The Innov865 Alliance’s premier event is 865 Fest, 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. Join us for this year’s 865 Fest on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Bridgewater Place in Knoxville, TN!

The Innov865 Alliance will select six startups from the Knoxville region to pitch their businesses. 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.

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Why should you apply?

  • Chance for startups to win cash prizes totaling $15,000
  • Chance for emerging entrepreneurs to win a cash prize totaling $3,000
  • Media coverage leading up to, during, and after the event
  • Company and founder promotion on Innov865 website to 7.1K+ annual visitors
  • Company and founder promotion to 3.3K+ email subscribers 
  • Company and founder promotion to 2.4K+ social media followers

What should you know?

  • Startups must be located in the Knoxville region
  • Applications for the Startup Pitch Competition close June 26, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET; Applications for the Emerging Entrepreneur Pitch Competition close August 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET
  • Finalists will be notified in mid-July

Who should apply?

  • Any startup in the Knoxville region looking to gain awareness or receive funding is encouraged to apply for the startup pitch competition
  • Any high school, college, graduate, or one-year post-graduate student with a startup or startup idea is encouraged to apply for the Emerging Entrepreneur Pitch Competition

To participate in the Startup Pitch Competition or the Emerging Entrepreneur Pitch Competition, please fill out the form below. If you have any questions, please email egiorgi@piper-communications.com.

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Startup Pitch Application

"*" indicates required fields

Fill out the fields below.

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Name*
Max. file size: 12 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: 12 MB.

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

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

Emerging Entrepreneur Pitch Application

"*" indicates required fields

Fill out the fields below.

Name*
Max. file size: 12 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: 12 MB.

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

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