April 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.

Ecosystem

Life Science in Waco

BioNTX Facilities Advisory Committee presents Life Science in Waco: A City to Believe In on April 17 in Waco, TX, at the Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative.

This event offers a unique opportunity to explore Waco’s expanding life science landscape. Attendees will gain firsthand insight through an exclusive tour of the Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative, followed by engaging discussions on Waco’s position as a hub for innovation and its growing role in the life sciences industry. A special presentation from AbbVie will provide additional perspective on industry advancements and opportunities in the region.

Following the program, continue conversations and build connections at a networking happy hour in downtown Waco. Do not miss this chance to learn, connect, and be part of a dynamic and evolving life science community.

Intellectual Property and Tech Transfer

Technology Highlight

Baylor University researchers and their collaborators at Columbia University are developing a pancreatic cancer therapeutic with a novel mode of action. This research team is currently participating in the Texas Medical Center Innovation Factory Accelerator for Cancer Therapeutics to advance this research towards treating patients. The team is led by Dr. Daniel Romo, Schotts Professor of Chemistry and co-director of the Baylor Synthesis & Drug Lead Discovery Lab in the Baylor Chemistry & Biochemistry Department.

Technologies Available for License

Startup Support

Baylor Summer Startup Program

The Baylor Summer Startup Program offers a 12-week immersive experience for BU students, faculty, and recent alumni. Participants will benefit from targeted curriculum sessions, invaluable advice from local business leaders, personalized one-on-one mentorship, and focused time to develop their businesses.

What you should expect:

a comprehensive startup and small business curriculum
invaluable insights from experienced local business owners
personalized one-on-one mentorship
tailored guidance to refine their business strategies and overcome challenges
access to the Innovation Garage within the BRIC building
dedicated space within the BRIC building to work throughout the program
an opportunity to win: $1,000, $1,500, or $2,000

Learn More and Apply

Technology Commercialization

Proposal Preparation Series

The next NSF Innovation Corps (I-Corps) window closes July 2, 2025! April 29-May 1, experts will walk you through the NSF SBIR/STTR proposal requirements. In addition to up-to-date information on the SBIR/STTR programs, they will take a deep dive into the NSF program specifics, so you’re equipped for a successful proposal.

Event Link

NSF Innovation Corps (I-Corps) has monthly teams webinar to learn how to make your technology concept into a product through customer discovery. If you have worked on an NSF grant in the last few years, you may be eligible for the National I-Corps Teams program. Program directors will answer questions and provide updated information about I-Corps contacts, the curriculum and important dates.