This Month's Latest Tech News in Knoxville, TN - Saturday May 31st 2025 Edition

May 2025 marked a transformative period for Knoxville's tech scene as ambitious AI initiatives and strategic investments set the region abuzz. Oak Ridge National Laboratory is now recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy as one of 16 premier candidates for national AI data center expansion, poised to fast-track energy infrastructure and propel America's AI leadership - underscoring the lab's vision that “the marriage between data availability and cheap compute power allowed learning directly from data to build intelligence systems” (see Oak Ridge's emerging role in national AI strategy).

Locally, the University of Tennessee Research Foundation's Accelerate Fund invested $150,000 in VisualizAI, an AI startup tackling healthcare claims inefficiency; their ClaimsAgent tool is already in pilot use at regional hospitals.

As UT System President Randy Boyd puts it:

“VisualizAI is a great example of how UT-driven research can lead to real-world solutions that improve efficiency, accuracy and outcomes in critical industries like health care.”

For those considering tech entrepreneurship, regional momentum is complemented by robust venture capital flows - Tennessee notched $362M in Q1 2025, surging 52% year-over-year, with AI and healthtech leading the pack (explore Tennessee's Q1 2025 venture capital trends).

Meanwhile, grassroots innovation thrives through homegrown AI startups like Unified Track, which delivers predictive analytics for student success in Knoxville (discover Tennessee startups to watch in 2025).

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is emerging as a leading contender to host one of the United States' next-generation AI data centers, as part of the Department of Energy's (DOE) initiative to ensure American global leadership in artificial intelligence.

The DOE recently identified 16 federal sites - including ORNL - for rapid data center development, capitalizing on established energy infrastructure and fast-tracked permitting, especially for nuclear energy.

As AI data center electricity demand is projected to reach up to 12% of U.S. consumption by 2028, and with projects like the TVA's small modular nuclear reactors coming online near Oak Ridge, the region offers a powerful convergence of computing and clean energy solutions.

In the words of DOE Secretary Chris Wright,

“We're at the start of Manhattan Project Two. It is critical, just like Manhattan Project One, that the United States wins this race. We could lose this race in many ways if we don't get energy right.”

The lab's unique research environment and advanced workforce ecosystem further position Oak Ridge as a pivotal location in the national AI strategy.

The table below summarizes current DOE data center site selection highlights:

Criterion	Oak Ridge Advantage
Energy Infrastructure	Direct access to TVA grid, proximity to modular nuclear plants
Operational Timeline	DOE target: Data centers operational by end of 2027
Research & Talent	Home to Center for AI Security Research and leading compute experts

For more, read about the DOE's Oak Ridge data center initiative and site advantages, explore the national push to accelerate AI infrastructure, and see how Oak Ridge's expertise supports the federal AI security agenda.

Knoxville-based Blank Beauty Inc. is making waves in the tech and cosmetics industries after raising $6 million in Series A funding to expand its AI-driven, on-demand beauty customization platform.

The funding round, led by Evolution VC Partners, Kirker Enterprises, and Epson, brings the company's total funding to over $12 million and will support scaling operations, modular supply chain development, and new licensing partnerships.

Blank Beauty's patented blend of robotics and AI color science powers their flagship in-store system “Huey” for custom nail polish creation and “Dolly,” an automated Shopify fulfillment platform, both of which help produce personalized cosmetics with zero inventory waste.

As one of the latest Knoxville tech success stories, Blank Beauty stands out for its commitment to sustainability and innovative manufacturing. For more details on Blank Beauty's funding and tech, explore the official Series A funding announcement, discover the company's market position in this venture capital roundup by Axios, and get additional coverage from TradedVC's May 2025 venture capital news digest.

Feature	Details
Series A Funding	$6 million
Lead Investors	Evolution VC Partners, Kirker Enterprises, Epson
Key Technologies	Patented robotics, AI color science (“Huey” & “Dolly” platforms)
Core Value	Personalized, zero-waste cosmetics production

Knoxville officials are warning of a surge in AI-driven scams targeting seniors, where fraudsters use advanced voice-cloning technology to convincingly imitate loved ones in distress calls, often demanding swift financial help.

According to local reports, scammers use publicly available audio snippets from platforms like TikTok, voicemails, or even online videos to clone voices within minutes, making urgent requests for money that prey on emotional vulnerability and family trust.

