Tamtam Start free

List of companies with in-house R&D in Tennessee

Tamtam tracks 84 companies with in-house R&D headquartered in Tennessee. This list ranks the 50 largest by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by HCA Healthcare, Bridgestone Americas and Vanderbilt University. Their median headcount is 723. Half of them were founded in 1968 or later. The most common headquarters are Nashville (15), Knoxville (5) and Memphis (3).

馃嚭馃嚫 Tennessee50 companiesUpdated Nov 12, 2026

The companies in Tennessee with in-house R&D are primarily large organizations, including major healthcare providers and educational institutions. HCA Healthcare, for instance, operates 186 hospitals, while Bridgestone Americas is a global leader in sustainable mobility solutions. Vanderbilt University and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, are prominent higher education institutions. Other notable companies include Eastman, a global specialty materials company, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, focused on pediatric cancer research.

A significant concentration of these companies, particularly in healthcare and higher education, have their headquarters in Nashville. This suggests a hub for medical research and academic development within the state. The list also shows a mix of sectors, from manufacturing with companies like McKee Foods Corporation, known for Little Debbie snack cakes, to agriculture with Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC.

#CompanyIndustryHeadquarters EmployeesFounded
1
HCA Healthcaredpxmedcity.net

A healthcare organization with 186 hospitals and 2,300 sites, focused on providing quality care, advancing science, and impacting communities positively

Hospitals and Health Care 馃嚭馃嚫 Nashville 150,409 n/a
2
Bridgestone Americasbridgestoneamericas.com

Global leader in sustainable mobility solutions, manufacturing tires, rubber products, and air springs for commercial and passenger vehicles worldwide Our goal is to shape a sustainable future

Motor Vehicle Manufacturing 馃嚭馃嚫 Nashville 19,556 n/a
3
Vanderbilt Universityvanderbilt.edu

Top-ranked university in Nashville focusing on teaching, research, collaboration, diversity, and providing diverse career opportunities across multiple fields.

Higher Education 馃嚭馃嚫 Nashville 12,700 1873
4
Eastmaneastman.com

A global specialty materials company founded in 1920, delivering innovative products for everyday use with a focus on safety and sustainability

Chemical Manufacturing 馃嚭馃嚫 Kingsport 10,916 1920
5
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - ALSACstjude.org

Fundraising and awareness efforts supporting a children's research hospital focused on curing diseases and providing free family care.

Non-profit Organizations 馃嚭馃嚫 Memphis 10,579 n/a
6
University of Tennessee, Knoxvillealumni.utk.edu

A prestigious public university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, research opportunities, and partnerships with national institutions

Higher Education 馃嚭馃嚫 Knoxville 9,622 n/a
7
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)mtsu.edu

A regional university offering superior academic programs to a diverse student population, with a focus on student success and support

Higher Education 馃嚭馃嚫 Murfreesboro 5,262 1911
8
St. Jude Children's Research Hospitalstjude.org

A global leader in pediatric cancer research and treatment, sharing innovations worldwide to improve survival rates for children with life-threatening diseases

Hospitals and Health Care 馃嚭馃嚫 Memphis 5,155 n/a
9
Erlangererlanger.org

Non-profit academic medical center providing Level-One trauma, tertiary care, and specialized pediatric services across a four-state region.

Hospitals and Health Care 馃嚭馃嚫 Chattanooga 4,728 1889
10
Centerstonecenterstone.org

Nonprofit health system providing mental health and substance use disorder treatments, including outpatient clinics, residential programs, school-based services, telehealth, and inpatient hospital care

Mental Health Care 馃嚭馃嚫 Nashville 3,576 n/a
11
McKee Foods Corporationjobs.mckeefoods.com

The company is known for producing Little Debbie snack cakes, a leading brand in America, committed to quality products and value

Food and Beverage Manufacturing 馃嚭馃嚫 Collegedale 3,176 1934
12
Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLChelenaagri.com

Agricultural and specialty products, services, and software provider with a focus on customer success through dedicated people, unique products, and technical knowledge

Farming 馃嚭馃嚫 Collierville 2,546 1957
13
Meharry Medical Collegemeharry.edu

An academic health center dedicated to improving health and healthcare for minority and underserved communities through education, research, and quality health services

Higher Education 馃嚭馃嚫 Nashville 1,628 1876
14
Atmus Filtration Technologiesatmus.com

Designs and manufactures premium filtration products under Fleetguard brand, serving diverse equipment applications with global reach and technology leadership.

Manufacturing 馃嚭馃嚫 Nashville 1,559 1958
15
Bourns, Inc.bourns.com

Leading manufacturer, supplier automotive sensors, circuit protection, magnetic products, microelectronic modules, potentiometers, panel controls, encoders, resistive products for various markets.

Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics Manufacturing 馃嚭馃嚫 Riverside 1,544 1947
16
Smith & Wessonsmith-wesson.com

Manufacturing and designing quality firearms, related products, and training for U.S. consumers, law enforcement, and global military customers.

Retail 馃嚭馃嚫 Maryville 1,335 1852
17
Dura-Lineduraline.com

Manufacture and distribute HDPE conduits and accessories for telecommunications, data centers, and power markets worldwide with durable infrastructure products.

Telecommunications 馃嚭馃嚫 Knoxville 1,282 1971
18
Kasai North America, Inckasai-na.com

Cutting-edge automotive technology company focused on engineering, testing, and quality to achieve continuous improvement in collaboration with a global network of facilities

Motor Vehicle Manufacturing 馃嚭馃嚫 Murfreesboro 1,147 1986
19
Sarah Cannon Research Institutescri.com

A leading oncology research organization conducting community-based clinical trials, advancing therapies and enhancing trial access across the country

Research Services 馃嚭馃嚫 Nashville 975 1993
20
Tennessee Oncologytnoncology.com

Specializing in community-based cancer care, our network of physicians offers clinical trials, diagnostic services, chemotherapy treatments, molecular diagnostics, and specialty pharmacy services

Hospitals and Health Care 馃嚭馃嚫 Nashville 945 1976
21
ORAUorau.org

Innovative scientific and technical solutions for research, education, public health, environmental protection, and national security, while working with federal and commercial customers

Government Administration 馃嚭馃嚫 Oak Ridge 865 1946
22
Wright Medicalstryker.com

Global medical device company focused on providing extremity and biologic solutions to alleviate pain and restore patient lifestyles. A recognized leader of surgical solutions.

Medical Equipment Manufacturing 馃嚭馃嚫 Memphis 860 n/a
23
Revancerevance.com

Biotechnology company revolutionizing healthcare with innovative aesthetic and therapeutic solutions, prioritizing enhanced patient and physician experiences

Biotechnology Research 馃嚭馃嚫 Nashville 766 n/a
24
Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennesseehaslam.utk.edu

The company is committed to producing well-prepared students, conducting impactful research, and offering a range of business education programs

Higher Education 馃嚭馃嚫 Knoxville 764 n/a
25
Aegis Sciences Corporationaegislabs.com

Forensic toxicology and healthcare laboratory specializing in drug testing, consulting, medication compliance, substance abuse, and healthcare specialty testing services

Hospitals and Health Care 馃嚭馃嚫 Nashville 723 1990

Want more companies than this list?

This page shows the largest ones only. Connect to Tamtam to see every company that matches, filter by size, industry or growth, and reach their decision-makers.

Get more companies, free
26
AOC Formulationsaocformulations.com

A global supplier of resins and specialty materials, providing durable and versatile products through innovative solutions and unrivaled quality and service

Chemical Manufacturing 馃嚭馃嚫 Collierville 720 1960
27
Franke Foodservice Systemsfranke.com

Designs and implements high-quality equipment and solutions for the quick-service restaurant and convenience store industries worldwide Specializing in turnkey facilities and large-scale rollouts

Restaurants 馃嚭馃嚫 Smyrna 710 1911
28
VGTaristocrat.com

A leading developer and distributor of casino games for Class II and emerging markets, known for high-performance terminals and exciting game titles

Gambling Facilities and Casinos 馃嚭馃嚫 Franklin 660 n/a
29
The Escape Gametheescapegame.com

Escape rooms and immersive team-building experiences designed and crafted by a multidisciplinary team across 30+ U.S. locations.

Entertainment Providers 馃嚭馃嚫 Nashville 649 2014
30
SVP Worldwidesvpworldwide.com

World's largest consumer sewing machine company with premium brands, innovative technology, and global reach through manufacturing, R&D, and extensive retail network

Manufacturing 馃嚭馃嚫 Nashville 642 1851
31
Stratas Foodsstratasfoods.com

A leading supplier of fats, oils, sauces, mayonnaises, and dressings for North American markets, known for product innovation and customer-focused development

Food and Beverage Services 馃嚭馃嚫 Bartlett 592 2009
32
Firestone Airidefirestoneairide.com

A global leader in air spring manufacturing with over 85 years of experience, providing advanced solutions for various vehicles and industrial applications worldwide

Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing 馃嚭馃嚫 Nashville 591 1900
33
MicroPort Orthopedicsmicroportortho.com

A global orthopedic company focused on improving patient outcomes, provider satisfaction, and advancing knee and hip implants through innovation and superior clinical results

