TXST brings partners together for next phase of innovation and commercialization

An invention may begin with one person, but its potential is enhanced through a network. Texas State University activated that network on Sept. 16, launching a chapter of the National Academy of Inventors before hosting the Texas Powered Innovation fireside chat. The day marked TXST’s next phase, forging stronger ties with innovators, industry, government leaders, and communities across Texas.

The event featured Sethuraman “Panch” Panchanathan, Ph.D., former director of the U.S. National Science Foundation. Currently, he is the university professor of technology and innovation and foundation chair in computing and augmented intelligence at Arizona State University.

Edwin Piner, Ph.D., chair and professor in the Department of Physics and director of the CREST Center for Ultrawide Bandgap Semiconductor Device Materials at TXST, joined Panchanathan on stage. Susan Davenport, president and CEO of Opportunity Austin, moderated, and Stephen Davis, Ph.D., of the Texas CHIPS Office connected Texas’ semiconductor priorities into the conversation. 

“Our job is to connect discovery with the people and partners who can put it to work,” said Shreek Mandayam, Ph.D., vice president for research at TXST. “Great ideas need strong networks to become real-world solutions.”

Panchanathan’s message was clear: No university can build an innovation economy alone. Ideas gain power when universities, industry, government, and communities share responsibility for putting them to work.

He urged students to foster an entrepreneurial mindset grounded in curiosity, problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking. Starting a business is one outcome, but not the only measure of success.

Since 2011, TXST has built an innovation and commercialization pipeline for people at every career stage. Undergraduates, seasoned researchers, and entrepreneurs have multiple entry points into the process.

The ecosystem includes BobCatalyst; the National Academy of Inventors chapter; the Office of Innovation, Commercialization and Engagement; and the Science, Technology, and Advanced Research (STAR) Park. Through these programs and resources, innovators can test ideas, learn from peers, protect intellectual property, license technologies, and launch and grow companies.

The stage is set, and the ideas are flowing. Now, TXST and its partners will turn momentum into action with the investment, teamwork, and determination needed to solve problems, strengthen industry, and serve Texas.