IRIS Grant Program is a grant from the State of Tennessee administered by Oak Ridge National Laboratory that funds Tennessee companies pursuing collaborative applied research and development partnerships with the state's leading research institutions.

Launched in 2025, IRIS lowers the barrier for companies to pilot innovative technologies and access ORNL's world-class capabilities in materials science, computational science, energy systems, and more. The program is designed for companies capable of self-funding R&D but seeking state co-investment as a strategic incentive.

Eligible applicants are companies with a physical presence in Tennessee in good standing with the TN Department of Revenue.

Stimulating new industry-led R&D partnerships between Tennessee companies and the state’s leading research institutions Launched in 2025, 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 State of Tennessee sponsors the program to support 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.

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 Feasibility studies or proof-of-concept work for emerging innovations Development and validation of innovative tools, systems, or software Technical modeling, simulations, or lab-scale experiments conducted jointly with a research institution Unique capabilities and expertise that can be engaged at ORNL include: Materials science and technology including advanced materials processing, characterization, and fabrication Measurement, sensor and control systems Computational science, data analytics, and modeling and simulation Energy and environmental related technologies Prior to applying for funding, the IRIS Intake Form must be completed by the Industry partner and submitted to confirm program eligibility.

Application process requires a joint application and budget to be submitted by the research partner/s and company. An application link will be provided once the project intake has been approved. Interested companies must have a physical presence in Tennessee and committed to investing financially in the project.

Company must be in good standing with the TN Dept. of Revenue Not designed for early-stage startups or pre-revenue ventures Not intended for companies relying on state funding to proceed ORNL delivers scientific discoveries and technical breakthroughs needed to realize solutions in energy and national security and provide economic benefit to the nation.

Contact Jeffrey Cornett, manager of Industrial Partnerships and Economic Development at ORNL, to learn more about IRIS. View a hi-res version of this image Composite Applications Group View a hi-res version of this image View a hi-res version of this image View a hi-res version of this image View a hi-res version of this image View a hi-res version of this image