# 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).

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.

🇺🇸 Tennessee · 50 companies · Updated Nov 12, 2026

| # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [HCA Healthcare](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/hca-healthcare) (dpxmedcity.net)<br>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 | 🇺🇸 Nashville | 150,409 |  |
| 2 | [Bridgestone Americas](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/bridgestone-americas) (bridgestoneamericas.com)<br>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 | 🇺🇸 Nashville | 19,556 |  |
| 3 | [Vanderbilt University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/vanderbilt-university) (vanderbilt.edu)<br>Top-ranked university in Nashville focusing on teaching, research, collaboration, diversity, and providing diverse career opportunities across multiple fields. | Higher Education | 🇺🇸 Nashville | 12,700 | 1873 |
| 4 | [Eastman](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/eastman) (eastman.com)<br>A global specialty materials company founded in 1920, delivering innovative products for everyday use with a focus on safety and sustainability | Chemical Manufacturing | 🇺🇸 Kingsport | 10,916 | 1920 |
| 5 | [St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - ALSAC](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/st-jude-children-s-research-hospital-alsac) (stjude.org)<br>Fundraising and awareness efforts supporting a children's research hospital focused on curing diseases and providing free family care. | Non-profit Organizations | 🇺🇸 Memphis | 10,579 |  |
| 6 | [University of Tennessee, Knoxville](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-tennessee-knoxville) (alumni.utk.edu)<br>A prestigious public university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, research opportunities, and partnerships with national institutions | Higher Education | 🇺🇸 Knoxville | 9,622 |  |
| 7 | [Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/middle-tennessee-state-university-mtsu) (mtsu.edu)<br>A regional university offering superior academic programs to a diverse student population, with a focus on student success and support | Higher Education | 🇺🇸 Murfreesboro | 5,262 | 1911 |
| 8 | [St. Jude Children's Research Hospital](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/st-jude-children-s-research-hospital) (stjude.org)<br>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 | 🇺🇸 Memphis | 5,155 |  |
| 9 | [Erlanger](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/erlanger) (erlanger.org)<br>Non-profit academic medical center providing Level-One trauma, tertiary care, and specialized pediatric services across a four-state region. | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇺🇸 Chattanooga | 4,728 | 1889 |
| 10 | [Centerstone](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/centerstone) (centerstone.org)<br>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 | 🇺🇸 Nashville | 3,576 |  |
| 11 | [McKee Foods Corporation](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/mckee-foods-corporation) (jobs.mckeefoods.com)<br>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 | 🇺🇸 Collegedale | 3,176 | 1934 |
| 12 | [Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/helena-agri-enterprises-llc) (helenaagri.com)<br>Agricultural and specialty products, services, and software provider with a focus on customer success through dedicated people, unique products, and technical knowledge | Farming | 🇺🇸 Collierville | 2,546 | 1957 |
| 13 | [Meharry Medical College](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/meharry-medical-college) (meharry.edu)<br>An academic health center dedicated to improving health and healthcare for minority and underserved communities through education, research, and quality health services | Higher Education | 🇺🇸 Nashville | 1,628 | 1876 |
| 14 | [Atmus Filtration Technologies](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/atmus-filtration-technologies) (atmus.com)<br>Designs and manufactures premium filtration products under Fleetguard brand, serving diverse equipment applications with global reach and technology leadership. | Manufacturing | 🇺🇸 Nashville | 1,559 | 1958 |
| 15 | [Bourns, Inc.](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/bourns-inc) (bourns.com)<br>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 | 🇺🇸 Riverside | 1,544 | 1947 |
| 16 | [Smith & Wesson](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/smith-and-wesson) (smith-wesson.com)<br>Manufacturing and designing quality firearms, related products, and training for U.S. consumers, law enforcement, and global military customers. | Retail | 🇺🇸 Maryville | 1,335 | 1852 |
| 17 | [Dura-Line](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/dura-line) (duraline.com)<br>Manufacture and distribute HDPE conduits and accessories for telecommunications, data centers, and power markets worldwide with durable infrastructure products. | Telecommunications | 🇺🇸 Knoxville | 1,282 | 1971 |
| 18 | [Kasai North America, Inc](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/kasai-north-america-inc) (kasai-na.com)<br>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 | 🇺🇸 Murfreesboro | 1,147 | 1986 |
