Anderson Center
Competitions & Events
Welcome to the University of Tennessee’s heart of entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity! The Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation hosts a wide variety of events including interactive lunch and learns, pitch competitions to win startup capital, cutting-edge workshops, and more throughout the semester.
Whether you’re just starting your entrepreneurial journey as a UT student, a UT faculty or staff member, a seasoned entrepreneur, or a Knoxville community member, we have an event for you. Our events are designed to elevate your skills, expand your network, and fuel your passion for startups!
Anderson Center
Spring 2025 Events
Vol Court Speaker Series & Pitch Competition
Vol Court sessions are held on Tuesday evenings during the fall and spring semesters. UT students, faculty, staff, alumni, and local community members are all welcome to attend.
Dates:
February 4, 11, 18 and 25
Time:
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Location:
Hodges Library Room 213
Lunch & Learn Series
The ACEI Lunch & Learn Series hosts several Lunch & Learns throughout the semester bringing in industry experts and seasoned entrepreneurs to tell their story and provide valuable insights.
Graves Business Plan Competition
The Graves Business Plan Competition offers University of Tennessee, Knoxville students enrolled in undergraduate and master’s degree programs the opportunity to win part of the $20,000 start-up capital for an original business idea.
Application Dates: February 10-March 2
Coffee Club
Join startup coach Melissa Centers for coffee and conversations around critical business skills and capabilities.
Date:
April 10 and April 23
Bridging Research & Practice: Show Me the Money
This event helps foster dialogue between academics and entrepreneurs regarding challenges entrepreneurs face and related research findings that help entrepreneurs prepare for and address those challenges. This event creates an opportunity for both researchers and practitioners to bring value to one another.
Date:
February 26
Time:
4-6 p.m.
Location:
Kern’s Food Hall