Thursday, September 4, 2025 — Brownsville, Texas — Startup Texas, powered by the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) and multiple higher education partners, will host two public pitch nights on September 9 and 11 at the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization. The founders on stage have completed acceleration programs delivered with the UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center (UTRGV ECC) and the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station.
Both events are free and open to the community, with food, drinks, and music. While each night has its own focus, the aim is the same: connect founders with customers, mentors, and potential partners, and give community members a firsthand look at the technologies and teams emerging from the Rio Grande Valley.
Event Lineup
Startup Texas Pitch Fest
Tuesday, September 9, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Founders from the Emerging Industries program pitch live to a panel of judges, and the audience votes for a Community Choice winner. Come for fast, focused pitches; stay for networking, local food, music, and community awards.
This cohort enhanced their ventures using the AdvanceUp Accelerator curriculum facilitated by the UTRGV ECC.
RSVP: https://pitchfest25.eventbrite.com
Participants:
- Chariot 360 presented by Rigoberto Lozano: Upright, eco friendly mobility device, useful for accessibility, warehouses, and security.
- DiaBuddy presented by Alan Salinas: All in one app that simplifies diabetes tracking, reporting, and care organization.
- Dot presented by Francisco Bazan Orta: Shuttle tracking without hardware, drivers’ phones act as live GPS; rider app with real time info and planned AI features.
- Fast Port LLC presented by Steve Perez: AI receptionist for small businesses that handles calls, appointments, payments, and follow up.
- Noah’s Ark LLC presented by Erika Mazzola: Integrated pet care platform for lost pet recovery, wellness guidance, and community support.
- Shape Cards presented by Sebastian Melendez: Digital business cards with QR and wallet integrations for instant, error-free sharing.
- Space Ocean Corp presented by Paul Mamakos: Water logistics for space, enabling sustainable sourcing and in-space refueling.
- Urban Plants presented by Ciara Perez: Electricity-free hydroponics using worm casting fertilizer for vertical growing in low water settings; adds inclusive workforce training.
Startup Texas SBIR/STTR Demo Day
Thursday, September 11, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
This SBIR and STTR cohort spent 12 weeks sharpening their ventures to compete for federal research grants. Up to $40,000 in early-stage assistance will be awarded to the top three companies selected by a panel of judges. Like Pitch Fest, SBIR/STTR Demo Day is free and open to the community, with food, drinks, and music.
The program was facilitated by the UTRGV ECC in partnership with the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES).
RSVP: https://startupdemoday25.eventbrite.com
Participants:
- DiaBuddy presented by Alan Salinas: Single app to streamline diabetes management, built for simplicity and equity.
- HydroGrip presented by Elvis Garza Ramirez: Water bottle with built in grip strengthener for fitness, stress relief, and therapy.
- ngem presented by Jose Exiga: Affordable emergency backup for solar homes without battery storage, inspired by Texas freeze outages.
- Rayo Solar presented by Jose Mendez: Off grid, insulated sheds powered by solar, wind, or geothermal with integrated storage.
- Space Ocean Corp presented by Paul Mamakos: Building the supply chain for water in space to support long-duration missions.
- Urban Plants presented by Douglas Best: Vertical hydroponics for food deserts and space use; biomimicry, NASA inspired methods, inclusive hiring.
Both Startup Texas events are free, open to all ages, and hosted at the eBridge Center (1304 E. Adams St., Brownsville).
Since 2019, Startup Texas, in partnership with regional allies, has supported over 30 startups and awarded more than $300,000 in seed funding to local founders. Applications for the next Emerging Industries cohort are open until September 20, and eligible entrepreneurs can apply at: https://www.startuptexas.com/emerging-industries
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About Startup Texas
Startup Texas, established in 2019, is a dynamic accelerator program based in Brownsville that provides entrepreneurs with capital, mentorship, and resources to scale their operations. A collaborative initiative by the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center, and the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, the program supports founders across various industries through specialized workshops and networking opportunities. The 12-week program ends with a pitch event, presenting startups to a broad audience, including potential investors, to foster regional growth and innovation. Startup Texas believes everyone can be the founder of something great and is committed to developing an open and inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystem in the Rio Grande Valley.
About the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC)
The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) is a Type B economic development organization funded by a 1/4 cent sales tax on every taxable dollar spent within Brownsville city limits. BCIC’s mission is to enhance quality of life through innovative and equitable economic development initiatives, ensuring that every investment contributes to a more vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous Brownsville. To bring that vision to life, BCIC invests in revitalizing public spaces by enhancing parks, supporting health and wellness programming, and creating welcoming environments for residents and visitors. It leads downtown redevelopment through restoration projects and business recruitment that breathe new life into Brownsville’s urban core. At the same time, BCIC supports entrepreneurship and small business growth through financial tools, mentorship, and targeted resources. These efforts are reinforced by cross-sector partnerships that drive workforce development, promote economic empowerment, and expand access to high-wage job opportunities. For more information, visit www.brownsvillecic.com.
For media inquiries, please contact Nelson Amaro, Director of Marketing & Communications, at namaro@brownsvillecic.com