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.
🕑: 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
Anderson Center Emerging Entrepreneur Pitch Competition
🕑: 01:30 PM
Fireside Chat with Betsy Henderson, Knox County Mayor
Host: County Mayor Betsy Henderson
🕑: 12:15 PM
Traction Award, presented by Axle Logistics
🕑: 03:00 PM
Startup Pitch Competition
🕑: 04:30 PM
Where Are They Now? 865 Fest Alumni Share their Startup Stories
Info: 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
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 55.20 to USD 108.55
