LaunchTN is working in partnership with Tennessee’s COVID-19 Unified Command to engage companies, including entrepreneurs and startups, to rapidly connect solutions, resources, and capabilities to major issues facing our state. LaunchTN is introducing the Tennessee Innovation Crowdsource Platform, a call for proposals from businesses, including entrepreneurs and innovators, to solve the critical challenges facing our state during this unprecedented time.
Utilizing Knoxville-based company Vendor Registry, the platform is initially inviting proposals in two categories:
- General COVID-19 needs, with focus areas including healthcare system demand management/planning, resource mapping, mental health, and consumer engagement with local businesses.
- Medical Materials, including masks, gowns, shields, swabs, testing kits, sanitizer, gloves, and more.
The Tennessee Innovation Crowdsource Platform will allow LaunchTN to organize and evaluate proposals, complete due diligence, and recommend promising strategies to state procurement specialists for expedited treatment. We invite all companies to participate, regardless of whether you’re able to scale at the level needed right now. Solicitations will be actively updated as the needs of our state evolve.
CRITERIA
- Proven product or service
- Preferred to be in beta-testing phase or beyond
- Defined timeline with a viable plan to deploy product or service to the identified area of need
OPPORTUNITY
- New customer pipeline
- Potential contract with state + partners (if selected you will be fast-tracked through procurement process)
- Fast-tracked introductions to meet additional needs
PROCESS
- Submit proposal
- Proposal reviewed and vetted by experts
- Select proposals recommended to state