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NIST in Tennessee
$12M
in financial awards from NIST to organizations in the state of Tennessee since 2023
NIST supports key sectors in Tennessee
Science and technology
- NIST is supporting Tennessee in advancing quantum information science, which will revolutionize the fields of physics, materials science, chemistry, biomedicine, encryption and communications — and help to ensure U.S. technological and economic competitiveness. In FY 2024, NIST supported the Chattanooga Electric Power Board Quantum Network with nearly $4 million and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Quantum Center with $3.5 million.
- NIST reference materials, calibrations and other services help to ensure accuracy in measurements of altitude and airspeed, and in remote sensing via satellites. The atomic clocks used by global positioning systems and telecommunications networks rely on precision timekeeping disseminated by NIST, starting with the NIST primary standard atomic clock.
- NIST supports deployment of the next generation of wireless communications, including providing world-class test beds for characterizing antennas for space applications. This research helps the industry make antennas for smaller, less expensive satellites.
Automotive
- NIST’s CHIPS for America program was created, in part, to address the semiconductor shortage that began in 2021, which hit the automotive sector particularly hard. CHIPS has announced more than $6 billion in awards to U.S. companies for creating or expanding manufacturing capacity for the semiconductors that automakers and OEM suppliers need to make cars in America.
- To support the adoption of electric vehicles, NIST accumulates, updates and disseminates good practices for measurement and device reliability for EV chargers based on its experience in measurement and instrumentation. The goal is for EV drivers to have the same trust in charging that users of gas pumps have in refueling.
- Based on our expertise in developing cybersecurity standards, guidelines, best practices and other resources, NIST has issued a Cybersecurity Framework profile for Electric Vehicle Extreme Fast Charging Infrastructure to address vulnerabilities in the chargers’ multiple connected systems.
- The NIST Center for Automotive Lightweighting provides automakers with the mechanical and physical measurement tools they need to reliably manufacture components from new, lighter materials. These lighter parts can increase fuel or battery efficiency and cut emissions.
Advanced manufacturing
- Since FY 2020, the University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services (UT CIS), part of the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership, has received over $11.7 million in federal funds from NIST, with over $6.0 million matched in nonfederal funds, to help companies and communities succeed, grow and create high-quality jobs by providing consulting, training and connecting services across the state.
With the help of UT CIS, Hardy Beverages in Memphis implemented new automation and cleaning equipment into its production lines, increasing production rates, improving quality and reducing labor costs. As a result, Hardy realized $800,000 in new and retained sales and $35,000 in cost savings.
- Tennessee manufacturers in this sector rely on NIST reference materials to check the quality and purity of steels, cements, glass, ceramics, lubricants, fuels, polymers, composites and more. This saves time and money and provides manufacturers with the highest quality control for parts where failure would cause catastrophic losses.
- The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI), headquartered in Knoxville, is part of the Manufacturing USA network managed by NIST. IACMI accelerates the development and adoption of cutting-edge technologies for low-cost, energy-efficient manufacturing of advanced polymer composites. Specifically, IACMI reduced the cost of wind turbine blades by developing new manufacturing processes and materials that are more efficient, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.
Biotechnology, life sciences and health care
- In FY 2024, NIST supported Tennessee’s health care industry with over $2 million to establish a data engineering center at Lincoln Memorial University to increase transparency in the medical device supply chain. In FY 2023, NIST supported the Tennessee State University Harned Hall Biological Sciences Research Building with nearly $3 million for renovation.
Food and agriculture
- UT CIS, part of NIST’s MEP National Network, worked with Farmers Friend, a Centerville company that provides innovative tools and equipment designed to meet the everyday demands of small-scale farming. Over the course of several months, UT CIS conducted a comprehensive analysis of Farmers Friend’s supply chain to identify critical bottlenecks and inefficiencies. This resulted in $25,000 in new markets and $10,000 in workforce investment for Farmers Friend.
- NIST’s library of reference materials helps to ensure that foods grown or eaten in the U.S. are safe from contaminants and allergens that could cause illness to consumers. Tennessee companies also rely on NIST reference materials to check their test methods and help them comply with the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act.
Public safety, health and resilience
- Since 1990, six Tennessee companies have been recipients of the Baldrige Award, the highest recognition that a U.S. organization can receive for performance excellence. The award provides recipients with a competitive advantage for being identified as national role models of organizational resilience.
- From 2012 to 2022, the NIST Public Safety Communications Research Division granted $500,000 to Tennessee to increase the safety of first responders and their communities. This investment resulted in:
$1.2M
in economic activity
$1.2M
in household earnings
19
jobs
- NIST provides near real-time identification of illicit street drugs submitted by state partners, including Tennessee. Reports on trends in detected drugs along with never-before-seen substances are released to state labs monthly.
- Tennessee was struck by 40 tornadoes in 2023. NIST researchers and collaborators have improved the design of buildings to perform better under high wind conditions. Our recommendations are being incorporated into codes that will make new buildings safer.
MEP Success Stories
News & Updates
Learn how NIST improves the lives of all Americans by conducting research and fostering collaborations that make possible everything from reliable vaccine storage and fair fuel transactions to next-generation MRIs and fair stock trades. Check out NIST Works for You.
