ETSU Research Corporation

Did you know about our ETSU/Eastman Valleybrook facility? Located in Kingsport, Valleybrook is a 144-acre innovation hub with 72,000 sq. ft. of research space, including state-of-the-art wet labs. It’s not just a facility—it’s a powerhouse for synthetic biology and bioindustrial manufacturing. If you're an entrepreneur or startup looking for top-tier lab space, Valleybrook is here to support your journey. As Eric Jorgenson, our VP for Biomanufacturing Development, says, "We can work with scientists to take synthetic biomanufacturing projects from the petri dish to the commercial product." Get in touch with us today to scale your innovations! #BioManufacturing #SyntheticBiology #ETSUResearch #Innovation #Entrepreneurship

“The interesting thing to program in the 21st Century isn’t going to be computers- It’s biology.” - Tom Knight, Ginkgo Bioworks founder Our partnership with Ginkgo Bioworks, Inc. is contributing to advancing synthetic biology efforts in our region and beyond. The company was founded in 2008 with a mission to make biology easier to engineer and use the most advanced technology on the planet—biology—to grow better products. Gingko provides end-to-end synthetic biology R &D partnership across Agriculture, Biopharma, Industrials, Governments, Nutrition & Wellness fields.

East Tennessee State University is contributing to efforts to address the alarming decline in bee populations worldwide. This groundbreaking study, rooted in the heart of Appalachia, offers insights into plant-insect interactions and the global pollinator crisis – and, potentially, human addiction. It also looks at why plants produce psychoactive substances and how they might be influencing insects. Early in her career, graduate student Skylar Mathieson had a deep interest in medicinal plants, particularly in the hills and mountains of central and southern Appalachia. Watch the video below to learn more about her research. Follow the ETSU Research Corporation for more updates.

We are honored to partner with Crown Laboratories! Earlier this month, they achieved a remarkable milestone by securing a spot on the Inc. 5000 list for the eleventh time! Crown is committed to developing and providing a diverse portfolio of safe and effective science-based solutions for a lifetime of healthy skin.

We understand the critical role workforce development plays in driving productivity and innovation. Companies in regions with robust workforce development programs see a remarkable 25% boost in productivity. This is why we’re committed to building partnerships that equip our community with the skills needed for success in today’s dynamic economy. Learn how we’re shaping the future of work in Northeast Tennessee and beyond by visiting https://hubs.li/Q02L-4t50 #Innovation #WorkforceDevelopment #ETSUResearchCorporation

Please join the Strong Brain Institute on August 26th from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. for our next installment of the Resilience Presentation Series, with guest speaker Joan Gillece, Ph. D. from the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors. Use this link to register: https://lnkd.in/eBRPyFtw. Have questions? Email sbi@etsu.edu

We value our partnership with Ballad Health in enriching the quality of life of the people in our region. Ballad Health is an integrated community health improvement organization serving 29 counties of the Appalachian Highlands in Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Northwest North Carolina and Southeast Kentucky. With a system of 20 hospitals, post-acute care and behavioral health services, and a large multi-specialty group physician practice working closely with an independent medical community and community stakeholders, Ballad is working to improve the health and well-being of close to one million people. Stay up to date with us to find out how we are convening innovation partners to impact our world.

When professionals find ample opportunities within their communities, they are more likely to stay and contribute to local growth rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere. The ETSU Research Corporation is committed to creating an environment that nurtures and retains local talent. We achieve this by: - Supporting Startups and Small Businesses: Offering resources, mentorship, and funding to help early-stage companies grow and create local jobs. - Collaborating with ETSU and educational partners to provide micro-certifications and professional development, equipping the workforce of tomorrow with essential skills. - Providing access to world-class facilities and experts. We’re not just preventing brain drain—we’re building a future where the Appalachian Highlands is a hub for scientific discovery and economic growth. #ETSUResearchCorporation #AppalachianHighlands #EconomicGrowth

Our collaboration with the Niswonger Foundation is advancing workforce development in the Appalachian Highlands region. The Niswonger Foundation was founded by businessman and philanthropist, Scott Niswonger to create opportunities for individual and community growth through education and other sustainable projects. By building school programs that are research-based and sustainable, the Niswonger Foundation has become a recognized voice for educational reform in the State of Tennessee, while nurturing the next generation of leaders. Their School Partnership program provides support for Pre-K-12 and higher education initiatives. The foundation’s scholarship and leadership program is unique in that students commit to return, within seven years, to Northeast Tennessee to work in their chosen career one year for each year they received our scholarship. Connect with us to stay up to date on how we are convening innovation partners to enrich our region and impact our world.

Well-deserved recognition of our friends at the BioBuilder Educational Foundation! We can attest that any school system looking to future proof their STEM curriculum would be well-advised to give them a call. Natalie Kuldell.