News & Insights from TechFW

When Reannah Wyatt joined the Smart Start business launch program at TechFW last year, she was looking to add the finishing touches and begin to grow her early revenue residential real estate platform.  What she found was a launching pad and a support system like nothing else she had experienced. Her Real Time App simplifies real estate transactions for Realtors and their clients, allowing them to effortlessly manage documents, timelines, tasks, and vendors in one seamless p

As we close out 2025, we’re feeling one thing more than anything: proud. Proud of the founders who kept showing up. Proud of the partners who rolled up their sleeves. Proud of a Fort Worth innovation community that feels more connected and more ambitious by the month. At TechFW, our members are the lifeblood of this organization. And this year, they proved what happens when grit meets guidance.

UNT Health Fort Worth recently renewed and expanded its partnership with TechFW to advance technology commercialization, support early-stage innovators and strengthen the region’s growing health innovation ecosystem.

All TechFW members and graduates are eligible to apply to the Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP) for 40 hours of free technical assistance or entrance into the Texas A&M Capstone Design Program.

Caitlin McMinn was appointed executive director of TechFW in September. (Courtesy photo | TechFW) TechFW recently promoted Caitlin McMinn to executive director, overseeing the nonprofit that serves as an incubator and accelerator for tech-based startups across the city.  In early September, officials named McMinn to lead TechFW’s strategic initiatives and programming for the organization that provides support and resources to help local entrepreneurs scale up.  McMinn joined

Fort Worth, TX – [Friday, March 8, 2024] – TechFW, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering innovation and empowering technology entrepreneurs, has named Ryan Brown its first Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Founded in 1998, TechFW has been a dynamic force in the entrepreneurial community, empowering the growth of technology-based businesses in North Texas through its incubator and accelerator programs. After the organization celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, Br

Hayden Blackburn ' s journey at TechFW reflects not only a commitment to fostering innovation but also a keen understanding of the ever-changing landscape of technology and entrepreneurship. As the current Executive Director of TechFW, beginning in 2018 and into the future, his emphasis for the organization has been on collaboration, inclusivity, and adaptability. Founders have always remained at the forefront of his priorities by providing hands-on coaching from his unparall

Embark on a journey through the transformative years of TechFW as we sit down for an illuminating interview with Darlene Boudreaux , the seasoned Executive Director who steered the organization through remarkable milestones and accomplishments from 2006-2018. In this exclusive interview series with our leaders over the last 25 years, Bourdreaux shares insights into her tenure, the genesis of Cowtown Angels , notable exits, collaborative endeavors, and pearls of wisdom for as

Within the ever-evolving landscape of technology and business incubation, TechFW stands as a beacon of innovation and support for emerging ventures. At its helm during the formative years was Clyde Higgs , an individual whose vision and tenacity played a pivotal role in shaping the organization's trajectory. In this conversation, we get a picture of his tenure (2002-2006) as Executive Director at TechFW. From navigating uncertain beginnings to orchestrating strategic partners

We are celebrating the visionaries who helped guide TechFW through 25 years of innovation as Executive Director. The first leader of the organization after it was founded in 1998 was Warren Webb . With a wealth of experience spanning his career, Webb is renowned for his innovative solutions and adept leadership in sales and technology. His role extended beyond mere leadership; it was a commitment to locating and nurturing viable businesses with the potential to shape the futu

TechFW SmartStart member Galaxy Unmanned Systems  L.L.C. (GUS) knows how to win. Since 2020, it has earned four SBIR/STTR grants  totaling $2.4 million. GUS is a pioneer in unmanned airship flight operations that has worked its way up through the commercial side of the UAS industry and then the Department of Defense side. The co-founders are brothers Jason  and Tony White . Jason, the Managing Partner, explains the company's path to grant success: "My strategy for responding

Seven woman-owned, startup businesses have been selected and funded to participate in one of two TechFW programs, courtesy of the Texas Woman’s University - Center for Women Entrepreneurs  Education Awards .  The Center designated $1,000 and $2,000 awards for female entrepreneurs to participate in TechFW’s ThinkLab startup accelerator or SmartStart business incubator programs.    The winners were chosen based on the following criteria: 1) The founder is a female entrepreneu

In the early 1980s, during the beginning stages of production of Lockheed Martin's F-16  attack aircraft, some difficulties with the original engine were encountered. As a result, Dr. Robert Knezek  designed and pushed a new type of engine. Along with Air Force personnel, he convinced General Electric to co-develop the alternate engine that would cost millions of dollars. Dr. Knezek became project manager and together they would produce an innovative engine to fulfill the F-1

It’s not every day that you step onto a stage to share your idea. It’s also not every day to then be handed a check to help make your dream a reality. But last month, two TechFW members did just that at the Texas A&M New Ventures Competition in College Station and won big. Among the 20 companies competing, Tyler Sickels, founder of SolGro , was awarded $20,000 and Tre Welch, founder of Trémedics Medical Devices , was awarded $25,000. In addition, these founders   were the onl

TechFW is pleased to offer its heartiest congratulations to $25,000 winner Hashira Studios and five other top finishers who shared an additional $60,000 in The University of Texas at Arlington 2021 MavPitch Business Competition. Since 2018, more than $1 million has been awarded through the Maverick Entrepreneur Program and Award Fund. “It is an honor to partner with UTA and work with the students over the summer as they advance their startups,” said Hayden Blackburn, Executiv

This Spring was the first time we have ever run 2 ThinkLab ™  cohorts at once: one at TechFW and one at Pegasus Park. And we are pleased to announce that they were a success! We are beyond impressed by the individuals in our Spring ThinkLab ™ startup accelerator  cohorts. They did the hard work of challenging assumptions and diving into their business models. Meet the graduates of the Spring 2021 ThinkLab Startup Accelerator cohorts: Whitney Robinson Whitney Robinson is the c

We had the great pleasure of hosting Luke Hejl, Founder and CEO of TimelyMD at our January lunch for our client founders. It is a great opportunity for our clients to learn from entrepreneurs that are just a couple of steps ahead of them. We felt as if we were an insider when TimelyMD announced a huge capital raise of $60 million  in late January. TimelyMD started as a telemedicine company for university students who couldn’t get quick access to care. As the mental health cri

We are excited to officially announce Brandy O'Quinn as our new Assistant Director. An entrepreneur at heart, Brandy O’Quinn approaches every opportunity as an innovator, never afraid to look beyond the status quo  to find unique solutions. An accomplished public affairs professional, she is widely viewed as an authority on the myriad complex municipal networks within the North Texas region and has decades of experience successfully delivering results through effective engage

TCU and TechFW were chosen as partners and asked to nominate a speaker to represent the ‘Red River’ region (OK and TX) and Elyse Dickerson , CEO and Co-Founder of Eosera, was nominated and accepted the ask to speak. Pictured: Elyse Dickerson of Eosera being filmed for her upcoming talk at Red Bull Basement South Summit At Red Bull Basement South Summit, Elyse will share her incredible story of struggle and success. We are confident she will inspire students at this event. Eo

We couldn't do what we do at TechFW without the incredible individuals listed below. We are beyond grateful to have them as part of our network.   1. Lori Baldock   Fort Worth Market President Simmons Bank   Lori Baldock was promoted to Simmons’ Fort Worth market presidency in September 2019, from Midtown Banking Center president. She is past chair of Near Southside, Inc. and serves on its board; member of Women Steering Business in Fort Worth; and graduate of Stephen F. Aust