The University of Tennessee - Knoxville and the University of Tennessee Research Foundation have partnered with Technology 2020 to offer a CEG program on the Knoxville campus.  Client companies are strongly encouraged to fully participate in this process to accelerate the growth and development of their startup and early stage companies.

Mission:

The CEG combines management expertise, programs, and access to capital strategies to develop an entrepreneurial community and assist the development of technology based businesses.

Partnership Goals:

• Create an entrepreneurial climate on the Knoxville campus and in the surrounding community to encourage the start up of new technology companies
• Identify new/existing technologies and research with commercial potential
• Assist new start-up companies and existing companies with ties to the Knoxville research base advance through defined stages of development and graduation

Program Results as of December 2009:

• Client Company Activity:
  • 20 companies through the program; 12 companies are active; 3 graduated through merger and acquisition
  • 2009 revenues of $12M for active clients
  • Companies supporting 100 jobs with annual payroll of $4M
  • Companies have raised > $8M of outside funding to date in the program
• Incubator Facility – first commercial facility located on the UT Knoxville campus:
  • $2.6M fundraising completed
  • Construction completed 2007; facility opened April 2008

Program Services:

• Provide business counseling, management team coaching, and financing preparation for CEG clients
• Review of business plans and financial statements
• Review of sales and marketing plans/materials
• Coaching in the assessment and development of channel strategies
• Assistance in defining and working strategic partnerships and alliances
• Review of Contracts and other pertinent documents
• Prepare and conduct educational/training sessions for CEG company management and staff through a partnership with
• Help clients develop candidate or position profiles and assist in the hiring, compensation plan development, and staffing process
• Assist with the development and review of action plans for company progression from start up to self sustaining businesses
• Assist companies in their pursuit of debt or equity financing
• Provide clients with access to certified, fee-based business consultants for specific tasks which may be needed during different stages of growth