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 January 21, 2026.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Letters of Intent are submitted through the InfoReady platform (link provided in post-event email).
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.
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.
Potential project teams refine their problem statements and project ideas.
Teams should meet 1:1 and discuss the potential project and scope of work.
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.
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.
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.
At this time, due to interest, all full-time faculty submitting proposals must have submitted a letter of intent.
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.
Project proposals are submitted through the InfoReady platform. The application link will be shared in advance of the portal opening.
Eligible uses:
Unallowable uses generally include:
Additional details will be provided during the proposal stage.
Awards to be announced in Spring 2026. Funds are available for 6 months once awarded. Extensions will be considered pending progress.
Awardees will be required to submit a final report. Additional details will be provided after awards are made.
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.
