Nashville, Tennessee, February 10, 2026
Launch Tennessee, in collaboration with the Tennessee Technology Advancement Consortium (TTAC), has launched the Tennessee Innovation Exchange (TNIX), a digital platform aimed at enhancing collaboration between researchers from Tennessee’s universities and industry partners. TNIX will showcase researcher profiles, facilitate partnership opportunities, and connect innovators using the AI tool Halo. This initiative is expected to modernize the relationship between academia and business, driving economic growth in the state’s innovation ecosystem.
Tennessee Innovation Exchange Launches to Boost Collaboration
Nashville, Tennessee – Launch Tennessee, teaming up with the Tennessee Technology Advancement Consortium (TTAC) and utilizing the power of Halo, has unveiled the Tennessee Innovation Exchange (TNIX), a transformative digital platform designed to bridge the gap between researchers from Tennessee’s universities and companies, investors, and innovation partners.
This initiative is a significant move to enhance connectivity within Tennessee’s research community, fostering a culture of collaboration that can stimulate economic growth and innovation. With its focus on empowering Tennessee entrepreneurs, TNIX is an exciting step toward modernizing the relationship between academic research and practical business applications.
Key Features of TNIX
- Researcher Profiles: Researchers at TTAC institutions can create public profiles that showcase their areas of expertise, available research facilities, and innovation themes.
- Partnership Opportunities: The platform facilitates Launch Tennessee and member universities in posting partnership requests and funding calls aimed at translating lab innovations into market solutions.
- Founding Universities: The inaugural rollout includes six participating universities: the University of Memphis, Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee Technological University, Meharry Medical College, East Tennessee State University, and Tennessee State University.
Background on Launch Tennessee and TTAC
Launch Tennessee operates as a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Tennessee’s startup ecosystem by providing crucial resources such as capital access, mentorship, marketing assistance, and fostering strategic partnerships. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Technology Advancement Consortium (TTAC) is formed through collaboration between Launch Tennessee and the state’s leading universities, focusing on the acceleration of technology transfer and the commercialization of faculty-driven innovations.
About Halo
Halo is an AI-enabled matching tool that is designed to speed up research and development by connecting innovators with relevant partners and necessary capabilities. This sophisticated technology is crucial in ensuring that the platform remains effective in facilitating beneficial collaborations.
Impact on Tennessee’s Innovation Ecosystem
The launch of TNIX marks a pivotal advancement in enhancing Tennessee’s innovation infrastructure. By showcasing the vast array of research happening across universities, the platform strengthens the link between initial discovery and eventual real-world impact. This initiative not only promotes significant partnerships between academia and industry but also highlights the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit prevalent within Tennessee.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, the Tennessee Innovation Exchange is expected to evolve further, with additional universities and research institutions likely to join the platform. This expansion promises to enhance connectivity within Tennessee’s innovation community, ultimately benefiting regional economic growth.
FAQ
What is the Tennessee Innovation Exchange (TNIX)?
TNIX is a digital platform launched by Launch Tennessee, in collaboration with TTAC and powered by Halo, designed to connect researchers from participating universities with companies, investors, and innovation partners.
Which universities are involved in the initial rollout of TNIX?
The initial rollout features six universities: the University of Memphis, Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee Technological University, Meharry Medical College, East Tennessee State University, and Tennessee State University.
How does TNIX benefit Tennessee’s innovation ecosystem?
By providing visibility to the extensive research occurring across its universities, TNIX strengthens the pipeline between discovery and real-world impact, fostering collaboration between academia and industry.
What is the role of Halo in TNIX?
Halo is an AI-powered matching tool that accelerates research and development by connecting innovators with the partners and capabilities they need.
What are the future plans for TNIX?
As TNIX continues to evolve, additional universities and research institutions are expected to join the platform, further enhancing the connectivity and collaboration within Tennessee’s research and innovation community.
Key Features of TNIX
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Researcher Profiles | Researchers at TTAC institutions can create public profiles highlighting their areas of expertise, research facilities, and innovation themes. |
| Partnership Opportunities | The platform allows Launch Tennessee and partner universities to post partnering requests and funding calls aimed at moving ideas from the lab to the marketplace. |
| Founding Universities | The initial rollout features six universities: the University of Memphis, Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee Technological University, Meharry Medical College, East Tennessee State University, and Tennessee State University. |
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