ICYMI, Chattanooga is an innovation hub.

Think about it: we're known as the "Silicon Valley of freight," EPB is launching America's first industry-led commercially available quantum network, we have an urban test bed for autonomous vehicles via UTC's CUIP, and Chattanooga serves as Volkswagen's North American base for manufacturing electric vehicles.

Sooo...👇
But what does all of this have to do with The Company Lab, a local startup accelerator?

The organization recently announced a new programmatic focus on the sustainable mobility sector, and Chattanooga's status as an innovation hub is a major reason why.

What is sustainable mobility?

"Sustainable mobility encompasses the future-forward movement of people, goods, energy, and data." — Co.Lab Marketing Specialist Ashlyn Gentile

What's Co.Lab doing?

Recruiting companies focused on innovation in quantum tech, freight and logistics, urban planning, EVs, etc.
Those companies will participate in a 10-week program to test and pilot ideas relating to their respective industry
The companies will work alongside Chattanooga's existing research and innovative organizations
Co.Lab will make investments in these companies and ideas, in addition to providing coursework + curriculum

Bonus: The org will also work with ChattState, UTC + the Future Ready Institute to train a workforce that is able to work with innovative, emerging companies.

What's the goal?

Help these businesses scale their ventures
Attract these innovative companies to Chattanooga — and hopefully, convince them to stay beyond that 10-week period
In terms of tangible results, Co.Lab CEO Tasia Malakasis invites folks to think about a future with possibilities like self-driving cars taking citizens to and from work, or energy that can power both a car and a home

Timeline:

Currently | The Co.Lab is in the planning, recruiting, and awareness stage
May | A community-wide startup event featuring Steve Case will take place
Fall | The first cohort will begin the 10-week program

Stay updated + reach out.