University of Memphis joins NSF’s Mid-South I-Corps Hub expanding Tennessee’s innovation corridor 

Tennessee’s innovation corridor now spans the state with the addition of the University of Memphis to the National Science Foundation’s Mid-South Innovation Corps (I-Corps) Hub.  

Led by Vanderbilt University through its innovation center, the Wond’ry, the I-Corps Hub is an alliance of institutions that promotes inclusive innovation and economic development to position the Mid-South as a center for commercializing STEM-related technologies. 

By joining the Mid-South I-Corps Hub, Memphis strengthens its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. This partnership provides faculty, researchers and students with access to NSF’s I-Corps programs, offering training and resources to translate research discoveries into commercial ventures. 

“A research-driven entrepreneurial ecosystem is a hallmark of cities that lead through innovation,” said Jasbir Dhaliwal, executive vice president for research and innovation at the University of Memphis. “Partnering with the universities in the Mid-South I-Corps Hub will unlock a collaborative network that will advance both the research of the UofM and our ability to translate the value of research for industry.” 

The addition of the University of Memphis to the Mid-South I-Corps Hub is more than a new partnership; it’s a crucial step in uniting and strengthening the innovation ecosystem across the region. Memphis will leverage I-Corps as a vehicle for deep technology commercialization in sectors such as health and mobility, preparing technologies for development into sustainable companies within the city’s broader innovation programs. 

About the Mid-South I-Corps Hub 

The NSF designated the Wond’ry as an I-Corps site in 2017, later selecting it to lead the Mid-South I-Corps Hub in 2022. The new hub officially launched in 2023. 

The Mid-South I-Corps Hub covers 10 institutions across four states: Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi and Virginia. The institutions are: 

• George Mason University 
• Jackson State University 
• Meharry Medical College 
• Tennessee State University 
• University of Kentucky 
• University of Louisville 
• University of Memphis 
• University of Tennessee, Knoxville 
• University of Virginia 
• Vanderbilt University 

The I-Corps program has supported projects addressing health care for underserved communities, cybersecurity, clean energy, and solutions for drug abuse and mental health challenges. The Wond’ry provides participants with training, microgrant funding, proposal review and interview preparation to help innovators refine their ideas for commercialization. 

“Bringing the University of Memphis into the Mid-South I-Corps Hub strengthens our commitment to inclusive innovation across Tennessee and the region,” said Charleson Bell, research assistant professor of biomedical engineering, director of entrepreneurship and biomedical innovation, and director of the Mid-South Innovation Corps Hub. “This addition isn’t just about growing our numbers; it’s about uniting our expertise, perspectives and resources to drive real change for the communities we serve. Together, we’re building an innovation ecosystem where everyone has a stake in creating prosperity and transforming ideas into impactful, sustainable ventures.” 

The Mid-South I-Corps Hub brings together teaching teams from diverse institutions to reflect a range of perspectives in gender, expertise and race. With its focus on inclusive innovation, the hub aims to support underrepresented innovators and expand the region’s capacity to commercialize research and address pressing community needs. 

Adding the University of Memphis to the hub is expected to: 

• Enhance regional collaboration among academic institutions. 
• Provide resources and training to support the commercialization of research. 
• Stimulate economic growth and development through innovation. 
• Foster an inclusive environment for diverse innovators and entrepreneurs. 

This partnership aligns with the University of Memphis’ strategic goals of promoting research excellence and community engagement, positioning the institution as a key player in the region’s innovation landscape.