“I wanted to do something that could help people,” said Witching Hour founder Lance Adler. Innovation Crossroads, a Department of Energy Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Program node at ORNL, is designed to position hard tech entrepreneurs like Adler for success. Innovation Crossroads Fellows are connected to ORNL’s world-leading researchers and scientific resources, along with entrepreneurship training through pitch sessions and marketing development. Innovation Crossroads receives additional support from the Tennessee Valley Authority. “The connections fostered by the East Tennessee entrepreneurship community help Innovation Crossroads start-ups develop the roots that keep them here after graduation and continuing to drive local growth,” said Kelly Wampler, Innovation Crossroads program manager.