August 2024 Newsletter

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

An initiative aimed at fostering innovation and supporting new inventors has been launched. The "Inventor Incentive Program," announced by Texas A&M Innovation will award $500 to individuals who submit a complete invention disclosure for the first time. Multiple inventors will receive a tiered cash incentive. The reward will be available to any individual(s) who has never previously filed a patent application. To qualify, the inventor must submit a complete invention disclosure. Inventors can submit the disclosure through Texas A&M Innovation's online portal. For more information about the New Inventor Incentive, contact our office. 

Nancy Soliman, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of civil engineering at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and an inventor. Her work focuses on cement-based composites in bulk construction materials to curb the environmental impact of concrete. Read more.

A New Approach to Funding to Support Technology Development

Over the past four years, Texas A&M Innovation has dedicated nearly $1 million to fostering Texas A&M innovations via our Translational Investment Fund (TIF).  This year, we have increased the amount of available funding and the scope... Learn more.

Registration is open for our 2024 Innovation Forward (IF) Conference! IF2024 will be held at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, November 12-14, 2024. Thanks to the generosity of our founding sponsor, The Texas A&M University System Office of the Chancellor, discounted registration is available for the first 100 attendees. This inaugural conference will explore the intersection of AI and energy innovations, with thought-leaders providing their technology, business, and policy perspectives that can move us forward. Confirmed speakers include Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp - Former Texas Governor, Rick Perry - Venture Investors, Joe Cunningham and Ray Rothrock – Texas Nuclear Alliance President, Reed Clay – Halliburton SVP of Global Technology, Sri Srinivasan – and more. Register Now!  

Tarleton State University celebrated the grand opening of its new Research and Economic Development Building this morning. 

Sponsored research and regional partnerships are two areas set to benefit from the new innovation ecosystem. 

“Our economy is driven through research and innovation,” said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley. “The cutting-edge research between our university and Texas A&M AgriLife moving forward will help to meet challenges in Texas and beyond. As our university celebrates 125 years starting this fall, we are committed to building a better future for all.” 

The university will share the state-of-the-art facility, located at U.S. Highway 281 and East Lingleville Road, with Texas A&M AgriLife Research and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Read more. 

Participants attending Innovation Connect: Summer Edition / Image: Texas A&M Innovation

Thanks to all of our friends of Texas A&M Innovation for coming out to join us on July 23rd at The Texas A&M Hotel Block T Lounge for an evening of networking at our Innovation Connect event. Attendees heard from Pete ONeill, Chief Innovation Officer, about the New Inventor Incentive and the inaugural Innovation Forward Conference. Close to 100 participants had an opportunity to win door prizes, food, and drinks while making new collaborations. Save the date for our next Connect on September 25th. 

(l-r) Mark Benden, Pete ONeill, Balakrishna Haridas during NAI Annual Meeting / Image: Texas A&M Innovation

Congratulations to Mark Benden, Ph.D., Texas A&M University Professor and Director of the Center for Worker Health and Balakrishna Haridas, Ph.D., Texas A&M University Professor of Practice on their induction as (NAI) Fellows. Our Chief Innovation Officer, Pete ONeill, attended the ceremony, held during the 13th annual meeting on June 18, 2024, as both fellows were inducted. NAI fellows are academic inventors who demonstrate innovation in creating or facilitating inventions... Read more.

Denise Canales pictured in a staff photo. / Image: Texas A&M Innovation

The Texas A&M University System has invested significant resources to support the growth of commercialization efforts at A&M which has allowed us to add to our team. Please meet Denise, the North Texas Market Sector Lead Director, and say hi if you see her during our programs and events. 

Participants attending the 2024 Texas A&M New Ventures Competition / Image: Texas A&M Innovation

Annual event sponsorship packages are now available. Tailored to suit diverse objectives and budgets, our packages offer opportunities for companies to elevate their brand presence, engage with our audiences, and drive meaningful impact. Packages include varying degrees of pre-event publicity, on-site recognition, post-event continuity, and ongoing engagement. Contact our office to learn more.

Advance your Cancer Therapeutics Venture! Texas A&M Innovation is hosting a virtual information session, in partnership with Texas Medical Center Innovation, on the Accelerator for Cancer Therapeutics (ACT) program designed for researchers working with cancer therapeutics. The ACT program offers invaluable resources and support for biotech entrepreneurs including insights into FDA regulations, intellectual property, and strategic partnerships. Learn more about applying on August 27 at 11:00 a.m. Register today. Applications close on October 15.

Activate is the premier program for scientists on a mission. The two-year fellowship provides early-stage hard tech science entrepreneurs $100K in research funding, yearly living stipends of $100K, intensive entrepreneurial training, mentorship, networking, and other benefits. Applications will open on September 4th! Our office is co-hosting a recruitment event on Wednesday, September 4.  Sign up to be the first to know about upcoming recruitment events and deadlines.

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