The UTRF Available Technologies page has been updated! Here, you’ll find innovations available for commercialization across categories like agriculture, animal health, chemistry, energy, engineering, human health, and software. It features the latest technologies, including genetic engineering tools, bio-insecticides, and advanced research tools. Express licensing options are also available. Whether you’re in search of groundbreaking solutions (read more)
UTRF News
Innovation is Everywhere Tour
Catch us around UT Knoxville’s campus once a month to learn how the UT Research Foundation (UTRF) can help commercialize your research!
Accelerating Innovations to Market: Venture Launch Program Empowers UT Startups
Launched in 2023, UTRF’s Venture Launch program was created to support innovation commercialization throughout all UT’s campuses and institutes. It aims to bolster, connect, and catalyze the entire System-wide entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Venture Launch Program, which includes UTRF’s Executives-in-Residence and Entrepreneurial Fellow Program, enhances the quality of startups by supporting UT entrepreneurs. It connects founders (read more)
Innovator Spotlight: Dustin Crouch
The University of Tennessee Research Foundation is proud to partner with Dustin Crouch, 2025 Chancellors Innovation Award finalist and Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Tennessee. Crouch’s work in prosthetics pushes the boundaries of biomedical engineering to improve quality of life for people who have experienced (read more)
UTRF Commercialization Analyst Internship Program Applications are Open!
Are you a graduate-level student interested in learning about the technology transfer industry, intellectual property or a career at the intersection of business development, entrepreneurship and law? Apply for our Commercialization Analyst Internship Program today! Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, will close February 28th, and the internship will begin in May following (read more)
UTRF Innovation Awards: Celebrating 90 Years of Transformative Impact
The UT Research Foundation (UTRF) proudly hosted its annual Innovation Awards on November 25 in Knoxville and December 4 in Memphis, commemorating 90 years of advancing research, commercialization, and innovation. UTRF recognized 3 startups, 36 commercialization agreements, and 25 issued patents during these two events. Additionally, UTRF recognized two exceptional researchers with the prestigious 2024 (read more)
Circular Biosciences: Transforming Plastic Degradation with Innovative Enzyme Technology
Circular Biosciences, a startup founded by Jordan Cannon, is at the forefront of developing sustainable solutions for plastic degradation. Born out of research from Cannon’s PhD work in Todd Reynolds’ lab in the Department of Microbiology at the UT Knoxville, the company is focused on utilizing groundbreaking enzymes to accelerate the biodegradation of polylactic acid (read more)
Niki Labbé: Leading Innovation at the Center for Renewable Carbon
Niki Labbé is at the forefront of groundbreaking research and innovation in the field of renewable carbon as the Director of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture’s Center for Renewable Carbon (CRC). The CRC serves as a hub for exploring sustainable carbon management strategies, focusing on the development of renewable chemicals, fuels, materials, and (read more)
UTRF Welcomes New Assistant Technology Manager, Derek Eitzmann
The University of Tennessee Research Foundation (UTRF) is pleased to welcome Derek Eitzmann as its newest Assistant Technology Manager. Originally from Lincoln, Nebraska, Derek brings a strong scientific background and a passion for innovation to his new role in UTRF’s Knoxville office. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Iowa State University, where his graduate (read more)