How everyone can participate in Tennessee's innovation economy | Opinion

• Margaret Dolan is the president and CEO of Launch Tennessee.
• 36
• 86 Entrepreneurship Festival runs Aug. 28-29 in Nashville. Tickets and info at attend3686.com.

When Marcus Cobb met Steve Case at 36|86 Entrepreneurship Festival in 2017, it’s unlikely either had an inkling that two years later Cobb’s Jammber would join Case’s Rise of the Rest portfolio.

Today the Nashville music-tech startup and the AOL founder’s seed fund are “partnered ... redesigning the biz of music,” as Cobb tweeted. “3 exits, 100s of jobs, millions raised, billions in transactions.”

That’s the kind of connection that happens at 36|86 — the confluence of entrepreneurs, innovators, startup founders, and investors from all over the country to network, learn, and maybe even find their next unicorn.

At LaunchTN, we’re proud to showcase the success story of Tennessee’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Our seventh-annual festival shines the light on our state’s thriving innovative spirit. 

Entrepreneurship isn’t just for startups

From a groundbreaking advanced-energy discovery at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to a software and virtual reality developer in Jackson, from a life-changing medical device invention in Chattanooga to a sustainable-heating pioneer in Johnson City, entrepreneurship gives everyone the opportunity to participate in the prosperity and wealth expansion taking place in Tennessee.

We’re particularly excited that for the second-consecutive year, our 36|86 Fellowship for Underrepresented Founders will enable more than 100 women, minority, and veteran entrepreneurs to attend.

And entrepreneurship isn’t just for startups. Established powerhouses like Eastman, Asurion, and Nissan are also looking for great ideas — and talent — they can take back to their companies. 

At six Nashville venues, over 1,200 attendees will experience a lineup of dynamic programming and a curated mix of investors, entrepreneurs, executives, and educators.

Among the highlights: Apple’s Jeffrey Brigham will explore his work applying artificial intelligence (AI) to solve accessibility challenges. Sarah Bellos, founder of Tennessee’s Stony Creek Colors, will participate in a panel discussion on circular-economy innovations taking place across NGOs, government, and industry.

AllianceBernstein CEO Seth Bernstein will share his take on the state of our fin-tech sector as a result of his firm’s move to Nashville. And Gov. Bill Lee, whose administration has made innovation a priority, will discuss the critical role of entrepreneurs and startups in driving economic growth.

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Pitch competitions offer more than $100,000 in prizes

Beyond the mainstage speakers and panel discussions, investors and early-stage companies will have the opportunity to set up formal meetings using My Business Matches.

More organically, guests will get together in several co-working lounges — and as happens in a gathering of creatives, derive energy from the innovative vibe and mutual interest in business creation.

We're also hosting two pitch competitions with more than $100,000 in prize awards for our winners. The first features nine startups nominated by our partner entrepreneur centers around Tennessee, and the second is made up of 12 companies from eight Tennessee universities and colleges vying for the top spot. We're proud of all of this year's competitors; their caliber exemplifies the excellence of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in our state. 

Of course, the work of building a vibrant ecosystem doesn’t happen in just one week in August. LaunchTN and our partner network will be with you all year long, enabling you to achieve scale by providing access to capital, markets, and talent to grow your businesses.

And for investors, we’ll provide year-round opportunities to put your capital to work in Tennessee’s robust business environment.

36|86 is your opportunity knocking — will you answer the door? 

Margaret Dolan is the president and CEO of Launch Tennessee. 36|86 Entrepreneurship Festival runs Aug. 28-29 in Nashville. Tickets and info at attend3686.com.