IRIS Grant Program

Innovation & Research for Industry Success (IRIS) Grant Program
 

What

  • Click here to view the IRIS 1-Pager
  • The goal of this grant is to stimulate new industry-led research and development (R&D) partnerships between Tennessee based companies and the state's leading research institutions. IRIS aims to lower the barrier for companies to pilot innovative technologies and pursue new discoveries within the state, while also demonstrating the strength of Tennessee’s research capabilities and fostering long-term corporate investment in the state’s innovation ecosystem.
  • This program is designed for companies interested in researching, testing and building for the future in Tennessee.
  • This program is designed for companies capable of self-funding their R&D initiatives but seeking state support as a strategic incentive.
     

When

  • Program launched July 1, 2025
  • Accepting applications on a rolling basis
     

How

  • Prior to applying for funding, the IRIS Intake Form (must be completed by the Industry partner) must be submitted to confirm program eligibility. 
  • Application process requires a joint application & budget to be submitted by the research partner/s and company. An application link will be provided once the project intake has been approved.
  • For questions or if a company needs help identifying a research partner, email IRIS@tn.gov.

 

Company Eligibility Requirements

  • Company must have a physical presence in Tennessee and committed to investing financially in the project
  • Company must be in good standing with the TN Dept. of Revenue
  • Not designed for early-stage startups or pre-revenue ventures
  • Not intended for companies relying on state funding to proceed
     

Eligible R&D Activities

  • Activities must involve collaboration between a company and research institution/s aimed at developing new products, processes, or technologies that support business growth or innovation. Activities should be investigative or experimental in nature, with a clear objective to advance technical knowledge or solve industry-specific challenges.
  • Routine business operations, marketing activities, or general product testing not involving research or technical advancement are not considered eligible.
  • Only costs incurred by the university or research partner are eligible for reimbursement via the grant program.
     

Examples of Eligible Activities

  • Collaborative research to develop or improve products, materials, or production processes
  • Applied research to address a specific technical or scientific challenge facing the company
  • Prototyping or pilot testing of new technologies
  • Feasibility studies or proof-of-concept work for emerging innovations
  • Development and validation of innovative tools, systems, or software
  • Technical modeling, simulations, or lab-scale experiments conducted jointly with a research institution

 

Note: Grant funds are not intended to serve as gap financing or fund projects that otherwise would not proceed without state incentives.
 

Application Period: Program launched on July 1, 2025, and applications will be reviewed and projects funded on a rolling basis.

Prior to accessing the formal application, an IRIS Intake Form (to be completed by industry partner) must be submitted in order to confirm eligibility and scope.

Questions: Email the TNECD Office of Innovation at IRIS@tn.gov.