The Nashville Innovation Alliance aims to make Nashville one of America’s leading centers of technology innovation by bringing the community together to create a shared vision, set ambitious goals and advance strategic initiatives.
Established by Mayor Freddie O’Connell and Vanderbilt University in 2024, and anchored by participation from LaunchTN, the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, and the Greater Nashville Technology Council, the Alliance is a forum for collaboration. It brings together the technology creation community—from academic innovators to investors, tech startups, corporate R&D, and the other partners that make an innovation ecosystem sing.
AMPING UP INNOVATION THAT’S IN TUNE WITH TOMORROW
Leading centers of innovation around the world are known for having an abundance of talent, a strong network of investors, easy access to research and dedicated space and programs for innovation. Nashville’s economy is thriving but more can be done to increase resources, collaboration and connectivity to ensure new ideas and technologies can translate into societal impact and commercial success.
The data is clear: Nashville has the potential to become a leader in innovation.
PILOT INITIATIVES
The Alliance’s initiatives—from branding and marketing the city’s innovation story to mapping resources and building a robust local workforce—are designed to address gaps and propel Nashville toward a future where its innovation economy thrives for all. Built with international best practices in mind, the coalition works collectively to advance these efforts:
- Telling Nashville’s Innovation Story
An abundance of talent drawn to the city’s vibrant and culturally diverse creative communities makes Nashville ripe for growth as more innovation-based companies move to Nashville. The Alliance is convening leaders to align goals and to tell Nashville’s innovation story locally, nationally and beyond. - Workforce Transformation
Nashville companies are dependent on the pipeline of talent. The Alliance is fostering a robust conversation about how to grow a strong tech workforce, learning from best practices and serving as a forum to bring partners together to launch new workforce initiatives. - Nashville Tech Studio
Piloting new technology can help drive economic development, turning technology into solutions the community needs. The Alliance is leveraging the technology and expertise of Nashville’s academic institutions to pilot and deploy solutions that will address some of the city’s most pressing challenges—from emergency call center optimization to public transit occupancy detection. - Mapping the Ecosystem
The Alliance’s innovation ecosystem directory creates a one-stop shop for innovation-supporting companies, organizations, networking groups, programs, facilities, educational institutions and more for the Middle Tennessee region. Visitors can explore the interactive map, browse categories or search for a specific resource. The site demonstrates the depth and breadth of the region’s resources and helps the community stay connected and collaborative.
