Texas State University announces it is launching BobCatalyst, a university-wide initiative designed to help faculty, staff, and students turn research and ideas into market-ready innovations by leveraging the university’s network of innovation, commercialization, and venture-support programs.
The university said BobCatalyst will be led by Matthew Sorenson, Ph.D., director of Venture Development in the Office of Innovation, Commercialization and Engagement, and will provide support from idea generation and validation through prototyping and launch. Participants can receive training and support for customer discovery and market validation, funding for prototyping and further development, and assistance in turning novel technologies or ideas into products and services.
Texas State said the initiative will also work with campus and community partners to provide mentoring, industry connections and grant-writing support for state and federal programs such as SBIR and STTR. The university said BobCatalyst will connect researchers to regional, state, and federal opportunities, including the National Science Foundation’s Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, as well as to investors, industry partners, and economic development entities, with the goal of accelerating technology development, startup formation, and commercialization.
Texas State said BobCatalyst is supported by the Materials Application Research Center and the Division of Research and is intended to strengthen the university’s contribution to the state’s innovation ecosystem.
KEY QUOTES
“BobCatalyst will empower Texas State innovators to navigate the path from campus breakthroughs to global impact. It will provide the resources, mentorship, and connections to turn bold ideas into real-world change. This initiative embodies our commitment to building a dynamic research enterprise that fuels economic growth and advances the public good.”
Shreek Mandayam, Ph.D., Vice President For Research, Texas State University
