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2/12/2025 1:55:05 AM
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Meet the Trailblazing Brownsville Entrepreneurs Revolutionizing Innovation: A Look at Their Competition Triumph!


Meet the Trailblazing Brownsville Entrepreneurs Revolutionizing Innovation: A Look at Their Competition Triumph!

Unlocking the Future: StartUp Texas Innovation Competition Crowns New Entrepreneurs!

Excitement buzzed through the air on September 12 as the latest winners of the StartUp Texas Innovation Competition were unveiled, each receiving a share of an impressive $70,000 in seed funding. This event, held at the eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization, showcased the dynamism and creativity of local entrepreneurs eager to make their mark.

The Competition: A Platform for Dreamers

The StartUp Texas competition is not just a contest; it's a launchpad for innovation. Six talented contestants pitched their groundbreaking ideas to a panel of esteemed judges, each having completed a rigorous 10-week business development course through the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center.

Meet the Winners!

  • First Place: Ethan Atlan, CEO of AccuCell Biotechnology - $40,000 in funding
  • Second Place: Javier J. Pazos, President of Heroixa Technologies - $20,000
  • Third Place: Douglas Best, CEO of the Partnership Institute - $10,000

Judges with a Vision

The judging panel featured industry experts who brought a wealth of experience to the table:

  • Jesus “Jesse” Cano: An instructor with nearly two decades in engineering, specializing in aerospace and oil and gas.
  • Ruben Cantu: A social entrepreneur dedicated to underserved communities through education technology.
  • Eduardo Cerda: A tech solutions expert with 30 years of experience at major corporations like IBM and Microsoft.

Voices from the Winners

Ethan Atlan expressed his gratitude after clinching the top prize: “After spending months working toward this goal, everything came together perfectly. This win means so much to me, and I’m incredibly grateful for the support of my friends, family, and the opportunities provided by UTRGV and Startup Texas.”

Javier Pazos echoed similar sentiments, stating, “The competition allowed us to see possibilities with our technology that we hadn’t previously considered. It pushed us to think beyond the technical aspects of the business.”

Building a Thriving Ecosystem

Linda Ufland, director of Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Commercialization at UTRGV ECC, highlighted the growing strength of the Brownsville start-up community: “We are building a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, and this competition proves that we are headed in the right direction.”

Get Involved!

The StartUp Texas Innovation Competition is a testament to the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit in Brownsville. With community support and innovative minds at work, the future looks bright. Interested in learning more or participating in future events? Stay tuned!

What do you think?

  • Do you believe that competitions like StartUp Texas significantly impact local economies?
  • How important is funding for entrepreneurs in the early stages of business development?
  • What role does education play in shaping successful entrepreneurs?
  • Should there be more support for tech-based startups compared to traditional businesses?
  • Is the entrepreneurial spirit thriving in your community? Why or why not?

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Marcus Johnson
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Marcus Johnson

An accomplished journalist with over a decade of experience in investigative reporting. With a degree in Broadcast Journalism, Marcus began his career in local news in Washington, D.C. His tenacity and skill have led him to uncover significant stories related to social justice, political corruption, & community affairs. Marcus’s reporting has earned him multiple accolades. Known for his deep commitment to ethical journalism, he often speaks at universities & seminars about the integrity in media

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