The purpose of this page is to provide clarity to all participants on the Civic Tech Jam and the three phases of the event, including matchmaking and seed funding proposals. As additional questions arise, this page will be updated periodically.
Last updated on November 21, 2025.
Background on the Civic Tech Jam
What is Civic Tech Jam?
Civic Tech Jam is a collaborative pitch event where Metro Nashville departments present real challenges they face that could benefit from innovative, technology-driven solutions. University faculty and researchers are invited to hear these pitches, provide feedback, and explore opportunities to collaborate on pilot projects.
The event took place on October 22, 2025 at Operation Stand Down Tennessee (1125 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN). You do not need to have attended Civic Tech Jam in person to participate in the post-event matchmaking. To receive a recording following the event, please contact us.
Why are you organizing Civic Tech Jam?
The event is designed to connect city government with the academic community. Metro departments bring pressing challenges, while university faculty bring expertise. The goal is to create partnerships that generate practical, impactful projects that improve city services and address mayoral priorities.
Who is eligible to participate in Civic Tech Jam?
All university faculty from the Middle Tennessee area are welcome to participate. You do not need to have attended Civic Tech Jam in person to participate in the post-event matchmaking. To receive a recording following the event, please contact us.
What is the timeline for this year’s Civic Tech Jam?
Oct. 22, 2025
Pitch Session: Metro Departments present challenges to faculty
Nov. 12, 2025
Any Middle Tennessee academics interested in partnering with a Metro Department on a challenge shared during Civic Tech Jam submit a Letter of Intent.
Nov.–Dec. 2025
The Alliance supports matchmaking by connecting Department officials and interested researchers.
Jan. 20, 2026
Proposal submissions open for teams (must include a Metro department partner)
Feb. 12, 2026
Proposal deadline
Spring 2026
Funding awards are announced.
Who is behind the Civic Tech Jam?
Civic Tech Jam is a pitch session under the Nashville Tech Studio initiative—a core pillar of the Nashville Innovation Alliance.
Established by Mayor Freddie O’Connell and Vanderbilt University, the Nashville Innovation Alliance seeks to bring together public, private, civic and education institutions to enhance the region’s innovation ecosystem.
The Nashville Tech Studio leverages the expertise of Middle Tennessee researchers to pilot and deploy tech-based solutions that address some of Metro Nashville’s largest and most complex challenges.
Who can I contact to learn more?
Steve Lopez, Mayor’s Office of Performance Management, steve.lopez@nashville.gov
Colleen Herndon, Metro ITS, colleen.herndon@nashville.gov
Becca Rosen, Nashville Innovation Alliance, brosen@nashvilleinnovationalliance.org
Phase 2: Matchmaking & Letter of Intent (Nov.–Dec.)
What are the requirements for the Letter of Intent?
Following the pitch session on October 22, all Middle Tennessee academics are invited to submit a Letter of Intent. The Letter of Intent is required as part of eligibility requirements for funding. The letter requires academics to:
- Select a Metro Department
- Identify the specific challenge from Civic Tech Jam seeking to solve
- List the potential research team
- Summarize in a few bullets the potential solution and work plan
Where do I submit my Letter of Intent?
Letters of Intent are submitted through the InfoReady platform (link provided in post-event email).
Do I need to submit a Letter of Intent, or can I just submit a proposal?
The Letter of Intent is required for matching and as a precursor to submitting a proposal for funding. It will also support matchmaking between academics and Metro Departments. The final proposal must include a Metro Department partner.
How does the selection and matching process work?
After the pitch session, the Nashville Innovation Alliance facilitates introductions between departments and faculty who express interest by submitting a Letter of Intent (deadline November 12, 2025).
During the matchmaking period, potential project teams refine their problem statements and project ideas. Only teams that include at least one Metro department partner are eligible to apply for seed funding. Project teams can include full-time faculty from different universities across Middle Tennessee.
Now that we have been connected and matchmaking is underway, what is next?
Potential project teams refine their problem statements and project ideas.
Teams should meet 1:1 and discuss the potential project and scope of work.
Can a Metro Department engage with multiple academic faculty at different universities?
Metro Departments may have received multiple LOIs from different faculty. Metro Departments may also choose to only partner with one faculty research team for the actual proposal, but we request that you meet with each faculty to determine the best partner.
Now that we have matched between academic partners and Metro officials, the scope and project question have changed. Are we still eligible to submit a proposal?
The matchmaking phase is an opportunity to refine the scope and project plan. The Alliance expects that proposals will change during the matchmaking process, including the definition of the challenge, research, question and scope of work.
Phase 3: Seed Funding (Jan. 2026)
How is funding allocated and disbursed?
- Up to two awards will be given.
- Each award provides up to $40,000 in seed funding.
- Funding supports projects that emerge from the matchmaking process and include both a Metro department and an academic partner.
Who is eligible to submit a proposal?
Any full-time Middle Tennessee faculty member can serve as the Principal Investigator. Project teams can include faculty from different universities across Middle Tennessee, and research teams can consist of post-docs, graduate students, research assistants, etc.
Do you accept proposals that were not matched as part of the Civic Tech Jam?
At this time, due to interest, all full-time faculty submitting proposals must have submitted a letter of intent.
Can more than one proposal be submitted for the same challenge?
While multiple proposals for the same “challenge” from different faculty and different universities can happen, the Tech Studio initiative does encourage cross-university and multiple partner projects. A letter of support from the Metro Department is required as part of the full proposal.
Where do I submit a project proposal?
Project proposals are submitted through the InfoReady platform. The application link will be shared in advance of the portal opening.
What are the funding proposal components?
- Research Team – including Metro and academic partners
- Project title
- Metro Department and specific challenge to solve
- Project proposal and detailed description of work to be completed. Provide an overview of how you plan to solve the challenge including roles of all team members, potential technology solution and general workplan, timeline, how funds will be used, etc. (500 words)
- Three key outcomes
- Total funding request
- Upload a letter of support from Metro Department partner
- Detailed budget (template provided)
What are eligible and non-eligible uses of funds?
Eligible uses:
- Capital expenses
- Post-doctoral hires
- Graduate student wages, stipends, and fees
- Term limited consultants or skilled workers such as a web programmer or survey developer
- Scientific and technical staff salaries
- Materials or supplies
Unallowable uses generally include:
- Book subventions
- Faculty salaries
- Tuition or financial aid for students
- Subcontracts or staff effort at other institutions
Additional details will be provided during the proposal stage.
What is the timeline for the award?
Awards to be announced in Spring 2026. Funds are available for 6 months once awarded. Extensions will be considered pending progress.
What is expected from winners following completion of the funding term?
Awardees will be required to submit a final report. Additional details will be provided after awards are made.
How will this proposal be evaluated?
The evaluation committee will include representatives from the Nashville Innovation Alliance, Metro Nashville, academic community, and innovation experts. Additional information will be provided on evaluation criteria and the evaluation committee once the portal is open for submissions.
We expect evaluation criteria to include policy impact potential, innovative approach, feasibility, scalability/replication, and cost.