KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Today marks the start of Innov865 Week 2017, a week-long series of events taking place September 18-22 that brings together startups, entrepreneurs, makers, investors, business leaders, students, and community leaders from across East Tennessee to celebrate and showcase Knoxville as a great place for entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses.
“Knoxville’s entrepreneurial scene has exploded over the last several years, drawing talent from East Tennessee, and across the country, to start and grow their businesses in our community,” said Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero. “Innov865 Week is our opportunity to highlight these diverse entrepreneurs who are putting Knoxville on the map as a hub for innovation.”
Innov865 Week 2017 kicks-off today with Future865, an event that will explore opportunities to help Knoxville leverage its assets to become THE destination for entrepreneurs in the Southeast. Other scheduled activities, including educational panels, pitch competitions, investor roundtables, and social events, will be held throughout the week leading up the signature event, Startup Day on Thursday, September 21 at the U.S. Cellular Stage at The Bijou Theatre. A full list of events can be found on the Innov865 Week event calendar.
“Last year’s Innov865 Week was a great success, drawing more than 1,400 attendees to Knoxville to participate in the week’s events. We have an incredible line-up of activities planned for 2017 that promise to showcase why East Tennessee is the best place in the Southeast for startups and entrepreneurs of all kinds,” said Tom Rogers, Director of Industrial Partnerships and Economic Development at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a founding member of the Innov865 Alliance.
About Innov865 Week
Innov865 Week is presented by the Innov865 Alliance. The Innov865 Alliance develops, supports and promotes the Knoxville region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. It’s a collaborative effort to celebrate and showcase Knoxville as a great place for entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses and increase access to capital. Founding members include the University of Tennessee Research Foundation, Oak Ridge National Lab, PYA, UT’s Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Tennessee Valley Authority, Three Roots Capital, Launch Tennessee and Knoxville Entrepreneur Center. For more information and to stay updated on events, visit: https://www.innov865.com
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