Event Information

September 20, 2022 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Location: The Mill & Mine
227 West Depot Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37917

What is Startup Day?

Innov865 Week’s premier event is Startup Day, an annual pitch competition and celebration of Knoxville’s thriving entrepreneurial community. It took place on Tuesday, September 20. At the Startup Day, entrepreneurs showcase their local startup to a panel composed of venture capitalists, angel investors and industry leaders. Pitches are followed by a Q&A from the panel about their business and why they chose to grow their company in Knoxville. Cash prizes are awarded through crowd participation, totaling $10,000.


2022 Pitchers

Alex Weber

Alex Weber

Founder and President, D3D

Don DeRosa

Don DeRosa

Co-Founder and CEO, Eonix

Doug Mapp

Doug Mapp

Founder, ThinkUP

Femeika Elliott

Femeika Elliott

Creator, The Lotus Program

John Phillips

John Phillips

Founder, Primeaux

Ryan Ginder

Ryan Ginder

Founder & CEO, Windfall


2022 Hosts


2022 Featured Speaker

Mayor Indya Kincannon

Mayor Indya Kincannon

Welcoming Remarks



2022 Fireside Chat Panelists

Abhishek “Abhi” Sastri

Abhishek “Abhi” Sastri

Founder & CEO, Fluix

Anna Douglas

Anna Douglas

Co-Founder & CEO, SkyNano

Corey Tyree

Corey Tyree

President & CEO, Trillium Renewable Chemicals

Lindsey Cox

Lindsey Cox

Launch Tennessee


Past Startup Day Highlights

Revisit the highlights and learn about the winners from Innov865’s premier event in past years!

Past Startup Day Highlights

Have you attended Startup Day since the beginning? Love celebrating Knoxville’s entrepreneurial ecosystem? Check out highlights from past Startup Days here!

Startup Day Winners

We have had incredible Startup Day winners over the years! Check them out here.