StartUp Texas has announced the winners of its SBIR/STTR Innovation Competition.
Brownsville, Texas – The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) has announced the winners of its StartUp Texas SBIR/STTR Innovation Competition, awarding a total of $77,500 to six promising startups. The competition, held on September 12, 2024, at the eBridge Center in Downtown Brownsville, marked the conclusion of an intensive 10-week accelerator program designed to support entrepreneurs with high commercialization potential in preparing for Federal Research and Development grant applications.
Award Recipients
The competition showcased six innovative ventures:
- First Place ($40,000): AccuCell Biotechnology
Founded by Ethan Atlan, this startup is developing in-vitro devices that biomimic human tissues, leveraging NASA technology to revolutionize drug discovery and reduce reliance on animal testing. - Second Place ($20,000): Heroica Technologies
Led by Stephanie Pazos, Heroica Technologies focuses on advancements in photonic integrated circuits and optical communication systems, driving innovation in photonics research. - Third Place ($10,000): The Partnership Institute
Under the leadership of Douglas Best, this initiative addresses bilingual education needs by creating engaging, equitable distance learning experiences.
Honorable Mentions ($2,500 each):
- Sensapath (Javier Becerril): Developing AI-powered assistive technologies for individuals with visual impairments.
- MerLion Advisory Group (Arnie Tyler): Specializing in unmanned marine systems for maritime safety and ecosystem monitoring.
- Career Bridge (Eloy Garza): Building connections between students, educators, and businesses to facilitate real-world learning opportunities.
Community Impact
“The success of these startups demonstrates the incredible talent and innovation thriving in Brownsville,” said Cori Peña, President & CEO of BCIC. “Programs like StartUp Texas have proven essential for fostering entrepreneurship and driving economic growth in our community over the last three years.”
Since its inception, the StartUp Texas Accelerator Program has awarded more than $577,500 to 29 businesses across various cohorts. This initiative, recognized nationally with a Gold Rank Award in the Entrepreneurship category at the 2021 International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Annual Conference, continues to serve as a cornerstone of Brownsville’s economic development strategy.
Strategic Partnerships
The program represents a collaborative effort between BCIC, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Entrepreneurship & Commercialization Center (UTRGV ECC), and the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES). Participants benefit from access to capital, expert mentorship, and a robust support network.
Nathan Burkhart, Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at BCIC, praised the participants: “The dedication and creativity displayed by this year’s entrepreneurs exemplify the unstoppable spirit of innovation in our community.”
About StartUp Texas
Established in 2019, StartUp Texas is a dynamic accelerator program based in Brownsville that equips entrepreneurs with the tools and resources needed to scale their ventures. The 12-week program includes specialized workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities, culminating in a Demo Day where startups pitch their ideas to potential investors. StartUp Texas fosters an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem, driving innovation and economic growth throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
About BCIC
The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) is a Type B economic development organization committed to enhancing the quality of life in Brownsville by connecting individuals, organizations, and resources. For more information, visit www.brownsvillecic.com or contact Nelson Amaro, Director of Marketing & Communications, at namaro@bcic.us.
