Insights · TN
Hardware in Tennessee
Where to prototype, which events to attend, and which programs back small manufacturers in Tennessee. Researched 2026-10-12, with a source on every entry.
Start a designMakerspaces and fab labs
Build a first prototype
Shared shops where you can print, cut, and wire a prototype before you publish the design.
- Make NashvilleIts site lists FDM 3D printers, CNC mills, a CO2 laser, a metal shop with welding, and an electronics lab.Nashville · Website
- Knox MakersVolunteer-run nonprofit whose site lists 3D printing, laser cutting, machining, metalworking, electronics and woodworking areas.Knoxville · Website
- ChattLabAbout 5,000 square feet on the North Shore with woodworking, metalworking, 3D printing and electronics tools, per the state arts commission listing.Chattanooga · Website
Events
Meet other builders
- TN Maker FestFree family event at the Wond'ry held each fall, with the 2025 edition on October 4 and the next listed for September 26, 2026.Nashville · Event page
Programs
Labs, incubators, accelerators
- Innovation CrossroadsDOE lab-embedded entrepreneurship fellowship at Oak Ridge National Laboratory with access to the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility.Oak Ridge · Website
- The Wond'ry, Vanderbilt UniversityVanderbilt's innovation center with makerspaces and programs for student and faculty inventors.Nashville · Website
Manufacturing specialties
What Tennessee makes
- Automotive manufacturingThe state automotive cluster is anchored by Nissan in Smyrna, GM in Spring Hill and Volkswagen in Chattanooga.Source
- Advanced manufacturing researchOak Ridge hosts the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility, described as DOE's largest advanced manufacturing research center.Source
- Nuclear industry supply chainThe state MEP center lists the nuclear industry as one of its support areas for manufacturers.Source
Support
Help for small manufacturers
- Tennessee Manufacturing Extension Partnership (TMEP)The state's NIST MEP center, housed in the University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services, offering consulting on continuous improvement, quality, supply chain and workforce.Website
With 01
A Tennessee design, made by the right shops
Publish a design from Tennessee. 01 matches each part to a shop by process, buyers fund the run through a waitlist, and every part is traced to the buyer.
FAQ
Tennessee questions
Where can I prototype hardware in Tennessee?
Tennessee has makerspaces and fab labs such as Make Nashville in Nashville, Knox Makers in Knoxville and ChattLab in Chattanooga. Check each space for current equipment and membership rules.
What support exists for small manufacturers in Tennessee?
Tennessee Manufacturing Extension Partnership (TMEP) offers support to small manufacturers and inventors. See each program for what it covers today.
Which hardware events happen in Tennessee?
Recurring events include TN Maker Fest in Nashville. Dates change, so check each event page.
Sources
Every entry above links to the page it came from. Details change. Confirm a space’s hours, an event’s dates, and a program’s terms with the organizer.
- ornl.gov/project/innovation-crossroads
- vanderbilt.edu/thewondry/makerspaces
- brookings.edu/articles/an-innovation-district-grows-in-chattanooga
- makenashville.org
- knoxmakers.org
- tnartscommission.org/tennessee-makerspaces/chattlab-makerspace
- vanderbilthustler.com/2025/10/08/in-photos-tennessee-maker-fest-2025
- tnecd.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Automotive-Research-Paper_01-2019-1.pdf
- tmep.cis.tennessee.edu/about-tmep
More states
Building in Tennessee?
Publish the design. Let the waitlist fund the run.