865 Fest
About this Event
Gather alongside Knoxville’s brightest founders, investors, executives and business leaders for insights on transformative tech, bold business moves and regional success stories.
Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. for a networking breakfast and registration. Programming will begin at 9 a.m. EST. Lunch will be provided.
At the event, six Knoxville startups will pitch before a live audience and panel of judges in hopes of winning the Judges’ Choice Award and the Crowd Favorite Award, totaling $15,000 in cash prizes.
Emerging entrepreneurs will also showcase their ideas in a student pitch competition for a cash prize, presented by the Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
This year, programming will include featured panel discussions and interactive breakout sessions designed to spark ideas, foster collaboration, and celebrate innovation in our region.
The program also includes the Traction Award, presented by Axle Logistics, an award given to a Knoxville entrepreneur who has made significant progress with their business since participating in Startup Day.
After the formal program, attendees are invited to stay for a networking happy hour from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Drinks and light snacks will be provided.
Thank you to our founding members!
Thank you to our 2026 865 Fest sponsors!
Agenda
🕑: 09:00 AM
Welcoming Remarks
Host: Mayor Indya Kincannon
🕑: 09:30 AM
Quantum Momentum: Powering the Region's Innovation Economy
Host: Rebekah Jane (RJ) Justice
Info: This panel is sponsored by Three Roots Capital, and the organization's founder and CEO, Grady Vanderhoofven, will moderate the panel. With the launch of the Knoxville Quantum Accelerator, or K-Quantum, and growing momentum around the Maplehurst Innovation District, East Tennessee is positioned to advance quantum technologies and propel the region’s innovation economy. Moderated by Grady Vanderhoofven, Founder & CEO of Three Roots Capital, this panel will explore how UT, ORNL, the City of Knoxville and industry partners are advancing quantum technologies, supporting commercialization, growing high-wage jobs and building the talent pipeline needed for the future. Three Roots Capital brings a unique perspective as a local financing and investment partner supporting innovation infrastructure and investing in the startup ecosystem.
🕑: 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Breakout Session #1
Info: PYA and LocaliQ are this year's breakout room sponsors. In the PYA room, Heather Waliga and Abby Ham will host a meet-and-greet for their new company, "We Know People Media." In the LocaliQ room, John Montouri will give a presentation titled "The Psychology of Being Chosen: Why people choose to do business with you." Attendees can choose which conversation they would like to join.
🕑: 11:00 AM
A Seat at the Table: Knoxville's Rise as a Culinary Destination
Host: Moderator: Kim Bumpas
Info: This panel is sponsored by Visit Knoxville, and Kim Bumpas of VK will moderate the panel. Knoxville’s culinary scene is earning national recognition, with two restaurants receiving Michelin-recommended designations and helping shape the Knoxville region’s growing reputation as a destination. This panel will explore how local culinary leaders are building recognized brands, driving entrepreneurship and innovation and using food culture to attract visitors, talent and economic growth.
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Emerging Entrepreneur Pitch Competiton
Info: Six emerging entrepreneurs will pitch their idea or company. This year's pitchers include: Joseph Shinkle, Edura; Alex Del Vecchio, Big Al's Hot Mustard; Kendra Mueller, WarmWave; Patrick Ragozzine, Arbor AI; Jack Ford & Alan Schneider, JobWillow; Blake Hopkins, Cofluence.
🕑: 12:15 PM
Traction Award, presented by Axle Logistics
🕑: 01:45 PM
Featured Speaker: Betsy Henderson, Knox County Mayor
Host: County Mayor Betsy Henderson
🕑: 02:15 PM - 02:45 PM
Breakout Session #2
Info: PYA and LocaliQ are this year's breakout room sponsors. In the PYA room, Marty Brown and Maha Krishnamurthy will discuss UT Ventures and Market Square Ventures. In the LocaliQ room, John Montouri will give a presentation titled "The Psychology of Influence: Why people choose to do business with you." Attendees can choose which conversation they would like to join.
🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Startup Pitch Competition
Info: Six local entrepreneurs will pitch their startup in front of 865 Fest attendees for a chance to win cash prizes. Judges for this event include Mike Thibodeaux of Comcast, Rachel Mehta of She's Independent Investments, and Michael Dirla of Greater Sum Ventures. The six pitchers include: Marton Krivan, Aquafer Technologies; Spencer Dore, New Horizon Precision; Alec Readel, Applied 2D Materials; Gustavo Alvarez-Suchini, Data Rook; Brian Iezzi, Fibarcode; Kevin Roccapriore, AtomQ.
🕑: 04:30 PM
Where Are They Now? 865 Fest Alumni Share their Startup Stories
Host: Anna Douglas
Info: In a panel moderated by Tom Rogers, former Startup Day and 865 Fest founders return to share what happened after the pitch. From funding rounds and customer growth to pivots, setbacks and hard-earned lessons, this candid conversation offers an honest look at what it really takes to build and scale a startup.
🕑: 05:00 PM
Awards Presentation
Info: Emerging Entrepreneur Award, presented by the Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Crowd Favorite Award, presented by the Innov865 Alliance
Judges' Choice Award, presented by Comcast
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 55.20 to USD 108.55
