Tri Cities Accelerator Sync Space joins LaunchTN Statewide Partner Network

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (June 9, 2020)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEB. 4, 2020
CONTACT
Wendy Malloy, LaunchTN, 615-766-3128
Heath Guinn, Sync Space, 423-676-7228

New organization joins statewide network empowering Tennessee entrepreneurs and startups, kicks off the first cohort in March with support of regional innovation partners.

NASHVILLE — LaunchTN, a public-private partnership focused on core resources that support Tennessee’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, today announced Sync Space as its newest network partner. The Tri Cities-based accelerator kicks off its first cohort this spring.
The Sync Space accelerator program is uniquely focused on support for local and recruited startups considering Northeast Tennessee as a place to grow or expand their business. Early-stage companies in the program will have access to funding for professional services, equipment, and other facilities to help complete a successful pilot with Sync Space partners. Regional connectivity to a statewide entrepreneurial network

“Sync Space is truly a regional effort for all of Northeast Tennessee,” said Heath Guinn, President of Sync.Space. “We’re grateful for the support from LaunchTN, which powers our work and facilitated a local match through the Sullivan County Commission, Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen, and the Kingsport Economic Development Board.”
“We’re also pleased to collaborate with many of the esteemed institutions, colleges, and universities that call Northeast Tennessee home, including the healthcare network that is delivering extraordinary innovation to our region.”

“From the Eastman perspective, we’re excited about the collaborative work and continued progress by LaunchTN,” said Steve Crawford, Eastman Senior Vice President, Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer. “The Sync Space/LaunchTN partnership is a great example of that progress. This partnership will support regional economic development efforts in Northeast Tennessee, and it directly addresses an identified gap: lack of infrastructure, resources, and funding to support and attract entrepreneurs to the region.
“Sync Space also illustrates the potential of collaboration to spur economic development — the shared support and commitment of local governments were critical to making this happen.”

Focus on innovation to solve challenges in Northeast Tennessee
With an emphasis on leveraging assets and innovation to solve challenges in Northeast Tennessee, the accelerator program’s first cohort will focus on companies in community health; education and equity; medical devices; and advanced materials. The pilot will also consider companies seeking advanced manufacturing mentorship and facilities.
Through the accelerator program, accepted startups will have immediate opportunities to pilot their product or service with Sync Space partners through contracts, research agreements, and access to equipment and engineering support as they continue toward commercialization.
Mayor Richard Venable noted that the Sullivan County Commission and Kingsport Economic Development Board have already voted to appropriate funds to match the LaunchTN grant.

“Conversations are continuing on how we expand regional support and reach for entrepreneurial development,” said Mayor Venable, “and we look forward to Washington County and Johnson City joining us in regional entrepreneurial development through the Sync Space accelerator.”

Kingsport Mayor Pat Shull noted that the City has worked hard on improving the entrepreneurial ecosystem through partnership with the Kingsport Economic Development Board, including developing a regional maker space and working towards building additional advanced manufacturing capacity.

“Kingsport believes that a key missing component in our development toolbox has been in the area of entrepreneurial support and development,” Shull said. “We are pleased to support this effort as it grows beyond Sullivan County to become a truly regional entrepreneurial development program.”

Kingsport Mayor Pat Shull noted that the City has worked hard on improving the entrepreneurial ecosystem through partnership with the Kingsport Economic Development Board, including developing a regional maker space and working towards building additional advanced manufacturing capacity.
Visit SyncSpace.org for more information and to apply for the accelerator’s first startup cohort. Applications close March 1.

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About LaunchTN
Launch Tennessee (LaunchTN) is a public-private partnership with a vision to make Tennessee the most start-up friendly state in the nation. Our mission is to empower a high-functioning network of resources focused on core priorities that support Tennessee’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Partnering with Entrepreneur Centers in seven regions, LaunchTN creates collaboration among entrepreneurs, the private sector, capital sources, institutions, and government to offer entrepreneurs what they need to succeed and stay in Tennessee to build companies and create jobs. Visit LaunchTN.org to discover what makes Tennessee a great state for startups.

“We are excited to be partnering with the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center for the fifth year and new partners Sync Space and Biz Foundry to help develop potential startups,” Pete Nelson, Executive Director of AgLaunch, said. “We’re hoping that this bootcamp will give participating teams the opportunity to gain the resources and support they need to be successful in the agriculture industry, particularly for our farmers in Tennessee.”

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