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.
The startups
AccuCell Biotechnology (1st Place)
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.
Company profile
Heroica Technologies (2nd Place)
Stephanie Pazos, Founder
Works in photonics, developing photonic integrated circuits, chemical sensors, infrared imaging, and optical communication systems.
Company profile
The Partnership Institute (3rd Place)
Douglas Best, Founder
Builds bilingual distance-learning content, including movie-quality animation repurposed for the classroom.
Company profile
Sensapath
Javier Becerril, Founder
Develops AI assistive technology for people who are visually impaired.
Company profile
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.
Company profile
Career Bridge
Eloy Garza, Founder
Gives educators the tools to build and run programs focused on student growth and career preparation.
Company profile
Judges
- Jesus “Jesse” Cano, TMAC/UTRGV
- Rubén Cantú, LMNTS / UT Austin
- Eduardo Cerca, One Tap MX
Pitch videos
Want to pitch at the next one? See the current Startup Texas tracks and apply.