Sync Space joins LaunchTN statewide partner network

NASHVILLE — Launch Tennessee, a public-private partnership that empowers a statewide network of resources supporting Tennessee's entrepreneurial ecosystem, has announced Kingsport's Sync Space as its newest network partner. The Tri-Cities accelerator kicks off its first cohort this spring.The Sync Space accelerator program is uniquely focused on providing opportunities for local and recruited startups considering Northeast Tennessee as a place to grow or expand their business. Early-stage companies in the initiative will have access to professional services, equipment and facilities to help complete a successful pilot with Sync Space partners.Regional connectivity to statewide entrepreneurial network"Sync Space is truly a regional effort for all of Northeast Tennessee," said Heath Guinn, Sync Space founder. "We're grateful for the support from LaunchTN, which powers our work and facilitated a local match through the Sullivan County Commission, Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen, and the Kingsport Economic Development Board."We're also pleased to collaborate with many of the esteemed institutions, colleges, and universities that call Northeast Tennessee home, including the health care community that is delivering extraordinary innovation to our region."Focus on innovation to solve challenges in NETWith an emphasis on leveraging assets and innovation to solve challenges in Northeast Tennessee, the accelerator program's first cohort will focus on companies in community health; education and opportunity for all; medical devices; and advanced materials. The pilot will also consider companies seeking advanced manufacturing mentorship and facilities.Through the accelerator program, accepted startups will have immediate opportunities to pilot their product or service with Sync Space partners through contracts, research agreements, and access to equipment and engineering support as they continue toward commercialization.Sullivan County Mayor Richard Venable noted the Sullivan County Commission and Kingsport Economic Development Board have already voted to appropriate funds to match the LaunchTN grant."Conversations are continuing on how we expand regional support and reach for entrepreneurial development," said Venable, "and we look forward to Washington County and Johnson City joining us in regional entrepreneurial development through the Sync Space accelerator."Kingsport Mayor Pat Shull noted the city has worked hard to improve the entrepreneurial ecosystem through partnership with the Kingsport Economic Development Board, including developing a regional maker space and working toward building additional advanced manufacturing capacity."Kingsport believes that a key missing component in our development toolbox has been in the area of entrepreneurial support and development," Mayor Shull said. "We are pleased to support this effort as it grows beyond Sullivan County to become a truly regional entrepreneurial development program."Visit SyncSpace.org for more information and to apply for the accelerator's first startup cohort. Applications close March 1.Visit LaunchTN.org to discover what makes Tennessee a great state for startups.