What is 865 Fest?

865 Fest is a full-day entrepreneurial event hosting visionary keynotes, premier pitch competitions, thought-provoking panels, and much more to explore how big ideas move from concept to reality. Gather alongside Knoxville’s brightest founders, investors, executives and business leaders for insights on transformative tech, bold business moves and regional success stories.

Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. for a networking breakfast and registration. Programming will begin at 9 a.m. EST. Lunch will be provided.

At the event, six Knoxville startups will pitch before a live audience and panel of judges in hopes of winning the Judges’ Choice Award and the Crowd Favorite Award, totaling $15,000 in cash prizes.

Emerging entrepreneurs will also showcase their ideas in a student pitch competition for a cash prize, presented by the Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

This year, programming will include featured panel discussions and interactive breakout sessions designed to spark ideas, foster collaboration, and celebrate innovation in our region.

The program also includes the Traction Award presentation, an award given to a Knoxville entrepreneur who has made significant progress with their business since participating in Startup Day.

After the formal program, attendees are invited to stay for a networking happy hour from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Drinks and light snacks will be provided.