SBIR/STTR Innovation Program
Exclusive partnership with
Unlock the door to innovation, growth, and success with our SBIR/STTR Innovation Program. Tap into government funds to do research and make prototypes of your inventions, and team up with universities and research institutions to turn your cool ideas into real-world products or services.
We're your guiding light on the journey to successfully applying for vital SBIR/STTR research funding for your groundbreaking projects. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with navigating the SBIR/STTR application process. Whether you're a cutting-edge tech startup, an inventive small business, or a visionary researcher, our accelerator program is designed to position you for triumph.
The StartUp Texas SBIR/STTR Innovation Program is a highly competitive, intensive 12 week program designed to help companies effectively scale, properly evaluate market research, fine tune financial projections, all while creating valuable connections with local business leaders and fellow founders in the community. The StartUp Texas Accelerator utilizes the AdvanceUp Accelerator Curriculum built by the UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center. This program and the available seed funding are provided exclusively through a partnership with the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation and Texas A&M Engineering & Experiment Station.
The program concludes with an Innovation Competition pitch event, providing every cohort member with the opportunity to present their business idea to a panel of industry expert judges. Participants compete for a chance to secure funding of up to $40,000.
Are you ready to turn your MVP into a successful SBIR/STTR application?
What to Expect
Tailored Mentorship: Gain invaluable insights from seasoned SBIR/STTR experts who have successfully navigated the complexities of the application process.
Funding Opportunities: Learn the ins and outs of the SBIR/STTR program, including how to write compelling proposals and secure the funding your project deserves.
Peer Support: Connect with a community of like-minded entrepreneurs and innovators, sharing your drive to bring transformative ideas to life.
Personalized Coaching: Tailored support and mentorship to meet your unique project needs and enhance your chances of winning SBIR/STTR funding.
Resources Galore: Access to a wealth of resources, from grant proposal templates to research partnerships, designed to accelerate your journey toward research funding.
Important Dates
Applications Open - April 8, 2024
Application Deadline - May 17, 2024
Qualified Startups Notified - May 20, 2024
Program Length - May 27 - August 29, 2024
Demo Day - Thursday, August 29, 2024*
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Participants
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?
For-profit companies, and eBridge Center Incubator Members. Companies with a business model and MVP (can be further along or finishing build of MVP). Companies looking to seek early stage funding. Founders who can commit to dedicating a minimum of 4-6 hours of their time to program requirements each week. Founders looking to build relationships in the Brownsville / RGV startup community. Founders with a passion for the problem they are solving.
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Company Selection
HOW ARE COMPANIES CHOSEN?
The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation, along with key stakeholders within the eBridge Center, will review the applications and select no more than 10 companies for each cohort that show promise of continuing growth within the community. Before final selections are made interviews may be conducted to better understand program fit. The two individual cohorts are Quality of Life Ventures and Emerging Industries.
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Program Overview
WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
The StartUp Texas Accelerator is a highly competitive, intensive 8 - 12 week program designed to help companies effectively scale, properly evaluate market research, fine tune financial projections, all while creating valuable connections with local business leaders and fellow founders in the community. Selected founders will meet at designated times during the duration of the program at the eBridge Center for specialized workshops, mentorship sessions, pitch practices, and more.