Finalists for BCIC's 3rd annual StartUp Texas Pitch Summit announced

BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation has announced the finalists for its third annual StartUp Texas Pitch Summit.

There are nine finalists in total. Five are based in Brownsville, two are from Mexico City, one from Chihuahua, Mexico, and one from New Jersey. 

The summit is part of BCIC's efforts to develop an ecosystem of entrepreneurship in Brownsville and the Greater Rio Grande Valley. It takes place Thursday, June 16, 2022, at Texas Southmost College.

Nathan Burkhart, director of business development for BCIC, said judges will select the winning venture to receive $25,000 in seed funding. He said applications for the program closed May 31 with close to 30 applications submitted for consideration.

“We’re excited to finally showcase the entrepreneurs and businesses that make our community unique,” said Nathan Burkhart, director of business development for BCIC.

“The best way to create local jobs is to invest in scalable ventures with the potential for commercialization right here in our own backyard. This event both provides access to capital to the winning venture and validates the investment potential the Rio Grande Valley has.”

Cori Peña, incoming president and CEO for BCIC, said this year’s competition will allow finalists to present their businesses live and in person, to a judging panel and audience made up of industry leaders, corporate, angel, and venture investors. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first two iterations of the event were done virtually. 

“We have so many talented entrepreneurs in our region, as well as international ventures looking to enter the U.S. Market through our soft-landing designation within the eBridge Center,” said Peña (pictured above).

“We’ve received 28 applications and they were all great ideas; our judges are going to be very challenged in narrowing it down to one finalist and that’s what makes all of this so exciting.”

The StartUp Texas Pitch Summit is scheduled for Thursday, June 16, 2022, and will be held at Texas Southmost College SET B Lecture Hall. The event will kick off with a networking Happy Hour at 5 PM, followed by the Pitch Summit and an opportunity to meet with the presenting entrepreneurs. The pitch portion of the event will begin promptly at 6:30 PM.

Here are the StartUp Texas Pitch Summit 2021 Finalists:

   Aetherworks, LLC – Brownsville, TX

• Utilizing direct air carbon capture technology to reduce the total C02 emissions on earth, as well as directly serve mid-size and large indoor farms.

   Eido Innova - Chihuahua, MX

• Utilizing patented technology, developers of a glucose measurement device for diabetic patients.

   Embedded – Brownsville, TX

• Creators of fitted bedsheets using wireless RFID technology to create a comfortable, non-invasive solution for elderly patient monitoring.

   iAG Technologies – Brownsville, TX

• Developers of efficient systems that allow for high crop yields and quality output for sustainable micro farming.

   iBed by APYCO – Mexico City, MX

• Creators of innovative platform technology and new therapeutic systems for elderly patients.

   SilverWarp - New Jersey, USA

• Disrupters in the Moto-E Racing world, creating an all-electric race-ready motorcycle that pushes the limits of generative design, additive manufacturing, and rider performance.

   TXQ Rubs – Brownsville, TX

• Creators of superior seasonings and rubs specialized for individual proteins, representing the flavors and traditions of every unique region in Texas.

   Valley Tire Recycling – Brownsville, TX

• Converting end-of-life tires into reusable raw materials for various industries and manufacturers, while creating sustainable products through collection, remediation, and recycling services.

   WITBA – Mexico City, MX

• Developers of high quality, sustainable, zero CO2 emission, steam cleaning technology solutions for oil wells at 10x the rate of existing industry leaders.
• Editor's Note: For more information regarding the event or program, or any other resources related to entrepreneurship in the RGV, contact Michelle Lopez at (956) 243-4084 or by email at mlopez@bcic.us.  

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