Sync Space and East Tennessee State University (ETSU) Research Corporation have collaborated in launching Accelerate Appalachia, a program designed to help advance the region's entrepreneurs and small business owners who have business traction.

For a bird's-eye view of the region's continually expanding and diversifying entrepreneurial ecosystem, click here and/or here.

Accelerate Appalachia's four elements are a startup accelerator, a micro venture fund, industry-specific mentorship, and access to an intellectual-property commercialization program integrated with Launch Tennessee's Technology Transfer Advancement Consortium (TTAC).

ETSU Research Corporation CEO David Golden said in a recent press release that Accelerate Appalachia is designed to create pathways for the region's talent to develop and grow sustainable businesses that strengthen the Highlands economy.

With such ends in mind, Sync Space and the ETSU Research Corporation have in recent years been building a collaborative network with more than 30 participating government, educational and other nonprofit regional organizations aboard, thus far.

Sync Space President Health Guinn said in today's press release, "Accelerate Appalachia represents a powerful step forward for our community. By pooling resources, talent, and expertise from across our region, we're creating a comprehensive ecosystem that empowers entrepreneurs and innovators to not only grow but thrive. The Appalachian Highlands is a unique and promising region, and we're honored to be a part of shaping its future."

Heath told VNC he currently projects the initial group of admitted Accelerator companies to total five, all of which are under active consideration.

In addition, ETSU Research Corporation's Center for Innovation has developed the Beta Tech Accelerator.

The Center's executive director, Dave Clark, said in today's release, "The program has been designed to guide startups from concept through execution, and will connect companies with mentors, resources, and support networks tailored to the challenges and opportunities of the region."

Further, through the Center's regional micro venture fund -- Catalyst Capital Fund LLC -- Accelerate Appalachia aims to provide early-stage capital to promising startups and help emerging small and medium-sized enterprises to meet their greatest challenges.

Among other regional allies is Ballad Health & Innovation Center, a unit of Ballad Health, based in Johnson City.

LaunchTN CEO Lindsey Cox in today's release, "Accelerate Appalachia is a shining example of what collaboration can achieve. This initiative not only serves as a catalyst for economic growth but also as a testament to the innovation and resilience of the Appalachian Highlands. We're thrilled to see Sync Space and ETSU Research Corporation take the lead in empowering entrepreneurs and advancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in this region." (###)

. last edited 13 February 2025 1615 CT