Jan. 16, 2026 — The University of Memphis has been awarded funding through the Tennessee Technology Advancement Consortium (TTAC) Partnership Program, administered by Launch Tennessee, to support its new Spinout Bootcamp, a pilot initiative designed to accelerate the commercialization of high-potential university research and expand Tennessee’s innovation ecosystem.
Launched in September 2025, the Spinout Bootcamp provides hands-on, company-building support to faculty innovators, addressing a critical gap between early-stage research and the formation of scalable, investor-ready startups. The program was selected as one of seven TTAC Partnership Program awardees statewide, recognizing its potential to strengthen commercialization capacity and university–industry collaboration.
“This Spinout Bootcamp is a major step forward in our mission to transform University of Memphis research into real-world solutions,” said Ido Sarig, director of Technology Transfer and head of the new venture studio.
Through the Spinout Bootcamp, participating faculty founders receive structured venture development support, including market validation, business model development, team formation and preparation for early-stage funding. The model is designed to complement the University’s existing commercialization efforts — including NSF I-Corps and the Patents-to-Products (P2P) program — by embedding experienced entrepreneurial leadership and operational expertise directly into the spinout process.
As part of the program, the UofM has launched its inaugural group of Executives in Residence (EIRs) — seasoned entrepreneurs and industry leaders from the Memphis region who provide weekly, in-person mentorship and operational guidance to faculty-led startups. The initial EIR cohort includes:
- Todd Boyce, Articulate Process
- Chris Przybyszewski, US Biologic
- Eric Heinz, Heinz Ventures
These Executives in Residence work alongside faculty founders to validate markets, refine commercialization strategies, build operating teams and prepare companies for capital investment — directly advancing the Spinout Bootcamp’s goal of translating university research into high-impact commercial ventures.
The first cohort of participating University of Memphis spinouts includes:
- P3ARL, founded by Dr. Ranganathan Gopalakrishnan
- UpCycle Farma, founded by Dr. Amber Jennings
- Mighty Zebras, founded by Art Tubbs
- ChromatoCare, founded by Dr. Amber Jennings
- CuesHub, founded by Dr. Santosh Kumar
Together, these companies represent emerging innovations in advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, health analytics and other strategic research areas identified through the University’s technology pipeline.
“By embedding experienced entrepreneurs directly into our commercialization process, we’re giving our faculty the support structure they need to translate discoveries into successful companies,” said Sarig. “This initiative strengthens the University’s commitment to economic development, expands opportunities for our researchers and students and supports the UofM’s long-term goals of innovation leadership and regional impact.”
The Spinout Bootcamp is delivered in partnership with Epicenter — the Memphis region’s entrepreneurial hub — and the FedEx Institute of Technology, the University’s interdisciplinary research and innovation arm. Together, they provide in-kind support, including access to curriculum, mentors, applied expertise and shared workspace.
Funding through the TTAC Partnership Program supports programmatic initiatives that enhance commercialization infrastructure, accelerate university–industry partnerships, and advance the translation of academic research into market-ready technologies statewide. The Spinout Bootcamp will measure success through company formation, external funding raised and new commercialization opportunities.
Launch Tennessee said they wish to continue the TTAC Partnership Program next year as part of a sustained investment in university-led commercialization and entrepreneurial ecosystem development across the state.
Media Contact:
Parker King, Assistant Director
University Media and Public Relations
University of Memphis
(O) 901.678.4822
