MassChallenge Texas

Our mission is to make Texas the best place in the world to innovate. In 2019, we accelerated 100 startups, hosted over 65 events, grew community partner engagement to over 200 organizations, developed an expert network of of over 400 business and industry leaders. We also awarded $540,000 in equity-free cash prizes and investment opportunities to startups from our Austin and Houston programs.

In 2019, we expanded our effort from our initial location in Austin to a second location in Houston, cementing our position as a critical player in the Texas innovation ecosystem. Not only did we expand reach through programming and physical office space, but we also grew our community.

Our fast achievements in just two years , further prove our thesis that the MassChallenge model attracts, advances, and accelerates the missions of all players in an innovation ecosystem, and this model thrives in Texas. We have further demonstrated that leveraging a community-first model for entrepreneurship creates impact and competitive advantage to help corporate innovators and startups win.

- Mike Millard, Managing Director for MassChallenge Texas in Austin

- Jon Nordby, Managing Director for MassChallenge Texas in Houston

Austin Program Benefits

4-month accelerator program
$500,000 in equity-free cash awards
6-month complimentary community membership at WeWork in downtown Austin
Access to > $250k in curated deals and discounts
Bespoke mentorship opportunities through mentor teams and office hours programs
Deep engagement opportunities with the Texas innovation ecosystem
One-on-one engagement with the MCTX founding and corporate partners
Unique curriculum in the form of workshops, events, and classroom series
Virtual access to all MCTX Houston accelerator programming
Defense Innovation Track: The Defense Innovation Track is an opportunity for startups to connect with the DoD and affiliates, and work toward providing solutions that will advance the military’s work in protecting American citizens at home and abroad, including, but not limited to, intelligence, artificial intelligence, aerospace, security, cybersecurity, mobile, communication, data analytics, machine learning, hardware, drones, troop support, surveillance, sensors, and battery industries.

Timeline

Applications Open

29 January 2020

Applications Close

11 March 2020

Judging

March - April 2020

Finalist Announcement

28 May 2020

Accelerator Program

June - September 2020

MassChallenge Texas in Austin Awards

September 2020

Houston Program Benefits

4-month accelerator program
Up to $250,00 in equity-free cash prizes
6 months of free coworking space Downtown Houston’s LaunchPad
Access to > $250k in curated deals and discounts
Focused mentorship and ecosystem connections
One-on-one engagement with MCTX founding and corporate partners
Virtual access to the MCTX Austin accelerator workshops and classes
Deep engagement opportunities with the Texas innovation ecosystem
Space Commercialization Track: The Space Commercialization track works with startups addressing challenges in commercializing the space industry through solutions including, but not limited to, human health, performance, and recovery, materials science, analytics, advanced manufacturing, robotics and relevant technologies with an application in space
Sports Tech Track: The Sports Tech track supports startups that are addressing challenges faced by professional and collegiate athletes/teams/leagues through solutions including, but not limited to human health, performance, and recovery, material science, analytics or fan experience and engagement

Timeline

Applications Open

29 January 2020

Applications Close

11 March 2020

Judging

March-April 2020

Finalist Announcement

28 May 2020

Accelerator Program

June - September 2020

MassChallenge Texas in Houston Celebration

1 October 2020

Get the latest news for MassChallenge Texas.

Texas Leadership

Learn more about the Texas Team >>

Mike Millard

Managing Director, Austin

Mike Millard is the Managing Director for MassChallenge Texas. Previously, Mike was the Executive Director of Innovation and Technology Commercialization at Ascension in Austin, Texas where he led the capture, analysis, and commercialization of Ascension owned intellectual property. He has served as the Director of Research at Austin Ventures, and as part of AT&T's Knowledge Ventures group where he led multiple efforts to monetize AT&T Labs’ intellectual property.

Learn more about Mike Millard >>

Jon Nordby

Managing Director, Houston

John Nordby is the Managing Director for MassChallenge Texas in Houston. Previously, Jon lead the spin out of Houston’s Innovation Initiative, Houston Exponential, an office that serves as a catalyst for Houston’s Innovation economy bridging the gaps between startups, corporates, investors, academia and governments. He lead the creation of the HX Venture Fund, the HX Capital and Growth Summits, 14 community-based committees, and the efforts that attracted MassChallenge to Texas.

Learn more about Jon Nordby >>