IRIS Grant Program

Innovation & Research for Industry Success (IRIS) Grant Program

What

  • The goal of this grant is to stimulate new industry-led research and development (R&D) partnerships between Tennesseebased 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.

 

When

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

 

How

  • Requires joint application & budget to be submitted by research partner/s and company
  • For questions or if a company needs help identifying a research partner, email IRIS@tn.gov

 

*Click here to view the program 1-pager

Company Eligibility Requirements

  • Company must have a physical presence in Tennessee and be willing to invest 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

 

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.

 

Examples of Eligible Activities Include

  • 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: Funding levels for industry-led projects will be based on the project scope and detailed budget that outlines the company’s projected investment and any third-party contributions
 

To access the application, click here.

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

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