Startup Texas 2024
SBIR/STTR Innovation Competition
September 12, 2024 · eBridge Center, Brownsville
Six Rio Grande Valley startups closed out a 10-week accelerator by pitching for a share of $77,500 in funding. The SBIR/STTR track 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:
AccuCell Biotechnology (1st Place)
Heroica Technologies (2nd Place)
The Partnership Institute (3rd Place)
Sensapath
MerLion Advisory Group
Career Bridge
Judges:
Jesus “Jesse” Cano | TMAC/UTRGV
Rubén Cantú | LMNTS / UT Austin
Eduardo Cerca | One Tap MX
AccuCell Biotechnology
Ethan Atlan, Founder & CEO
Builds in-vitro devices that mimic human tissue, using technology licensed from NASA. The customizable micro-organ devices give drug researchers more accurate results and cut the need for animal testing.
Heroica Technologies
Stephanie Pazos, Founder
Works in photonics, developing photonic integrated circuits, chemical sensors, infrared imaging, and optical communication systems.
The Partnership Institute
Douglas Best, Founder
Builds bilingual distance-learning content, including movie-quality animation repurposed for the classroom.
Sensapath
Javier Becerril, Founder
Develops AI assistive technology for people who are visually impaired.
MerLion Advisory Group
Arnie Tyler, CEO
A maritime advisory firm focused on safety, asset security, and environmental responsibility at sea and ashore, centered on Maritime Domain Awareness and Response.
Career Bridge
Eloy Garza, Founder
Gives educators the tools to build and run programs focused on student growth and career preparation.
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