Read more from Knoxville authorities flag rising AI scams against seniors.

As highlighted by Consumer Reports,

"four of the six [voice cloning] apps had no meaningful way to ensure that the user had the original speaker's consent to voice clone them,"

underscoring the lack of guardrails around this technology.

Learn more in Consumer Reports highlights risk of easy-to-use AI voice apps.

National guidance echoes local urgency, with the FBI and technology experts advising residents to be skeptical of high-pressure, emotionally charged calls and recommending verification steps, such as contacting the family member directly or using a safe word previously agreed upon.

In response, both federal and state legislation are under consideration to address identity fraud and improve AI-generated content authentication; Tennessee now requires instruction on AI risks in schools and encourages consumer vigilance.

Details are available at AI legislation targets scams and consumer protection.

Seniors and families are urged to stay informed, limit public posting of voice samples, and report suspicious incidents to state authorities or the FTC, as the technological sophistication of these scams grows.

Healthcare Integrated Technologies Inc. has officially rebranded as SafeSpace Global Corporation (OTC PINK: SSGC), marking a pivotal evolution from a healthcare-focused safety company to a global leader in AI-powered ambient safety solutions across healthcare, education, transportation, manufacturing, incarceration, and commercial sectors.

With over 50 team members operating from the USA, Europe, Singapore, and India, SafeSpace Global's patented technology underpins products like SafeSpace® Fall Monitoring and the recently launched SafeSchool platform, which offers advanced features such as gun detection, facial recognition, and real-time threat alerts for schools.

As CEO Scott Boruff states,

"This change represents more than just a new name – it marks a new chapter in our mission to revolutionize safety through AI. As we scale and expand our impact across healthcare, education, transportation, manufacturing, incarceration, and various commercial industries, our new identity better reflects who we are, the solutions we provide, and the future we are building."

Recent deployments highlight expanded applications in senior living and educational institutions, such as Brentwood Academy's adoption of SafeSchool technology (detailed partnership announcement).

Shareholders need not take any action with the ticker change, and more information is available on the new website SafeSpace Global official website.

The rebranding underscores SafeSpace Global's commitment to proactive, AI-enabled situational awareness and life-saving interventions on a global scale.

Previous Name	New Name	Ticker	Focus Sectors
Healthcare Integrated Technologies Inc.	SafeSpace Global Corporation	SSGC (formerly HITC)	Healthcare, Education, Transportation, Manufacturing, Incarceration, Commercial

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is facing unprecedented scrutiny and strategic shifts as AI-fueled energy demand soars across the southeastern U.S., spotlighting both innovation and controversy.

Data centers powering platforms like Elon Musk's xAI in Memphis now require massive amounts of electricity - up to 150 megawatts for a single facility, equal to powering nearly 90,000 homes - with additional doubling expected as AI usage ramps up, propelling TVA to create a new rate class for these high-demand customers to ensure equity for all ratepayers (TVA develops separate electric rate class for data centers).

At the same time, TVA's Board has greenlit major investments in advanced nuclear and fusion technologies, including partnership with Type One Energy to test stellarator fusion power at existing power plants and a $350 million commitment to small modular reactors at the Clinch River site, all in pursuit of reliable, clean, 24/7 power for AI and industrial growth (A New Nuclear Heyday).

Economic and environmental debates swirl around these moves, especially with concerns that expedited approvals for large-scale AI data centers could overshadow local community needs; as Amanda Garcia of the Southern Environmental Law Center puts it,

“We are alarmed that the TVA Board rubberstamped xAI's request for power without studying the impact it will have on local communities.”

Looking forward, the region's draft resource plan anticipates up to 26 GW in incremental firm capacity needs and increased deployment of solar, nuclear, and gas assets to stay ahead of rising demand by 2035 (TVA releases 2025 draft resource plan).

Motive's Vision 25 Conference in Austin marked a milestone in fleet operations technology, unveiling a host of next-generation AI-powered tools designed to drive safety, efficiency, and profitability for physical operations.

With over 850 industry leaders and drivers in attendance, Motive introduced three new AI safety models - including a Fatigue Index analyzing over 10 indicators, advanced lane-swerving detection, and real-time unsafe parking alerts - which together have helped customers reduce collisions by up to 80% within a year.

Central to the event was the launch of Motive AI Coach, the industry's first fully AI-generated avatar that delivers personalized coaching videos based on each driver's performance, providing consistency and timeliness that was previously unattainable.

