Business Incubator

General Information

In addition to education, the University of Tennessee system serves the State of Tennessee in many ways. It is integrally involved in outreach, economic development, and research that adds value to Tennessee. As part of its mission to serve as a recognized leader in tech-based entrepreneurial support, the University of Tennessee Research Foundation (UTRF) provides the UTRF Business Incubator as a resource for early-stage tech firms spun out of university research.

Mission and Goal

The mission of the UTRF Business Incubator is to assist entrepreneurs of young technology startup companies by offering a programmatic approach to executing their business opportunities.  Providing office space and resources, the Incubator affords startups the unique opportunity to focus their limited assets and capital on the development of their business in a professional environment.

The goal of the Incubator is to move a company through a technology business development process toward self-sustainability while increasing exposure and opportunities within the entrepreneurial community.

Center Amenities

• Office suites ranging from 148 – 816 sq.ft. (utilities included)
• Onsite Business Incubator Coordinator
• Access to copier, printer, scanner, mail services, etc.
• Conference rooms with AV capabilities, Polycom (for conference calls)
• Projection/TV monitors
• Whiteboards
• Conference room furniture
• UT Affiliate status
• Unlimited access to building with UT ID card
• Access to campus library services
• Discounts at university/area retailers where UT I.D. card is honored
• Access to university laboratory space (as available through a separate agreement)
• Common kitchen area
• Microwave
• Wireless internet
• Wiring for broadband and telephone access

Eligibility Requirements

Companies seeking space at the UTRF Business Incubator must meet the following criteria:

• The company must be for-profit.
• The company must be technology-based.
• The company must have an affiliation with UT. Ideally, the products produced by the company would be based on UT intellectual property, or a research relationship is either in place or could be established with the university to generate new intellectual property.

*These criteria are mandatory and do not guarantee admittance. A review board must evaluate and approve all applications.

Additional Forms

• Download Business Incubator Rate Sheet (PDF)
• Download Incubator Tenant Manual (PDF)