typically take 3-6 months from submission to award notification. Foundation grants may be faster, often 1-3 months. Check the program's timeline in the official solicitation for specific dates.
Many federal programs offer multi-year funding or allow competitive renewals. Check the official solicitation for continuation and renewal policies. Non-competing continuation applications are common for multi-year awards.
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.