The Dominion Energy Innovation Center (DEIC) and UT Spark Innovation Center are collaborating on an interstate bridge to deepen clean energy innovation across Virginia and Tennessee. Backed by the IN2 Innovation Incubator program, this initiative leverages our complementary strengths to accelerate technology commercialization, fuel utility-startup collaboration, and catalyze scalable energy solutions across the region.
This is more than a showcase — it’s a strategic push to knit Virginia and Tennessee into a unified energy innovation corridor. By creating shared experiences, cross-program engagement, and pilot opportunities, we aim to:
The Richmond trip will include attending DEIC’s Energy Tech conference and pitch competition on March 10, 2026 and workshops, tours, and networking opportunities on March 11, 2026. More details and application will be available soon.
This two-day event connects energy startups, utility partners, and economic development leaders with Oak Ridge National Lab, the University of Tennessee, and members of the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council community.
An Innovation Road Trip isn’t just a conference — it’s a curated, immersive experience designed to move ideas from conversation to collaboration. Each road trip blends traditional convening with behind-the-scenes access to national labs, universities, and utilities, giving participants the chance to explore technologies firsthand and forge partnerships that lead to real-world pilots.
The program is open to startups, researchers, and other innovation stakeholders in the advanced energy and adjacent technology sectors. Anyone can participate, but in order to qualify for a travel stipend you must be a DEIC or UT SPARK program alumni or a Virginia based DEIC partner.
Yes, any company can apply for these road trips. In order to qualify for a stipend to cover travel and accommodations, you must be a DEIC or SPARK program alumni or a Virginia based DEIC partner.
As part of our IN2 Strategic Partner Award, DEIC will cover travel and accommodation expenses for DEIC program alumni and Virginia-based DEIC partners through a generous stipend, up to $750. But, spots are limited so register early!
Applications will be taken on a first come, first served basis.
Day 1 – November 19:
Attend the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council’s Opportunities in Energy conference
Experience the UT Spark Cleantech Accelerator Demo Day featuring 12 startups
Network with peers and industry leaders
Day 2 – November 20:
Take a private tour at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, featuring Grid C & Manufacturing Demonstration Facility
Learn about “Doing Business with Utilities” during an in-depth workshop hosted by DEIC with Dominion Energy and Tennessee Valley Authority innovation leaders
Enjoy a guided UT Research Park tour and community networking happy hour
Please contact Braden Croy at braden@dominnovation.com.
The Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2) is a $55-million energy technology program funded by Wells Fargo and coadministered by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory. IN2 advances innovative energy solutions from concept to commercialization. By bridging the gap between cutting-edge startups and market adopters, IN2 fosters collaboration across a growing ecosystem—convening entrepreneurs, industry stakeholders, and research institutions. Through this networked approach, IN2 accelerates real-world implementation and scaling of transformative technologies in the built environment and infrastructure sectors, driving a more resilient, adaptable future.
The Dominion Energy Innovation Center (DEIC) and University of Tennessee’s SPARK Innovation Center, were awarded an IN2 Channel Partner Strategic Award for this project in April 2025. The Channel Partner Strategic Awards fund a network of incubators, accelerators, and university programs as key stakeholders in the transition to a future low-carbon economy. For more information, visit www.in2ecosystem.com.