Schedule

Conference & Awards

April 22-23

Session & Speaker Guide

APRIL 22, 2026 — TEXAS INNOVATION AWARDS DINNER

Registration & Networking Reception | Main Program
5:00–6:30 PM | BLUU FOYER
Attendees arrive, check in, and connect with fellow innovators, researchers, industry leaders, and ecosystem partners from across Texas. This opening reception provides an opportunity to build relationships ahead of the evening program.

Welcome & Introduction | Main Program
6:30–6:35 PM | BLUU BALLROOM
Opening welcome to kick off the Awards Dinner, setting the tone for the evening and recognizing the significance of convening leaders from across the Texas innovation ecosystem.
SPEAKER
Newy Scruggs, Sports Director — NBC5 (KXAS-TV)

Mayor's Welcome | Main Program
6:35–6:50 PM | BLUU BALLROOM
Mayor Mattie Parker welcomes attendees to Fort Worth and highlights the city's role in supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth across Texas.
SPEAKER
Mayor Mattie Parker, Mayor — City of Fort Worth

Congressional Welcome (Video) | Main Program
6:50–6:55 PM | BLUU BALLROOM
A recorded message from Congressman Roger Williams recognizing the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship to Texas's continued economic leadership.
SPEAKER
Rep. Roger Williams, U.S. Representative — U.S. Congress (TX-25)

TCU Welcome & Panel Introduction | Main Program
7:05–7:15 PM | BLUU BALLROOM
Welcome from TCU and introduction to the keynote panel, framing the discussion around innovation journeys and the broader Texas ecosystem.
SPEAKER
Tom Wavering, Chief University Strategy & Innovation Officer — Texas Christian University

Keynote Panel: From Innovation to Impact | Main Program
7:15–8:15 PM | BLUU BALLROOM
This keynote panel brings together leaders from research, startup, and scaled technology organizations to share their journeys from innovation to impact. Panelists discuss the challenges, inflection points, and decisions that shaped their paths across different contexts — from lab-based research to high-growth startups to global companies.
SPEAKERS
Daniel Pullin, Chancellor — Texas Christian University
Stephen Gillett, Chairman & CEO — Verily Health (former Alphabet)
Shireen Abdullah, Founder & CEO — Yumlish
Dr. Gerard Coté, Regents Professor & Director, Center for Remote Health Technologies & Systems — Texas A&M University

Thank You & Preview | Main Program
8:15–8:30 PM | BLUU BALLROOM
Closing remarks to conclude the Awards Dinner, recognize participants, and preview the conference programming on April 23.
SPEAKERS
Newy Scruggs, Sports Director NBC5 (KXAS-TV)
Jacqueline Navarette, Director, Innovation Network — Texas Christian University

Dessert & Networking Reception | Main Program
8:30–9:30 PM | BLUU FOYER
Informal dessert reception providing additional time for attendees to connect, continue conversations, and build relationships across the Texas innovation ecosystem.

APRIL 23, 2026 — TEXAS INNOVATION CONFERENCE

Registration, Breakfast & Networking | Main Program
7:30–8:30 AM | BLUU BALLROOM
Attendees check in, enjoy breakfast, and connect with fellow innovators, researchers, founders, and industry leaders before the day's sessions begin.

Where the Opportunities Are: Navigating Federal, State, and Capital Pathways in Texas | Main Program
8:30–9:30 AM | BLUU BALLROOM
This opening session provides a practical view of how innovation is funded and supported across Texas — from federal programs to state initiatives and private capital. Panelists share how these pathways actually work, where opportunities exist, and how founders and researchers can position themselves to access funding and partnerships.
SPEAKERS
Greg Cox, Executive Director of Government Relations — Texas Christian University
Nathan Cook, Senior Director of Government Relations — Rice University
Andrea Coker, Chief Advocacy Officer — North Texas Commission

From Disclosure to Spinout: Building the Commercialization Pathway & Deal Structure That Works | Commercialization
9:35–10:20 AM | BLUU AUDITORIUM
An end-to-end roadmap for moving university innovation from early invention disclosure to a signed license or successful spinout. Speakers walk through commercial potential assessment, patent strategy, licensing versus new venture decisions, and the mechanics of spinout creation including equity models, governance, and founder roles.
SPEAKERS
Heidjer Staecker, Partner — TreMonti Consulting
Sundeep Mattamana, Executive Director for Technology Development and Transfer — UT Medical Branch (UTMB)
Dr. Ezekiel Fink, CEO — Asterion AI
David McClure, Managing Director, Licensing, Office of Research Commercialization — Texas Tech University System