| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 68.36 |
| Liaison | Marianella Franklin |
| Submission Date | Jan. 10, 2023 |
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
IN-50: Innovation D
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.50 / 0.50 |
Sylvia
Robles Asst. Prof. of Practice International Business and Entrepreneurship |
Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome that outlines how credit criteria are met and any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation:
Inaugurated in 2018, the UTRGV Center for Innovation and Commercialization was created to promote economic growth in a region that has been historically underdeveloped.
As part of their innovative programs, the CIC regularly holds a Big Idea Competition, a shark tank-like event . This competition selects applicants and provides them with a mentor who will assist them in refining their business proposals and presentations. The finalists are awarded cash prizes as a way to support their entrepreneurial ventures. There are also other categories awarded, including social entrepreneurship and green innovation that recognize sustainability aspects of business ideas.
As well, the CIC has partnered with Adopt A StartUp to offer its program–which connects students with local entrepreneurs to offer both parties invaluable resources and experiences–to its clients and incubator members. As students assist entrepreneurs through their business model creation process with marketplace information and reports, entrepreneurs are better equipped to set up successful ventures and students gain insight into the economic reality of the region. With a significant low fee, through this program UTRGV supports economic justice.
Furthermore, during the pandemic, the CIC understood its role in supporting the local economy by providing a Marketing and Social Media Program to businesses in need of transitioning online. Also, it opened its space to 20 businesses that may have lost its office space due to the global health crisis. Both these practices and the very establishment of the Center for Innovation and Commercialization underscore the institution´s commitment to supporting and transforming the region.
A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise or a press release or publication featuring the innovation :
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.