News Summary
Georgia-based tech startup TreisD is moving its headquarters to Knoxville, Tennessee, to address significant sinkhole challenges in East Tennessee. Located within the Innovation South building at the University of Tennessee Research Park, TreisD specializes in 3D imaging technology that transforms 2D images into 3D visuals. The company will collaborate with the University of Tennessee on a capstone project focusing on visualizing sinkholes through enhanced imaging techniques, making strides towards environmental safety and economic stability in the region.
Tennessee – Georgia-based tech startup TreisD is officially relocating its headquarters to Knoxville, Tennessee, positioning itself to tackle significant sinkhole issues affecting East Tennessee. The new office will be situated within the Innovation South building at 2730 Cherokee Farm Way in the University of Tennessee Research Park at Cherokee Farm. This strategic move is designed to enhance TreisD’s operations while being less than 30 minutes away from its future manufacturing facility in Mascot, Tennessee.
TreisD specializes in 3D imaging using cutting-edge polymer plastics technology, allowing for the transformation of traditional two-dimensional images into three-dimensional visuals that are visible to the naked eye. Its innovative printing process produces images on tamper-proof film, making it a strong contender for applications in packaging and branding. This technology not only enhances durability but also provides an extra layer of security in visual representations.
A key focus of TreisD’s new initiatives will be its collaboration with the University of Tennessee (UT) to implement a capstone project course. This course will center around visualizing sinkholes through advanced 3D imaging techniques. Sinkholes, scientifically referred to as Dolines, pose a considerable problem in East Tennessee due to the prevalence of soluble rocks like limestone under the surface. With an average annual cost of around $300 million for sinkhole-related damage across the United States, addressing this issue is vital for both environmental safety and economic stability.
TreisD’s cutting-edge 3D imaging technology will employ artificial intelligence to capture and analyze images of sinkholes, with the aim of enhancing the prediction of their occurrences. Brett Malone, President and CEO of the Cherokee Farm Development Corporation, has highlighted the importance of this knowledge for developers operating in the region. Understanding sinkhole risks can lead to more informed decisions regarding construction and land use.
The capstone course, entitled “Capturing Legacy 3D Image Data for AI Model Training Project,” is initiated as part of TreisD’s partnership with the College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies at UT. Students enrolled in this course will utilize Nimslo 3D analog cameras, invented by TreisD founder Leslie “Jerry” Nims, to create and digitize 3D images. The program began this summer and is scheduled to conclude on September 16, with additional sessions already underway.
The Nimslo cameras leverage a technique known as autostereoscopy, which utilizes four lenses to capture images that create a sense of depth without the need for 3D glasses. To assist in developing the film images captured by these students, TreisD plans to collaborate with a local photo print lab, f/32 Photo.
TreisD has expressed a positive reception in Knoxville, having received support from both the Chamber of Commerce and various financial institutions in the area. The decision to partner with UT was also influenced by the university’s high rankings in polymer science, which aligns with TreisD’s core technological focus.
The company has plans to produce optical polymer materials at its forthcoming facility in Eastbridge Business Park, further solidifying its commitment to the Knoxville area. The addition of TreisD to the research park is expected to enrich Cherokee Farm’s portfolio, which already includes major companies such as Volkswagen Group of America.
Future developments at the research park include new entrances, enhanced connections to the UT Medical Center, and plans for a new innovation district as proposed by UT Chancellor Donde Plowman. TreisD aims to fully invest in its relationship with Knoxville and the research park, believing it will evolve into a pivotal innovation hub within the region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WBIR: UT Tech Company Partners with Sinkhole Study
- KnoxNews: Tech Startup TreisD Relocates Headquarters
- WATE: 3D Imaging Company to Open Manufacturing Facility
- WATE: Imaging Company Partners with UT to Study Sinkholes
- Wikipedia: Sinkhole

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