STEPHENVILLE, Texas — University and government officials, students, startup entrepreneurs, and other members of the North Central Texas innovation community gathered at Tarleton State University Tuesday for Innovation Day.
Attendees networked with fellow innovators, heard presentations and joined in discussions with area thought leaders.
The event was hosted by the Tarleton State Division of Research, Innovation and Economic Development, presented by Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas and powered by Plug and Play, a network connecting entrepreneurs, corporations and investors.
“The Division of Research was thrilled to host Tarleton State’s first Innovation Day,” said Dr. Rupa Iyer, Vice President for Research, Innovation and Economic Development and Professor of Biology. “Events such as these inculcate the spirit of discovery and entrepreneurship.”
Dr. Iyer discussed how the university contributes to innovation through research in its colleges, institutes and centers, as well as supporting student interns in startups.
“By bringing together faculty, students, entrepreneurs, business leaders and government, we are helping to address society’s most pressing challenges and drive the economy,” she said.
Other presenters included David Steele, director of Plug and Play Frisco, Phedra Redifer, executive director of Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas, and Alex Hemmerlein, ventures associate at Plug and Play Frisco.
Panelists included Tarleton Professor of Kinesiology Dr. Joe Priest and Management Instructor Bill Leaverton, as well as Steele and Redifer.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.