About Us

MISSION

To encourage and support collaboration, networking and promotional activities of Texas colleges and universities involved in entrepreneurship.

PURPOSE

To encourage, promote and enhance the contributions of Texas college and university entrepreneurship programs to innovation, entrepreneurship and new venture creation in Texas by, among other means;

Supporting the technology commercialization programs and initiatives carried on by members of TUNIE;

Promoting collaboration among Texas entrepreneurship programs, including in particular among members of TUNIE, by sharing information, resources, programs and best practices; and

Increasing public, academic institution and government awareness of the scope of university-supported innovation, entrepreneurial activity and contributions to economic development.

HISTORY

On May 22-23, 2008 a meeting was held at the University of Texas at Dallas to discuss the formation of a Texas association of entrepreneurship centers, institutes and programs. The meeting was organized and co-sponsored by The Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at UT Dallas and the Rice Alliance. Representatives of 28 institutions of higher education were invited to attend the 1-1/2 day conference, in addition to representatives of the Office of the Governor, the UT System, and the North Texas RCIC.

Mark Ellison of the Office of the Governor and head of the Texas Emerging Technology Fund spoke following a reception and dinner. He commended the group for its initiative and encouraged the formation of the proposed organization. Friday morning was devoted to presentations by participants about their individual programs and activities.

On Friday afternoon, an organizational meeting was held which determined that it was appropriate to form such an association and to define the goals and objectives, structure, governance, and proposed activities.