Innovation in Nashville

Why innovators are choosing Nashville

Why innovators are choosing Nashville

The Nashville innovation ecosystem is gaining global attention. Record research investment, a growing talent pipeline and a collaborative business community are creating new opportunities for startups, established companies and investors alike.

A nationally recognized innovation economy

Nashville’s momentum is earning national and international recognition across entrepreneurship, workforce growth and economic competitiveness.

Fastest-growing startup
scene in the world

U.S. metro for job
growth and income

#10

Nationwide for tech
job growth

U.S. creative
class growth

Data sources: PitchBook Global Venture Capital Ecosystem Rankings; Nashville Area Chamber; Computing Technology Association; Richard Florida / Financial Times

Research that fuels innovation

Innovation begins with discovery. The latest available data shows universities across Middle Tennessee are generating groundbreaking research, advancing new technologies and helping move ideas from the lab into the marketplace.

$1.4B

University research and development funding

248

University
invention disclosures

22

University
startups formed

112

Commercialization transactions and licensing agreements

88%

Increase in annual
invention disclosures

Metrics reflect the most recent data available from each source. Data sources: National Science Foundation Higher Education Research and Development Survey; Vanderbilt University Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization; Launch Tennessee / Tennessee Technology Advancement Consortium

A talent pipeline built for growth

Middle Tennessee’s colleges and universities produce thousands of graduates each year across engineering, health care, technology and the sciences, helping employers find the talent they need to grow.

6,000+

STEM, health and medicine graduates annually

Belmont University logo

Middle Tennessee State University logo

Tennessee State University logo

Vanderbilt University logo

Data sources: Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce; respective university reports

A place where companies can scale

Nashville combines entrepreneurial energy with established industries, creating an environment where businesses can launch, expand and collaborate.

$18.6B

Private equity
exit value

$21.8M

Government loans and grants awarded to Tennessee startups

Strong access to capital, a growing startup community and continued business investment are helping companies launch, expand and scale in Nashville.

Data sources: Greater Nashville Private Capital Association; Launch Tennessee

Built to support innovation

Innovation thrives where people have the space to build, collaborate and grow. From flexible coworking environments to specialized laboratory and manufacturing facilities, Nashville offers the infrastructure companies need at every stage.

117

Coworking locations totaling more than 2 million square feet

Square feet of scientific laboratory and manufacturing space

190+

Resources supporting innovation across Middle Tennessee

View our Innovation Ecosystem Directory →

Data sources: U.S. Coworking Industry Report; Covalent Life Sciences Report; Nashville Innovation Alliance Innovation Ecosystem Directory

Why Nashville

Nashville’s strength isn’t defined by a single industry or institution.

It’s the connections between research, talent, entrepreneurship and investment that create an innovation ecosystem where ideas become companies and companies grow. That collaborative approach continues to attract new businesses, talent and investment while positioning Middle Tennessee as one of the nation’s fastest-growing innovation economies.

Through its initiatives, the Nashville Innovation Alliance is building on that momentum to create new opportunities across the region.

Join Nashville’s innovation story

Whether you’re launching a startup, expanding your business, investing in new ideas or looking for research partners, there’s a place for you in Nashville’s innovation ecosystem.

Connect with us

Cowrite the Future in Nashville logo