Startup Day 2015 was such a success that it only seemed right to turn it into a week long celebration in 2016. Innov865 Week is celebrating Knoxville’s entrepreneurial spirit by bringing together startups, entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders, students, and the East Tennessee community for a week of educational panels, pitch competitions, investor roundtables, and social events. This year’s event features Paul Singh and the North American Tech Tour.
Since there are so many great events happening during Innov865, here’s a breakdown of each event:
Knoxville Maker City Summit – Sept. 19, Noon – 9 PM at the Mill & Mine
- What is it?
- In May of this year, a small team from Knoxville made their way to Brooklyn, NY to attend the first ever Etsy Maker City Summit. After attending the summit, the team decided to bring Etsy to Knoxville for the inaugural Knoxville Maker City Summit.
- The summit is a day of discussion about public policy and the local maker movement, featuring talks from Mayor Madeline Rogero and representatives from Etsy, as well as panel discussions, breakaway and feedback sessions, food trucks and a “Meet Your Maker” showcase.
- What’s in it for me?
- The Knoxville Maker City Summit gives attendees the chance to connect with other local makers while learning more about the industry and why Knoxville is such a great place to be in the creative industry.
Big Data: Big Impact – Sept. 20, Noon – 2:30 PM at The Mill Room at Cherokee Mills
- What is it?
- This event focuses on how Knoxville’s most innovative companies are able to combine the strengths of both the business-minded and technical-minded to gain a competitive advantage.
- What’s in it for me?
- The ability to hear from a panel of Knoxville’s most influential companies and startups and learn how big data can have a huge impact.
Growth Hackathon – Sept. 20, 1 PM – 5 PM at Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
- What is it?
- There is no coding required. During this event, you’ll develop a growth strategy and execute on growth tactics in real-time during this intensive 4-hour hands-on workshop. Companies at any stage are welcome
- What’s in it for me?
- During this free event you will have the opportunity to develop a growth strategy and execute on growth tactics in real-time. You’ll get to do everything from calling prospects, writing blog posts, contacting partners, to sending proposals.
Life Science Tennessee Beer and Biotech – Sept. 20, 5:30 PM – 7 PM at the Casual Pint in Hardin Valley
- What is it?
- This event is a meeting of East Tennessee’s biotech minds, and a chance to network with some of the industry’s top professionals.
- What’s in it for me?
- Besides good beer, this is an opportunity to get to know life science entrepreneurs and leaders as they discuss the industry’s most pressing issues and opportunities.
- Besides good beer, this is an opportunity to get to know life science entrepreneurs and leaders as they discuss the industry’s most pressing issues and opportunities.
The Works Demo Day – Sept. 21, 10 AM – 1 PM at Scripps Networks Interactive “Studio A”
- What is it?
- The Works was designed to build on Knoxville’s success as a national media leader and tech hub. Demo Day 2016 is a showcase highlighting the area’s newest media and software companies.
- What’s in it for me?
- The chance to get a front-row seat to all the bad-ass media and tech companies coming out of Knoxville, and check out beautiful “Studio A” at Scripps Networks Interactive.
Electronic Solutions for Governing the Future – Sept. 22, 8 AM – 10 AM at the Knoxville Chamber
- What is it?
- eGovernment Solutions and Vendor Registry will share how they are utilizing government data in the Southeast and nationally while offering ideas that can help support a set of best practices to propel the region forward. This event is for government leaders, finance directors, purchasing directors, as well as entrepreneurs and software developers interested in using their expertise to help our government agencies run more efficiently.
- What’s in it for me?
- You’ll have the ability to learn more about how to best discover, develop and launch “civic hacks” to help governments, their employees, and citizens.
Startup Day 2016 – Sept. 22, 2 PM – 4 PM at the Bijou Theater
- What is it?
- Startup Day 2016 is an exciting event that’s showcasing Knoxville as a great location for entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses. This year’s event will feature recognized entrepreneur and seed stage investor, Paul Singh, a pitch competition, and awarding of the UT Federal Credit Union Traction Award.
- What’s in it for me?
- The opportunity to get a firsthand look at why Knoxville is such a great place to start and grow a business, and check out the city-wide startup pitch competition with $5,000 on the line.
Cre865 Talent Showcase – Sept. 22, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM at Scruffy City Hall
- What is it?
- The official Startup Day 2016 after party presented by Audiohand and Knoxville Music Warehouse (Startup Day Class of 2012 and 2014) featuring a showcase of Knoxville’s renowned local music talent.
- What’s in it for me?
- Drinks after a long week of celebrating innovation and the chance to celebrate Knoxville’s other best asset: It’s Music Community in beautiful market square at Scruffy City Hall.
