Startup Texas SBIR/STTR Demo Day 2025
September 11, 2025 · eBridge Center, Brownsville
Six Rio Grande Valley startups closed out a 12-week SBIR/STTR accelerator by pitching for up to $40,000 in early-stage assistance, awarded to the top three companies. The program helps deep-tech companies build toward federal Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer grants, run through BCIC’s partnership with the UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center and the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station.
Participants:
DiaBuddy
HydroGrip
Ngem
Rayo Solar
Space Ocean Corp
Urban Plants
Judges:
Ashutosh Panpalia | Zoho Technologies
Katie Milton Jordan | SimpleEDO.ai
Agustin Martinez | AMYCO Telecomms
DiaBuddy
Alan Salinas, Founder
A single app to streamline diabetes management, built for simplicity and equity.
HydroGrip
Elvis Garza Ramirez, Founder
Water bottle with a built-in grip strengthener for fitness, stress relief, and therapy.
Ngem
Jose Exiga, Founder
Affordable emergency backup for solar homes without battery storage, inspired by Texas freeze outages.
Rayo Solar
Jose Mendez, Founder
Off-grid, insulated sheds powered by solar, wind, or geothermal with integrated storage.
Paul Mamakos, Founder
Building the supply chain for water in space to support long-duration missions.
Space Ocean Corp
Urban Plants
Ciara Perez / Douglas Best, Founder
Vertical hydroponics for food deserts and space use, using biomimicry and NASA-inspired methods, with inclusive hiring.
Do you consider that your company will be a good fit for Startup Texas Accelerator Program? We want to hear from you!