Accelerate Appalachia

Accelerate Appalachia is a collaborative effort between ETSU Research Corporation (ETSU RC) / Ballad Health Systems Appalachian Highlands Center for Innovation (Center) and Sync Space which will leverage support from regional organizations and Launch Tennessee to promote entrepreneurial programs throughout the Appalachian Highlands region. The partnership will integrate all aspects of the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem in support of early stage company growth with a particular emphasis on Biomanufacturing initiatives and other regional comparative advantages in medical and rural health care, bio manufacturing, ag and med tech, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and entertainment tech. Accelerate Appalachia, through the Center, will run the ß-Tech Accelerator early-stage startup accelerator and assist in the coordination of the regional Intellectual Property Commercialization Program. It is also a sponsor of the regional micro venture fund.

Accelerate Appalachia focuses on four key initiatives:

ß-Tech Accelerator

The regional ß-Tech Accelerator provides essential resources for early-stage companies. The Accelerator identifies, recruits, and nurtures high-potential startups through tailored programs, creating a pipeline of scalable ventures that drive regional economic growth. Through its comprehensive support system—encompassing business mentorship, access to funding, and specialized facilities—the Accelerator helps companies overcome commercialization hurdles and scale up to meet market demands.

Intellectual Property Commercialization

Accelerate Appalachia in conjunction with the ETSURC, which is the holder of all patents emanating from ETSU-based research, will assist in developing a robust Intellectual Property Commercialization program that will identify promising research and assist in patent prosecution. The ß-Tech Accelerator, will assist in the IP commercialization process and the associated start-up of new companies.

MicroVenture Fund

In conjunction with regional partners, Accelerate Appalachia plays a key role in the recently formed Regional Seed Fund. The Fund provides early-stage funding to promote technology-based startups, particularly those within the Appalachian Highlands region and is designed to work in partnership with the State of Tennessee’s FundTN programs including InvestTN, LendTN and other access to capital programs. The investment criteria include a focus on innovation, scalability, return on investment, and potential to create sustainable regional economic impact.

Regional Industry Mentor Network

Alongside the collaborative initiative in an ever growing ecosystem, the formation of the formal Appalachian Highlands Regional Mentor Network includes leveraging the immense intellectual talent found in the region and formalizing an approach to allow regional startups access to industry and experienced mentorship as part of a regional economic development program focused on innovative companies ability to grow within the Appalachian Highlands region.