Texas State to Launch First Future Maker Accelerator Through our Partnership with The Experience Firm
Founded in 1899, Texas State University is among the largest universities in Texas with an enrollment of 38,376 students on campuses in San Marcos and Round Rock. Texas State’s 224,000-plus alumni are a powerful force in serving the economic workforce needs of Texas and throughout the world. It’s because of this impact in the United States, that we’re thrilled to announce that Texas State University’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) is partnering with Future Maker Studios to create a “Future Maker Accelerator” at the Albert B. Alkek Library.
Future Maker Studios is a joint venture through our work in MediaTech Ventures in concert with The Experience Firm. A startup development organization dedicated to providing access to the education, resources, and funding that entrepreneurial teams need to succeed, Future Maker Studios engages and empowers tomorrow’s innovators, unlocking the untapped potential of cities and regions through future-focused, tech-enabled facility and startup curriculum wherein change makers gain access to the tools, technology, education, partners, and funding needed to accelerate their success.
“Innovation and success excel in cultures of collaboration and camaraderie. Thriving innovative ecosystems can only truly be achieved through public and private sector alignment. While the two sectors have different goals and mandates, it is imperative that they work together to achieve common goals.”
– MediaTech Ventures’ John Zozzaro
The collaboration with Texas State is designed to accelerate the innovation-to-market process through coaching and creative technology. The Future Maker Accelerator is made possible by support from the Alkek Foundation and will be held in Alkek One, the innovation center located on the first floor of the Alkek Library. Weekly workshops, pitch practice sessions and open office hours throughout the remainder of 2023, and ongoing beyond this initial cohort.
The workshop schedule and topics include:
- Creating or Refining Your Value Proposition
- Developing Your Business Model
- Building Your Team
- Perfecting Your Pitch
- Creating or Refining Your Value Proposition
- Developing Your Business Model
“Texas State’s CIE collaborated with the Alkek Library’s Director of Technology Engagement Andrew Rechnitz and University Librarian Kelly Visnak to create the program,” noted Jayme Blaschke with Inside TXST. “Together, they developed a shared vision and pathway to leverage the incredible technology spaces of Alkek One to provide Texas State students, faculty and stakeholders with access to unique, innovative entrepreneurial programming and experiences. The initiative is supported by a five-year, $1 million grant from the Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation.”
Congratulations, Paul! It’s incredible to see how MediaTech Ventures continues to innovate and make a difference in the startup ecosystem. The collaboration with Texas State University and The Experience Firm undoubtedly speaks volumes about your vision and dedication. Looking forward to seeing the impact of this new direction. #innovation #collaboration
Thank you my friend. It’s certainly not my vision alone, merely a sentiment all to rare in startup ecosystems – that, we KNOW team is what makes a startup work or fail -> it is consistently the leading, known, cause of failure. Yet, we tend not demand the same of our communities, ecosystems, programs, and venture capital funds – collaborate. Do it together, or frankly, go home because your effort in isolation from and hoarding of resources for the ecosystem is harming everyone else.
Texan YComb when?
Regionally? I’m not so sure it should happen, TBF
New era of innovation and YComb’s expertise and network is largely in SIlicon Valley-like innovation. Besides, a lot of what YC does is virtual and remote… what would the merit be of being in Texas?
My $.02 is that Texas would greatly benefit from a lot more experienced-mentor led programming and far more underwriting from the venture capital community.
Huge congrats Paul!
Very cool, congrats!!
Cool stuff