Innovation

Behind a record year for Vanderbilt’s Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization are the people who turn research into real-world solutions. From first-time inventors to industry partners and startup founders, CTTC is helping people move ideas faster and farther to benefit society.  Read More

Vanderbilt University is taking the next step in its long-term efforts to build an innovation neighborhood by filing a Specific Plan application with the Nashville Planning Department to reshape 40 underutilized acres on the campus’s western edge into a mixed-use, pedestrian-first hub for research, collaboration and entrepreneurship. Read More

Vanderbilt's Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization had an exceptional 2025 fiscal year, setting all-time records across multiple metrics while expanding the university's innovation impact. CTTC experienced growth in technology disclosures, licensing transactions, industry-sponsored research, and startups launched—demonstrating the university's commitment to expanding the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem. Read More

A transformative gift from Vanderbilt parents Laurel and Cliff Asness of Greenwich, Connecticut, to the Vanderbilt Institute of National Security and the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation will have a significant impact on the future of national security and neurodiversity. The gift highlights the extraordinary support of the Vanderbilt community and underscores the ongoing momentum of the university’s historic Dare to Grow campaign which surpassed its original goal of $3.2 billion 20 months ahead of schedule. Read More

The Mid-South I-Corps Hub, one of the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Innovation Corps Hubs led by Vanderbilt, is proud to welcome the University of Arkansas as its newest participating institution, marking the next stage in a regional partnership built on innovation and shared vision.  Read More

Vanderbilt's Dare to Grow Campaign has surpassed its initial fundraising goal, underscoring the incredible generosity of Vanderbilt’s donors and the widespread enthusiasm for the university’s vision. This early achievement has established a launching pad for bolder, more far-reaching impact throughout the remainder of the campaign. Read More

Nashville is renowned for its vibrant music scene and booming health care industry, but the city is now working toward becoming an emerging powerhouse of innovation as well. Here are some of the events and milestones to support the city’s growth into a center for innovation for which Vanderbilt has played a vital role. Read More

A new spring semester series in the School of Engineering—”How Does This Work?”— features current and former CEOs, CTOs, and prominent entrepreneurs sharing their insights on tackling major engineering problems. Vanderbilt University’s entire community can learn directly from 19 leading experts about solving complex, large-scale societal challenges in Nashville and beyond. Read More

The Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization has honored five faculty members as 2024 Master Innovators for their groundbreaking research and transformative innovations. These pioneers, recognized for achievements spanning patents, startups and impactful technologies, exemplify Vanderbilt's dedication to translating academic excellence into societal advancements. Read More

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. Read More

Vanderbilt University has awarded a new cycle of Innovation Catalyst Fund grants to pioneering faculty projects that advance health care technology, AI tools for research impact and wearable devices. These grants support translational research and drive real-world solutions across disciplines, underscoring Vanderbilt's commitment to fostering innovation and societal impact. Read More

Vanderbilt University has been awarded $890,000 from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development's TNGO Mobility and Automotive Discovery Grants. The award will fund the leadership and collaboration on projects that enhance transportation safety and efficiency using advanced technologies like AI and LiDAR. These initiatives help position Vanderbilt as a leader in mobility research and innovation, driving economic growth and technological advancement in the state. Read More

Vanderbilt recently hosted the final M-TRAIN workshop at the Wond’ry. Funded by a $100,000 NSF grant, the workshop series engaged 70 people and 20 institutions, focusing on research administration, compliance and public-private partnerships, and held out a vision for sustained regional collaboration. Read More

Infectious diseases pose a significant global health challenge, accounting for a substantial proportion of deaths worldwide, according to recent data from the World Health Organization. Vanderbilt’s Life Science Showcase: Advancing Innovation in Infectious Diseases held on July 18 emphasized the vital importance of advancing research and innovation to combat these persistent threats. Read More

Vanderbilt has announced the February 2024 Innovation Catalyst Fund awardees, propelling groundbreaking research into practical applications. Read More

The Nashville Innovation Alliance seeks to bring together public, private, civic and education institutions to collaborate on improving the region’s ecosystem for innovation and to research, develop and deploy technology and analytically based solutions to challenges facing Nashville and Davidson County. Read More

Vanderbilt University hosted the 2024 Intelligent Transportation Society of Tennessee Annual Meeting, fostering collaboration among experts to address Tennessee’s transportation challenges, drive mobility innovation, support regional growth and enhance livability in Nashville and beyond. Read More

The group will build upon existing work to leverage Vanderbilt-driven research and innovation to support local community needs, attract entrepreneurial talent and venture investment, and expand our city and region’s innovation capacity. They also will examine infrastructure needs, including dedicated physical space, programs for collaboration and how to foster a culture of innovation.  Read More

Vanderbilt recently hosted a landmark event, Competitiveness Conversations Across America: Tennessee, in collaboration with the Council on Competitiveness and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The gathering brought together key leaders and experts from academia, industry and government to explore strategies for positioning Tennessee as a leader in innovation and competitiveness on a regional, national and global scale.  Read More

On October 17, 2022, Vanderbilt University launched “Discovery Vanderbilt” to embolden faculty, students and staff to pursue innovative ideas through disciplined, rigorous inquiry. Led by Provost Cybele Raver, the university committed $80 million in the effort—and invested $50 million in the first year alone. Read More