Texas Ideation Discovery Bootcamp (IDB)
The IDB is a seven-week virtual course designed to spark and develop science and technology innovations toward readiness for the next stage of commercialization. Tailored for aspiring entrepreneurs, researchers, and small business owners, this dynamic program guides participants through a structured process to explore the viability of their ideas and prepare them for the next phase of commercialization. Whether you’re at the idea stage or already working on a research-based concept, the IDB equips you with practical tools, expert guidance, and a supportive cohort environment to uncover the true market value of your innovation and develop a strategic path forward. By the end of the program, participants will have a clearer understanding of how to position their technology for funding opportunities and long-term success in the marketplace.
The UTSA SBDC Technology Commercialization Center (TCC) presents this no-cost bootcamp across Texas sponsored by the Texas Federal and State (FAST) Partnership Program Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. TCC serves as the official FAST Office for the State of Texas. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) funded FAST Program provides funding to organizations to execute state/regional programs that increase the number of SBIR/STTR proposals.
Why Texas IDB?
- Provides an opportunity to explore a growth-oriented, scalable science or technology venture.
- Utilizes a proven methodology that provides practical hands-on visual tools and frameworks to help entrepreneurs discover and communicate the business value of their innovation.
- Uses a cohort setting to evaluate, discuss, and communicate your idea with the end goal of creating a commercialization roadmap for a successful venture launch.
- Other potential benefits include positioning to access resources and assistance for research and development for small business innovations, such as America’s Seed Fund, a federal funding program.
Who Should Apply?
Program eligibility requires innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and companies to be located in the State of Texas. Participants must also be able to purchase the required workbook, which is estimated to cost $100. Registered companies must be small ventures.
Cohort selection is based on a competitive application.
Texas IDB Timeline
Meet the Texas FAST Program Director
Bijo Mathew serves as the Founding Director of the Texas South-West SBDC Technology Commercialization Center and the TX-Federal State and Technology (FAST) Partnership Program. In this capacity, he is responsible for developing the strategy and providing executive direction to programs created to foster innovation, enhance access to groundbreaking, high-impact, non-dilutive funding for applied and translational research opportunities, applied entrepreneurial education curriculum, and promotion of science and technology-driven entrepreneurial capacity and economic development. His professional credentials include a B.S. and M.S. CBME from the University of Oklahoma and an M.B.A. from the Price College of Business. He is a trained and certified coach for WKI’s “So what? Who cares? Why you?®️” methodology.
Meet the Texas FAST Project Manager
Lizeth is a dynamic and experienced Project Manager at the UTSA SBDC Technology Commercialization Center. With a passion for driving the success of small businesses and Fortune 500 companies, Lizeth has spent her career as a project manager and business consultant, facilitating and executing operations and strategies that drive growth and success. With an academic background in Industrial and Systems Engineering (MS ISyE) from the University of Minnesota, an MBA from the University of Texas (UTRGV), and a Bachelor’s degree in International Business from Monterrey Tec (ITESM), Lizeth is uniquely qualified to provide exceptional service and support to businesses of all sizes and backgrounds.
Looking For More Information?
Get in touch with us at tcc-admin@utsa.edu to learn more about our program. The TCC is committed to ensuring accessibility for all. If you require reasonable accommodations for disabilities or limited English proficiency, don’t hesitate to contact TCC at tcc-admin@utsa.edu, and we will make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.
Partners and Funders
Texas Federal and State Technology Partnership Program (TX-FAST)
The TX-FAST program of the TCC is focused on providing technical assistance to innovative entrepreneurs and small technology firms to increase their participation and award success in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) / Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program—the TX-FAST Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Texas SBDC Technology Commercialization Center
The Technology Commercialization Center (TCC) provides advanced technology and scientific innovators and businesses with professional one-on-one and confidential technical and business assistance and entrepreneurial resources to propel their innovation to military and commercial markets. The center’s clients engage in a lifetime relationship with the center, modulating their interaction and resources request based on their particular needs and business trajectory.
