The program will award $200,000 to launch startups.
The Texas Tech University Innovation Hub at Research Park announced today (March 10) the top 12 startup finalists that will advance to compete April 1 for acceptance into the 2020 Texas Tech Accelerator program.
The Texas Tech Accelerator program is designed to help faculty, students and other entrepreneurs in the region launch startup companies or discover licensing opportunities based on inventions and university technology. Companies accepted will have access to funding support, $25,000 grants, co-working space and mentors during the yearlong process.
The 2020 Texas Tech Accelerator finalists are:
- Blossom Wear: A patented idea that addresses the needs of menstrual-leak protection and concealed methods for carrying feminine hygiene products. Team lead: Tena Gonzales, community member.
- Campus Live: A multi-platform collegiate media company with the goal of informing and engaging college fans of the exciting things happening at the schools they love. Team lead: Marcus Pauda, Texas Tech alumnus and community member.
- Captivist: An app providing customers detailed information and analysis of social and environmental impacts to make informed purchasing decisions pertaining to the quality, environmental and sociological health of a product. Team lead: Joyous Njoku, Texas Tech student.
- Confocal TechMed: A diagnostic software technology utilizing machine learning with novel criteria that reads and interprets imagery captured in real time by a confocal microscope of an in vivo lesson on the surface of the skin. Team lead: Jasmin Rahesh, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) student.
- CritiColl LLC: An app solution that provides a stress-saving platform for professors with tools to promote academic success for students. Team lead: Matheus Pagotti, Texas Tech student.
- PCOS Innovations LLC: A research proven-based app solution to help women diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) that provides a nutrition guide, grocery list, recipes, body mass index tracker, motivational videos and resources for support. Team lead: Jennifer Phy, TTUHSC faculty member.
- Valkon: A wearable device subscription business that rewards youth exercise with points that can be used for discounts at nationwide retail stores. Team lead: Lee Lisemby, community member.
- WindyWear: Fashionable, customizable, dress weights to help women and girls feel secure and stylish in their dress even when nature is unpredictable. Team lead: Timothy Spees, Texas Tech alumnus and staff member.
- Therapoints: Aiding in the cognition of fine motor control, this treatment method helps people with cognitive difficulties regain functional capacity in their fingers. Team lead: Sierra Singleton, Texas Tech alumna.
- Good Line Beer: A hybrid production brewery and taproom focusing on providing equally high-quality beers and taproom experience for the fine, thirsty folks in Lubbock. Team lead: Chris Troutman, community member.
- Blast: An event locator app that compiles all school events in a fun and engaging way for college students. Team lead: Daniel Park, Texas Tech student.
- Tranquility Tub: Allows users to get the most out of their bath by extracting, heating and redistributing water, effectively saving time, energy and bath time materials. Team lead: Garrett Emerson, Texas Tech student.
The finalists will participate in a pitch competition from 2:30-4:45 p.m. April 1 at the Innovation Hub, 3911 Fourth St. Audience members will choose the winner of the $1,000 People's Choice Award. It will be announced along with the 2020 Texas Tech Accelerator program cohort at a ceremony and reception from 5-6 p.m. at the Innovation Hub. The public and media are invited to attend these free events, which are part of Texas Tech's Discoveries to Impact Week.
