Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Chattanooga entrepreneur center The Company Lab have officially partnered to accelerate advanced technology and support the growth of deep tech startups throughout the state.   

Together, the organizations aim to strengthen Tennessee’s leadership in advanced energy, 
mobility and quantum technologies while fostering new venture creation across the region. 

“This partnership creates a bridge between groundbreaking scientific discovery and the 
entrepreneurs who can bring those discoveries to market,” CO.LAB CEO Tasia Malakasis said.  
At a news conference this morning, the two organizations signed a memorandum of understanding with three key focus areas: 
? Connecting entrepreneurs with the national laboratory's intellectual property; 
? Linking startup founders with Oak Ridge’s researchers and facilities; and
? Supporting Innovation Crossroads companies through CO.LAB accelerator programs.

Leaders from federal, state and local government joined representatives from ORNL and 
CO.LAB at the signing ceremony in Chattanooga.  

U.S.

Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, who attended the event, said, “As your Congressman, strengthening the Chattanooga-Oak Ridge connection has always been one of my top priorities. By joining ORNL’s world-class research with The Company Lab’s leadership in entrepreneurship and innovation, we’re creating a pipeline from cutting-edge discoveries to real-world solutions in energy, mobility and quantum technologies. These are the kinds of collaborations that grow our economy, support good-paying Tennessee jobs and make sure our state continues to lead the way in American innovation.” 

"The collaboration builds on Chattanooga’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation, supported 
by advanced digital infrastructure, research institutions, and a thriving entrepreneurial 
ecosystem," officials said. 

Dr. Shaun S. Gleason, who was also at the signing, said that collaborations like this are setting Tennessee up for future success and leadership.  

"ORNL's mission is to deliver scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs that advance the Department of Energy's priorities, strengthen U.S. competitiveness and create pathways for those innovations to reach the marketplace through strong partnerships like this one,” Dr. Gleason said. “As transformative technologies like quantum computing, advanced energy and next-generation mobility reshape the global economy, regions that invest early in innovation, commercialization and talent development will be best positioned to lead. Together, ORNL and Co.Lab are helping ensure Tennessee is one of those regions - attracting deep-tech companies, retaining world-class talent and building a more competitive economy for the future.”