| 19 | [Sarah Cannon Research Institute](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/sarah-cannon-research-institute) (scri.com)<br>A leading oncology research organization conducting community-based clinical trials, advancing therapies and enhancing trial access across the country | Research Services | 🇺🇸 Nashville | 975 | 1993 |
| 20 | [Tennessee Oncology](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/tennessee-oncology) (tnoncology.com)<br>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 | 🇺🇸 Nashville | 945 | 1976 |
| 21 | [ORAU](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/orau) (orau.org)<br>Innovative scientific and technical solutions for research, education, public health, environmental protection, and national security, while working with federal and commercial customers | Government Administration | 🇺🇸 Oak Ridge | 865 | 1946 |
| 22 | [Wright Medical](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/wright-medical) (stryker.com)<br>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 | 🇺🇸 Memphis | 860 |  |
| 23 | [Revance](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/revance) (revance.com)<br>Biotechnology company revolutionizing healthcare with innovative aesthetic and therapeutic solutions, prioritizing enhanced patient and physician experiences | Biotechnology Research | 🇺🇸 Nashville | 766 |  |
| 24 | [Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/haslam-college-of-business-at-the-university-of-tennessee) (haslam.utk.edu)<br>The company is committed to producing well-prepared students, conducting impactful research, and offering a range of business education programs | Higher Education | 🇺🇸 Knoxville | 764 |  |
| 25 | [Aegis Sciences Corporation](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/aegis-sciences-corporation) (aegislabs.com)<br>Forensic toxicology and healthcare laboratory specializing in drug testing, consulting, medication compliance, substance abuse, and healthcare specialty testing services | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇺🇸 Nashville | 723 | 1990 |
| 26 | [AOC Formulations](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/aoc-formulations) (aocformulations.com)<br>A global supplier of resins and specialty materials, providing durable and versatile products through innovative solutions and unrivaled quality and service | Chemical Manufacturing | 🇺🇸 Collierville | 720 | 1960 |
| 27 | [Franke Foodservice Systems](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/franke-foodservice-systems) (franke.com)<br>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 | 🇺🇸 Smyrna | 710 | 1911 |
| 28 | [VGT](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/vgt) (aristocrat.com)<br>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 | 🇺🇸 Franklin | 660 |  |
| 29 | [The Escape Game](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/the-escape-game) (theescapegame.com)<br>Escape rooms and immersive team-building experiences designed and crafted by a multidisciplinary team across 30+ U.S. locations. | Entertainment Providers | 🇺🇸 Nashville | 649 | 2014 |
| 30 | [SVP Worldwide](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/svp-worldwide) (svpworldwide.com)<br>World's largest consumer sewing machine company with premium brands, innovative technology, and global reach through manufacturing, R&D, and extensive retail network | Manufacturing | 🇺🇸 Nashville | 642 | 1851 |
| 31 | [Stratas Foods](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/stratas-foods) (stratasfoods.com)<br>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 | 🇺🇸 Bartlett | 592 | 2009 |
| 32 | [Firestone Airide](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/firestone-airide) (firestoneairide.com)<br>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 | 🇺🇸 Nashville | 591 | 1900 |
| 33 | [MicroPort Orthopedics](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/microport-orthopedics) (microportortho.com)<br>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 | 🇺🇸 Arlington | 549 | 2014 |
| 34 | [Ring Container Technologies](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ring-container-technologies) (ringcontainer.com)<br>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 | 🇺🇸 Oakland | 544 | 1968 |
| 35 | [Elo Touch Solutions](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/elo-touch-solutions) (elotouch.com)<br>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 | 🇺🇸 Knoxville | 511 | 1971 |
| 36 | [Vanderbilt University School of Medicine](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/vanderbilt-university-school-of-medicine) (medschool.vanderbilt.edu)<br>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 | 🇺🇸 Nashville | 477 | 1874 |
| 37 | [Iconex](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/iconex) (iconex.com)<br>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 | 🇺🇸 Morristown | 451 | 2016 |
| 38 | [Radio Systems Corporation](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/radio-systems-corporation) (petsafebrands.com)<br>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 | 🇺🇸 Knoxville | 432 | 1991 |
