Office of Innovation & Economic Development September 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 & innovation economic ecosystem.

This past month, our very own David Grover, Sr. Director of Cyber Initiatives, participated and moderated a panel at Fed Supernova in Austin, Tx.

The panel, consisting of Karen Roth, Deputy Director of AFWERX; Dr. John Beieler, Executive Director, UMD Applied Research Lab for Intelligence & Security (ARLIS); Dr. Nadya Bliss, Executive Director, Global Security Initiative Arizona State University; and Dr. Matt Gaston, Director, AI Division at the Carnegie Mellon University's Software Engineering Institute (SEI); explored the relationship between the government and industry with academia, and how stronger partnerships from basic research to manufacturing and operations can accelerate critical solutions for defense.

The tri party collaboration between government, academia, and industry has long been a cornerstone of U.S. national security.

Fed Supernova connects over 1300 entrepreneurs, government, and industry to collaborate on dual-use solutions that put commercial technology in the hands of the DoD.

This 3-day event accelerates defense innovation by creating a unique, once-a-year opportunity for the entire ecosystem to converge with a shared mission.

Our team recently had the pleasure of touring the state-of-the-art labs at the
Baylor Research & Collaborative Building. The Point-of-Need Innovations (PONI) Center and the Cornerstone Atomization and Combustion Lab, not only conduct pioneering research but also generate valuable intellectual property and actively pursue technology transfer to bring their innovations to the market.

The PONI Center is transforming traditional supply chains with a focus on on-demand material and manufacturing solutions. They use advanced technology, like hybrid metal additive manufacturing, to create and repair parts exactly where they are needed, reducing waste and the need for costly transportation. This research is key to future applications like building infrastructure and manufacturing.

The Cornerstone Lab is a leader in advanced energy research, dedicated to creating highly efficient and clean combustion systems. The lab's revolutionary Swirl Burst technology can use a variety of waste-based biofuels with near-zero emissions. By partnering with the City of Waco, the lab is working to transform local landfill waste into a new, clean energy source for the community.

If you know anyone who's ever considered starting a business or has a business less than two years old, please let them know about this opportunity.

What You Get:

a comprehensive curriculum
access to industry experts
connections with experienced mentors
networking opportunities

Mondays, 5:30 - 8:00 PM
Start Date: October 6th, 2025
End Date: December 8th, 2025
Class Fee: $60; Waived for Baylor students, faculty, and staff

This program is open to Baylor students, faculty, staff, and the greater Waco community.

Application Deadline: September 26th

The Department of Defense (DOD) is the largest funding source of all agencies participating in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, investing over $2.3 billion annually.

Join our workshop to learn how to navigate the DOD's SBIR/STTR programs. Our expert will provide up-to-date information on the solicitation cycle and help you identify the right opportunities for your technology. We'll also cover how to connect with Technical Points of Contact (TPOCs) and influence future topics.

In this workshop, you'll learn:

Which DOD components participate in the SBIR/STTR programs and how they differ.
How to find open solicitations (BAAs) and their deadlines.
Tips for making your proposal more competitive.

This virtual workshop reviews the mission and goals of the Department of Defense (DOD) SBIR/STTR Program and its components. We
will review their funding priorities, the application processes, and tips for success.

Join us for a 10-week educational series offered to help potential entrepreneurs develop their business concepts, create a business plan, and learn best practices in pitching their business.