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.
  • The expectation is for the IRIS Program industry partners to be substantial financial contributors (beyond in-kind contributions) to the project costs at the associated research partners.
  • Funding awarded will be based on the total cost of the project at the research partner.
  • 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.
  • Grant awards start at $250,000 (minimum award amount).
     

When

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

How

  • Prior to applying for funding, the IRIS Intake Form (to 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 be a substantial financial contributor to the project costs at the associated research partner.
  • Company must be in good standing with the State of Tennessee, including, but not limited to the Tennessee Department of Revenue, the Tennessee Secretary of State’s Office and TNECD.
  • Intended for companies with capital ready to invest in R&D projects.
  • 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 eligible expenses incurred by the participating university or research partner qualify for reimbursement under 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
  • 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.

IRIS applications will be reviewed and scored by TNECD's Office of Innovation as well as a R&D Advisory Group comprised of R&D experts from universities and research instituions across Tennessee.
 

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