Tim Guy, VP of Safety at RoadSafe Traffic Systems, noted,

“Timely and consistent coaching is one of the biggest roadblocks to driver safety. Motive's AI Coach changes that, allowing us to deliver personalized feedback instantly, and at scale, without overloading our team. In less than six months, by combining Motive technology with our safety program, we've already seen a 20% reduction in injuries - an exceptional achievement in this industry.”

The conference also highlighted new AI fraud prevention features, an AI Assistant for real-time insights, and enhanced analytics - all summarized in the table below.

For a comprehensive overview of the conference and technology lineup, see the official Motive Vision 25 event site, explore product features in Motive's AI Coach announcement, and read industry reaction in Truck News' Vision 25 coverage.

AI Feature	Purpose	Impact
Fatigue Index & Lane Swerving Detection	Real-time detection of driver fatigue and distraction	Up to 80% collision reduction
AI Coach (Avatar)	Automated, personalized video coaching for drivers	20% injury reduction in 6 months
AI Fraud Detection	Stops fuel/card fraud before losses occur	$250,000 annual fraud guarantee

Knoxville's faith leaders are playing a prominent role in guiding national conversations on the ethics and practicalities of AI adoption in church life. Recent webinars hosted by the First Presbyterian Church in Knoxville have spotlighted Rev.

Dr. Andy Morgan's balanced approach, urging ministries to weigh AI's efficiency against spiritual and relational concerns. Morgan recommends transparency, discernment, and eco-conscious use, noting the

“significant energy consumption and cooling requirements”

of AI systems, which can waste resources such as water.

As the State of the Church Tech 2025 report reveals, AI usage in church operations has surged 80%, particularly for administration and communication, but pastors remain cautious - less than 25% rely on AI for sermons or pastoral care, preserving these roles for relational, faith-led leadership.

Meanwhile, faith-oriented technology companies like Gloo provide AI chatbots tailored to denominational values, enhancing accessibility while protecting spiritual intent, as explored in the Christianity Today feature on AI for churches.

The ethical landscape is evolving, with national policy conversations emphasizing data privacy, bias prevention, and maintaining human connection at the ministry's core.

As one Knoxvillian leader observed,

“ChatGPT does not love my people.”

For comprehensive regional and denominational insights - including use cases, adoption rates, and prevailing concerns - review the 2025 State of AI in the Church Survey Report.

The table below outlines key data trends shaping church technology in 2025:

AI Use Case	Adoption Rate (%)
Administrative/Communication	80
Sermon/Devotional Writing	<25
Support for Community Engagement	Rising

Churches in Knoxville and beyond are forging a thoughtful, principled path - integrating advanced technology while safeguarding their human and theological foundations.

NOAA is ushering in a new era for hurricane prediction by integrating advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tools into its 2025 Atlantic hurricane season forecasts, aiming to increase both the accuracy and timeliness of warnings.

Forecasters predict an above-normal season, with a 60% chance of heightened activity and between 13 to 19 named storms, 6 to 10 hurricanes, and 3 to 5 major hurricanes expected, due largely to warmer ocean waters and favorable atmospheric conditions.

The National Hurricane Center will experimentally incorporate AI-generated models - shown in recent research to improve storm track accuracy by up to 25% - alongside traditional systems; while these AI models are not yet part of the official consensus, they offer promising advancements in predicting hurricane paths and intensification.

Key 2025 technological upgrades include an enhanced Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System (HAFS), deployment of new geostationary satellites, and innovative communication tools for earlier and more accessible warnings.

As NHC Director Michael Brennan explains,

“It's important for us to look at it ourselves, do our own evaluation and see how it fits in.”

NOAA 2025 Hurricane Forecast	Predicted Range
Named storms	13–19
Hurricanes	6–10
Major hurricanes (Cat. 3+)	3–5

AI cannot replace physics-based modeling, but as NOAA researchers accelerate hurricane forecast improvements, this hybrid approach is poised to safeguard lives across the southeast and beyond.

Read more about NOAA's official outlook at NOAA's 2025 Atlantic season prediction and discover how new AI models are outperforming traditional forecasts in tracking storms at Newsweek's coverage of AI in hurricane forecasting.

Knoxville's cybersecurity landscape is on high alert this month as industry leader LBMC warns that “AI fatigue” is quietly opening new doors for hackers amidst escalating digital threats.

