Tennessee’s innovation ecosystem praised as fertile ground for companies and technology

Tennessee’s innovation ecosystem was praised as a fertile ground for companies and technologies in a Venture Nashville article this week.

The accolades were driven by the recent Nashville placement of Eve Steigerwalt, an executive scout for global automotive supplier, Dana.  As a scout for Dana Holding Corporation, she is responsible for technology acquisition, commercialization  and innovation within the region.

Dr. Steigerwalt credited the emerging Maker communities in Nashville as a source of ideas.  She also emphasized IACMI-The Composites Institute’s role as a “vital resource for manufacturers” in the Tennessee area and nationally.

Read the entire article on Venture Nashville.

Join us at the Build Freedom Summit

America’s manufacturing future depends on the people who know how to build it. Join industry, workforce, education, and defense leaders October 20–21 in Galveston, Texas to strengthen America’s skilled workforce and industrial capability. Hear what’s working. Build partnerships. Take home strategies you can use.
OCTOBER 20–21, 2026 · GALVESTON, TEXAS

Founding Partners