Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development

Innovation isn’t a future aspiration in Tennessee. It’s already driving our economy. 💪   From nuclear and quantum to AI, advanced materials and life sciences, Tennessee companies, researchers and institutions are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. TNECD’s Office of Innovation was created to connect that momentum, support it and help it grow.   In a new LinkedIn expert article, Nathan Buttrey, Senior Advisor to the Commissioner for TNECD’s Office of Innovation, shares why Tennessee created the office, the strategy guiding its work and how the state is turning that strategy into action. 🎉

🚨 Don't wait to register for #GovCon26! 🚨 Registration has only been open for one week, and we're already halfway to selling out. With limited spots available, tickets are going fast. Don't miss your chance to be part of Gov. Bill Lee's final Governor's Conference. Join us as we reflect on a legacy of leadership and economic opportunity that has helped shape Tennessee—and look ahead to the impact each of our communities can create for generations to come. Secure your spot before it's too late. 🎟️ Register today: https://govcon.tnecd.com/

🎉 Meet Cohort 2 of the Tennessee Rural Fellows! Five fellows are getting ready to put their skills and passion to work in five distressed or at-risk counties across Tennessee: 📍 Tierney Macon – Lauderdale County 📍 Faith Cook – Lake County 📍 Julia Briggs – Cocke County 📍 Noah Morrison – Carter County 📍 Kylee Scarbrough – Unicoi County Through the Tennessee Rural Fellows Program, these emerging leaders will gain hands-on experience while supporting meaningful projects and priorities in the communities they serve. We’re excited to see the connections they build and the impact they make across rural Tennessee. 👏

Business Facilities Magazine's 2026 Metro Rankings recognize Nashville, Memphis and Chattanooga among the nation’s Top 5 in key areas shaping economic growth and investment. 🙌 From Memphis earning the #1 spot for Logistics Leaders and Chattanooga taking #1 for Broadband Speed to Nashville securing Top 5 spots for Emerging Life Sciences Markets, Tech Talent and FTZ Imports, Tennessee’s metros continue to stand out. Nashville earned additional recognition for manufacturing, corporate headquarters, food processing and population growth, while Knoxville came in at #7 for Broadband Speed. 🎉 See the full 2026 rankings: https://lnkd.in/ef5ipeNX

As part of an expansion across the Tennessee and the Carolinas, Prysmian will create 100 new jobs and invest $100 million to double the size of its City of Jackson, TN, facility. Today’s announcement marks the second expansion for Prysmian in Jackson since its 2018 acquisition of General Cable, which first established operations in Jackson in 1991, and the company expects to break ground in October.

Kyoto Fusioneering will create more than 50 jobs and invest nearly $47 million as part of a relocation of its headquarters to the City Of Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The new facility, which is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), includes buildout of critical fusion testing infrastructure designed to drive down fusion technology risk and centers on developing UNITY-3, a first-of-its-kind fusion nuclear test facility to be built at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Tennessee continues to rank among the nation’s top states for business and industry. 🏆 Business Facilities Magazine's 2026 State Rankings place Tennessee among the nation’s Top 5 across automotive, critical minerals, nuclear energy and overall business climate, including a #1 ranking for Automotive (Future Hubs). And the recognition doesn’t stop there. Tennessee also ranked nationally for workforce training, manufacturing, tax climate, foreign direct investment, population growth, food processing and outdoor recreation manufacturing. These rankings reflect the diverse industries, skilled workforce and strong business environment that continue to make Tennessee a leading destination for companies looking to invest, grow and thrive. 🙌 See the full 2026 rankings: https://lnkd.in/eXAsU2bH

Yes, the rumors are true‼️ Registration for #GovCon26 in Chattanooga, October 1–2, is officially OPEN. 🎉 As Gov. Bill Lee's final Governor's Conference, this year's event will celebrate the legacy of progress across Tennessee while challenging today's leaders to think about the lasting impact they're creating in their own communities. Don't wait to register! We sold out quickly last year, and we expect another full house. While you're at it, book your hotel early, too. Rooms in Chattanooga will fill up fast. 🎟️ Register and reserve your hotel today: https://govcon.tnecd.com/