| 39 | [Shoals Technologies Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/shoals-technologies-group) (shoals.com)<br>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 | 🇺🇸 Portland | 419 | 1996 |
| 40 | [Pig Improvement Company (PIC) - North America](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/pig-improvement-company-pic-north-america) (pic.com)<br>A global leader in swine genetics, providing healthy and productive swine genetics to pork producers worldwide for over 60 years | Biotechnology Research | 🇺🇸 Hendersonville | 416 |  |
| 41 | [SteriPack Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/steripack-group) (steripack.com)<br>Contract design and manufacturing organization for healthcare industry partners. Outstanding client service, flexibility, and tailored solutions for products to market. | Medical Equipment Manufacturing | 🇺🇸 Dublin | 411 |  |
| 42 | [Malibu Boats](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/malibu-boats) (malibuboats.com)<br>A leading manufacturer of watersports towboats with patented wake and wave technologies, offering handcrafted boats for wakeboarding, surfing, and skiing | Shipbuilding | 🇺🇸 Loudon | 391 | 1982 |
| 43 | [Heil Trailer International](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/heil-trailer-international) (heiltrailer.com)<br>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 | 🇺🇸 Athens | 387 | 1901 |
| 44 | [Crown Bakeries](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/crown-bakeries) (crownbakeries.com)<br>A group of dedicated bakers delivering unmatched baking expertise and customer service to foodservice, manufacturing, and retail customers across America | Food and Beverage Manufacturing | 🇺🇸 Nashville | 379 | 1996 |
| 45 | [PlayCore](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/playcore) (playcore.com)<br>This company advances play through research, education, and partnerships to create customized play solutions for communities worldwide | Recreational Facilities | 🇺🇸 Chattanooga | 377 |  |
| 46 | [Yorozu Automotive of TN and AL](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/yorozu-automotive-of-tn-and-al) (yorozu-corp.co.jp)<br>A global automotive parts manufacturer specializing in suspensions, with advanced total system for development, manufacturing, and efficient delivery worldwide | Motor Vehicle Manufacturing | 🇺🇸 Morrison | 367 | 1986 |
| 47 | [Lochinvar, LLC](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/lochinvar-llc) (lochinvar.com)<br>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 | 🇺🇸 Lebanon | 361 |  |
| 48 | [West Cancer Center & Research Institute](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/west-cancer-center-and-research-institute) (westcancercenter.org)<br>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 | 🇺🇸 Germantown | 355 | 1978 |
| 49 | [MasterCraft Boat Company](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/mastercraft-boat-company) (mastercraft.com)<br>A leading innovator and manufacturer of premium performance sport boats, specializing in ski, wakeboard, and luxury powerboats since 1968 | Shipbuilding | 🇺🇸 Vonore | 348 | 1968 |
| 50 | [Tritium](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/tritium) (tritiumcharging.com)<br>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 | 🇺🇸 Lebanon | 343 | 2001 |

## 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.

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## The same list elsewhere in United States

- [Companies with in-house R&D in the United States](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-united-states) (6,796)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in California](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-california) (1,275)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in Texas](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-texas) (442)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in New York State](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-new-york-state) (419)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in Massachusetts](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-massachusetts) (396)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in Illinois](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-illinois) (322)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in Michigan](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-michigan) (287)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in Ohio](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-ohio) (277)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in Pennsylvania](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-pennsylvania) (255)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in New Jersey](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-new-jersey) (224)
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## The same list elsewhere

- [Companies with in-house R&D in the world](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-in-the-world) (34,346)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in North America](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-in-north-america) (7,619)

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Source: https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-tennessee