Innovation & Economic Development June 2025

Baylor University's Office of Innovation & Economic Development supports institution- wide efforts to increase the quality and quantity of activity and outcomes around innovation, startups, and job creation with an emphasis on enhancing Waco's technology and innovation economic development ecosystem.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the Open House to meet, Gary, our new Licensing and Patent Associate. It is always nice to connect.

Should you have any questions concerning intellectual property, please don't hesitate to reach out to Gary DeBoer.

The Baylor Summer Startup Program is currently in its fifth week. This 12-week program provides Baylor students, faculty, and staff with a business idea a comprehensive curriculum, personalized mentorship, workspace, and weekly lunchtime speakers. Last week, we had the privilege of hearing from Mark Senefsky, founder and CEO of Modeforge, a strategy-driven digital marketing agency. He spoke about the importance of mindful entrepreneurship, challenging us to be aware of the pervasive “grind culture” that often accompanies launching new ventures. Additionally, he discussed ethics in marketing and shared his insights on the future of AI and its potential impact on the marketing landscape.

If you're interested in sharing your story, please reach out to Lesley at Lesley_Reed@baylor.edu.

Baylor students bring their ideas to life through The Student Launch Program. Participants in this program come from diverse disciplines, ranging from Art History to Engineering.

This program is a collaborative effort between the Office of Innovation & Economic Development and The Cody & Casey Turner and Shane Turner Student Business Accelerator.

Click the links below to learn more about their businesses and be sure to visit the Spirit Shop at The Hurd to support our Baylor Student entrepreneurs.

Technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace.

As technology continues to advance, the demand for skilled professionals capable of meeting today's and tomorrow's challenges is also increasing.

Roles in fields such as AI, cybersecurity, and software engineering are among the most sought after in our digital age, especially when it comes to building a resilient and competitive workforce.

Thanks to a new partnership with McLennan Community College, and General Assembly, you can now access training programs that equip you with valuable skills for these in-demand tech careers.

Whether you want to explore software engineering, break into IT support and administration, or start a career in cybersecurity, these programs provide hands-on practice with skills that truly matter.

Apply: Submit an application for your preferred course.
Intro call: Chat with our Admissions team to discuss your goals, course details, and financial options.
Final interview: Finalize enrollment & get ready to learn.

It’s all happening through the CTCR.

David Grover previously served as the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) lead in Austin. His team developed strategic plans for NGA immersion into the local innovation ecosystem including commercial, government and academic spheres. Investigating early-stage capabilities and concepts to meet the global National System for Geospatial-Intelligence (NSG) innovation challenges and bringing awareness of NGA’s efforts to the commercial and academic communities. Additionally, he was NGA’s Education Partnership Agreement program manager and led the NGA’s Academic Engagement Group.

David began his career in 1997 with an ROTC commission as a 2nd Lieutenant from Baylor University. He then served in the US Air Force from 1998-2005 as a B-1B Instructor Weapons Systems Office (WSO). He accumulated over 1050 total flight hours, including 100+ combat hours, being awarded both the USAF Air Medal and Aerial Achievement Medals in support of U.S. military operations.

In 2005, he joined NGA as an analyst working time-dominant operations. From 2005-2011 he held a variety of analytic positions within the NGA enterprise; ultimately being promoted to NGA’s senior OPIR analyst overseeing all technical aspects of the analytic OPIR mission. In 2012, he transitioned to a scientific Branch Chief role providing oversight and direction to multiple teams of scientists, analysts, engineers, military personnel and foreign partners. He moved to Austin, Texas in 2019 where he began as the technology and acquisition advisor for NGA before transitioning to the area lead in 2020.

David has a Bachelor's degree in Engineering from Baylor University and a Masters of Aeronautical Science (MS) specializing in Aviation/Aerospace Management from Embry-Riddle University. David is married to Heather, his bride of 25 years, and has two college age children Erik and Julia.

Stay connected with the
Office of Innovation & Economic Development