According to LBMC, executive complacency - characterized by an overreliance on AI dashboards, shrinking cybersecurity meetings, and a box-checking mentality around compliance - is now being weaponized by cyber attackers who target distracted and stressed-out leadership teams.

As Drew Hendrickson, LBMC's Cybersecurity Practice Leader, states,

“Attackers thrive on complacency. The more leaders trust the machine without questioning its limitations, the easier it becomes to exploit that trust. The next frontier isn't AI risk management; it's AI fatigue management. That's what CISOs need to be putting on the boardroom agenda.”

LBMC's warning is backed by recent cyber incidents where automated AI systems failed to detect threats - most notably, the Blue Yonder ransomware attack that paralyzed supply chains in late 2024 according to LBMC's analysis of hacker opportunism and AI fatigue.

Broader research underscores this fatigue, with up to 76% of security professionals reporting AI “hype exhaustion,” and panelists from Channel-Sec 2025 cautioning that security teams must modernize training and fight “fatigue-driven insider threats” as detailed in insights from IT Europa.

The lesson for Knoxville's business leaders? AI is no substitute for continuous human vigilance, robust leadership engagement, and integrated cyber strategy, as organizations embracing proactive measures and streamlined executive support programs like LBMC's Cyber Core remain best positioned to resist today's evolving cyber risks.

For additional context on fatigue's impact and practical solutions, explore how the cybersecurity market is calling for less vendor sprawl and greater collaboration in JC Gaillard's deep dive on tool fatigue and industry fragmentation.

Knoxville's Blank Beauty is making waves nationally with its AI-powered nail polish customization platform after closing a $6 million oversubscribed Series A funding round, backed by industry leaders like Kirker Enterprises, EPSON, and Evolution VC Partners.

Using an innovative combination of artificial intelligence and micro-dosing robotics, their proprietary “Huey” kiosks are rolling out in select Walmart stores, enabling shoppers to create over 40,000 unique shades of nail polish in under two minutes within just a 4-square-foot footprint (AI-powered custom nail polish technology at Walmart).

Supporting both in-store and online purchases, Blank Beauty's technology eliminates inventory waste and redefines consumer engagement, all while keeping retail prices below most competitors.

Their automated fulfillment system “Dolly” brings e-commerce orders to life with real-time quality control and next-day shipping from a 4,000-square-foot Knoxville facility, achieving throughput that rivals much larger factories (Blank Beauty closes $6 million Series A funding).

CEO Charles C. Brandon emphasizes the local and strategic value of this growth:

“Our platform lets anyone create the exact shade or formulation they want - whether expressing themselves through custom colors or matching complex skin tones. With this funding, we will scale online and in-store experiences, strengthen our supply chain, and expand into new categories.”

With pilot devices now in Tennessee and Arkansas, and plans to expand into other customizable beauty products, Blank Beauty stands at the forefront of AI-driven personalization in cosmetics (innovative AI nail polish customization expands nationally).

Knoxville's position at the forefront of America's tech transformation is no accident - it's engineered on collaboration, investment, and an unyielding commitment to education and industry integration.

The University of Tennessee's AI Tennessee Initiative demonstrates how breakthroughs in medical AI, smart agriculture, and AI-powered workforce development create practical solutions for real-world challenges, from early cancer screening to training the next generation of tech workers.

Regional events like the Elevate Festival draw global innovators with a focus on responsible AI adoption and unprecedented diversity - fostering impact at all levels and inspiring efforts like Tennessee's own AI in Education & Workforce Development Conference, which empowers teachers and leaders to shape the AI-driven classroom and future-proof local talent.

Knoxville's STEM commitment is further elevated by grants such as the $741,102 USDA award to UT's Institute of Agriculture for youth AI and robotics curriculum, instilling next-gen tech skills in students ages 15-20.

As national workforce development programs and local partnerships converge, Knoxville is not only preparing its citizens for emerging tech roles but setting a standard other regions aspire to.

In the words of Professor Hao Gan,

“The ultimate goal of our team is to establish the Smart Agriculture Education Center at the University of Tennessee. We believe this curriculum also will improve the perception of working in agriculture, enhance the future workforce and bring about the adoption of more smart agricultural technology to produce more food.”

With robust educational pathways, industry collaboration, and targeted investment, Knoxville stands engineered for sustained leadership in America's digital future.