What is 865 Fest?

Event information

Date: September 16, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. EST
Location: Bridgewater Place
205 Bridgewater Rd
Knoxville, TN 37923
Registration: Opens June 17

865 Fest is a full-day entrepreneurial event hosting visionary keynotes, premier pitch competitions, thought-provoking panels, and much more to explore how big ideas move from concept to reality. Gather alongside Knoxville’s brightest founders, investors, executives and business leaders for insights on transformative tech, bold business moves and regional success stories.

Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. for a networking breakfast and registration. Programming will begin at 9 a.m. EST. Lunch will be provided.

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At the event, six Knoxville startups will pitch before a live audience and panel of judges in hopes of winning the Judges’ Choice Award and the Crowd Favorite Award, totaling $15,000 in cash prizes.

Emerging entrepreneurs will also showcase their ideas in a student pitch competition for a cash prize, presented by the Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

This year, programming will include two featured panel discussions and four interactive breakout sessions designed to spark ideas, foster collaboration, and celebrate innovation in our region.

The program also includes the Traction Award given to a Knoxville entrepreneur who has made significant progress with their business since participating in Startup Day.

After the formal program, attendees are invited to stay for a networking happy hour from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Drinks and light snacks will be provided.

865 Fest Pitch Application

"*" indicates required fields

Fill out the fields below.

I am applying for:*
Name*
Max. file size: 64 MB.

About the Startup

Is the startup located in the greater Knoxville region?*

Please discuss the market you are trying to enter, providing as much description as you can.
Identify competitors, reasons customers might not switch to your product/service, cost of production – anything that may challenge your entry to the market.
Max. file size: 64 MB.
YouTube or Vimeo links preferred

If selected to compete, you must agree to the following:

Attend 865 Fest dress rehearsal*
Attending 865 Fest*
Promote the event*
Consent

FAQ

Why should I attend?

865 Fest is a full-day entrepreneurial event on September 16, 2025, that will host visionary keynotes, a premier pitch competition, and thought-provoking panels to explore how big ideas move from concept to reality.

Network with local Knoxville businesses, attend breakout sessions and listen to keynote speakers! There’s something for everyone at 865 Fest!

How do I pitch my startup at 865 Fest?

Applications for the startup pitch competition and the Anderson Center Emerging Entrepreneur student pitch competition open on June 2.

Who should I contact if I have any questions?

  • Event Logistics and Programming: Allie Eskew | allison@piper-communications.com
  • Media Relations: Sarah Pope | sarah@piper-communications.com
  • Supporter Opportunities: Mallory Jenkins | mallory@piper-communications.com

What supporter opportunities are available?

865 Fest is a full-day celebration of Knoxville’s entrepreneurial spirit. If you want to help develop, support and promote the Knoxville region’s entrepreneurial community, please consider supporting. View the 2025 Supporter Packet.

Packages include award presentations,  exhibit tables, breakout sessions, networking happy hours and more!

To discuss opportunities, contact Mallory Jenkins at mallory@piper-communications.com or 865.696.5090.