Medical Equipment Manufacturing 馃嚭馃嚫 Arlington 549 2014
34
Ring Container Technologiesringcontainer.com

Industry leader in PET and HDPE plastic packaging, creating durable, practical containers through innovation and collaboration with customers for superior consumer product packaging

Plastics Manufacturing 馃嚭馃嚫 Oakland 544 1968
35
Elo Touch Solutionselotouch.com

A global leader in touchscreen solutions offering point of sale systems, digital signage, touch monitors, and all-in-one touch computers for various industries worldwide

Computer Hardware Manufacturing 馃嚭馃嚫 Knoxville 511 1971
36
Vanderbilt University School of Medicinemedschool.vanderbilt.edu

A leading medical school with a reputation for personalized education, cutting-edge research, and fostering future leaders in healthcare through exceptional faculty and resources

Higher Education 馃嚭馃嚫 Nashville 477 1874
37
Iconexiconex.com

A global leader in manufacturing unique label solutions and affordable paper receipts to enhance transactions and improve operational efficiency in everyday commerce

Packaging and Containers Manufacturing 馃嚭馃嚫 Morristown 451 2016
38
Radio Systems Corporationpetsafebrands.com

A leading manufacturer of pet products with a mission to build trusted pet brands, offering innovative solutions and fostering a collaborative, wellness-focused culture

Consumer Goods 馃嚭馃嚫 Knoxville 432 1991
39
Shoals Technologies Groupshoals.com

A leading provider of electrical balance of systems solutions for solar, energy storage, and eMobility, improving installation efficiency and system performance globally

Renewable Energy Equipment Manufacturing 馃嚭馃嚫 Portland 419 1996
40
Pig Improvement Company (PIC) - North Americapic.com

A global leader in swine genetics, providing healthy and productive swine genetics to pork producers worldwide for over 60 years

Biotechnology Research 馃嚭馃嚫 Hendersonville 416 n/a
41
SteriPack Groupsteripack.com

Contract design and manufacturing organization for healthcare industry partners. Outstanding client service, flexibility, and tailored solutions for products to market.

Medical Equipment Manufacturing 馃嚭馃嚫 Dublin 411 n/a
42
Malibu Boatsmalibuboats.com

A leading manufacturer of watersports towboats with patented wake and wave technologies, offering handcrafted boats for wakeboarding, surfing, and skiing

Shipbuilding 馃嚭馃嚫 Loudon 391 1982
43
Heil Trailer Internationalheiltrailer.com

Global manufacturer of specialty transport trailers with a diverse product line, committed to providing high-quality, innovative solutions backed by exceptional service and ethical standards

Truck Transportation 馃嚭馃嚫 Athens 387 1901
44
Crown Bakeriescrownbakeries.com

A group of dedicated bakers delivering unmatched baking expertise and customer service to foodservice, manufacturing, and retail customers across America

Food and Beverage Manufacturing 馃嚭馃嚫 Nashville 379 1996
45
PlayCoreplaycore.com

This company advances play through research, education, and partnerships to create customized play solutions for communities worldwide

Recreational Facilities 馃嚭馃嚫 Chattanooga 377 n/a
46
Yorozu Automotive of TN and ALyorozu-corp.co.jp

A global automotive parts manufacturer specializing in suspensions, with advanced total system for development, manufacturing, and efficient delivery worldwide

Motor Vehicle Manufacturing 馃嚭馃嚫 Morrison 367 1986
47
Lochinvar, LLClochinvar.com

A leading manufacturer of high-efficiency water heaters, boilers, pool heaters, and custom packaged systems with a rich family heritage and commitment to innovation

Machinery Manufacturing 馃嚭馃嚫 Lebanon 361 n/a
48
West Cancer Center & Research Institutewestcancercenter.org

A leading cancer center providing comprehensive adult cancer care and research, offering personalized treatments and support programs for patients and families

Hospitals and Health Care 馃嚭馃嚫 Germantown 355 1978
49
MasterCraft Boat Companymastercraft.com

A leading innovator and manufacturer of premium performance sport boats, specializing in ski, wakeboard, and luxury powerboats since 1968

Shipbuilding 馃嚭馃嚫 Vonore 348 1968
50
Tritiumtritiumcharging.com

Develops and manufactures advanced DC fast charging technology for electric vehicles, with a global presence and significant deployment of chargers worldwide.

Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics Manufacturing 馃嚭馃嚫 Lebanon 343 2001

Turn this list into pipeline

Tamtam finds the decision-makers at every company on a list like this one, with verified emails, phone numbers and the buying signals that tell you when to reach out.

Build your own list, free

How this list is built

Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 12, 2026.

More company lists in Tennessee

The same list elsewhere in United States

The same list elsewhere