April 2026 Newsletter

The latest innovation and commercialization news from The Texas A&M University System. 

Join the audience at the 12th annual Texas A&M New Ventures Competition (TNVC) on May 13th and May 14th at Kyle Field. This pivotal event showcases the most promising science- and engineering-based startups in Texas. With over $5 million in prizes awarded to date and previous semi-finalists raising more than $632 million, TNVC promises an immersive experience. Participate with our Entrepreneurial Panel in a Q&A, experience elevator pitches with live voting, and attend the awards reception. Don't miss your chance to vote for your favorite elevator pitches and see who takes home the grand prize. Register now to be part of this landmark event! 

Looking to pair your brand with the power of TNVC 2026? The deadline for sponsor commitments is April 20th! Contact Chris Scotti at cscotti@tamus.edu to secure your sponsorship for this year’s event.

TNVC 2025 Competitor: Katie Calderon, Club Girl Golf Founder

The Texas A&M University System has been named among the Top 100 U.S. Universities Granted Utility Patents, according to a 2026 report from the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). The annual report, which utilizes data from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), tracks the vital role of university research and innovation within the national landscape. For the 2025 calendar year ranking, the A&M System placed No. 30, with... Read more. 

Advancing Flight Innovation: Long-Range Hybrid Electric VTOL Aircraft

Texas A&M University researchers are redefining what is possible in aviation with the development of a long-range hybrid electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. Designed to merge the best capabilities of helicopters and fixed-wing airplanes, this innovative technology offers a new level of flexibility and efficiency for modern flight applications. Developed by Dr. Moble Benedict and co-inventors David Coleman, Ph.D., and Atanu Halder, Ph.D., the aircraft utilizes hybrid... Read more.

InnovationU Moderator & Panelists: (l-r) Janie Hurley, Dr. Robert Hanson, Sabrina Allan, Dr. Gerard L. Coté

Texas A&M Innovation brought together researchers, faculty, and staff from across The Texas A&M University System on March 26, 2026, for an InnovationU seminar focused on “Engaging with Industry While Protecting TAMUS Intellectual Property (IP).” Hosted at the Memorial Student Center with a virtual livestream option, the session explored best practices for navigating early conversations with external collaborators while safeguarding existing and prospective intellectual property. A recording of the session is available on our YouTube channel. The discussion featured... Read more.

Innovation Graduate & Undergraduate Student Assistants: (l-r) Nathan Vines, Manolo Garcia-Moreno, Kimora Butler, Nathan Mungai. Not pictured Hatch Cunningham, Logan Garic, Abby Hernandez, Elanah Sriram

As April begins, campuses nationwide recognize National Student Employment Week, April 13-17, a time to celebrate the contributions of student employees and the impact they make within their organizations and communities. At Texas A&M Innovation, student employees play a vital role in supporting key initiatives while gaining hands-on experience that prepares them for future careers. Their work contributes to advancing innovation across The Texas A&M University System and beyond. Student employment at Texas A&M Innovation provides ... Read more.

Have a new idea, research breakthrough, or potential invention? Not sure whether your discovery is ready for a full disclosure. Complete this short concept form and a member of our team will be in touch with you soon to start a discussion. Should your concept appear to have commercial promise, completion of a full disclosure form will be necessary for a comprehensive assessment of the discovery and determination of next steps. 

Submit your concept and start the conversation today.

Texas A&M Innovation continues to support researchers and innovators across The Texas A&M University System by providing guidance, tools, and connections that help move discoveries from the lab to the marketplace. As part of this commitment, we invite departments, research centers, and member institutions to engage with our team through customized outreach presentations and informational sessions. Interested in hosting a session for your faculty, researchers, or students? Contact Crystal Carter to schedule a presentation. 

April 22 - Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

April 24 - Texas A&M University - Food Science & Technology

April 28 - Texas A&M University - Nuclear Engineering

April 29 - Prairie View A&M University

May 13-14 – Texas A&M New Ventures Competition 2026

Texas A&M AgriLife Today

Texas A&M AgriLife celebrates new home for High Plains Research and Extension Center

KCENTV

Texas A&M breaks ground on semiconductor institute to boost U.S. chip independence

Six United States intellectual properties were issued to The Texas A&M University System during the month of March. Congratulations to the inventors!

Texas A&M Innovation is focused on harvesting new innovations, protecting intellectual property, and facilitating the commercialization process to move Texas A&M University System technologies from the lab to the marketplace. For more information on about how we can partner with you as a university researcher or industry collaborator, please contact us.

innovation@tamus.edu  |  innovation.tamus.edu