Innovate Fort Worth
Innovation is changing Fort Worth. Start-ups and a spirit of entrepreneurship are transforming the city known for Cowboys and Culture into a hub for innovative ideas and businesses. Innovate Fort Worth shares the stories of the city’s leading innovators, entrepreneurs and investors —and highlights the resources available to bring ideas to market. Powered by UNT Health Science Center.
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#109 Anette Landeros: Hecho en Fort Worth
11/16/2023
#109 Anette Landeros: Hecho en Fort Worth
One of the most impactful business organizations in Fort Worth in the past 50 years is the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FWHCC). And the president who is leading that charge through innovation and intentional community programs is Anette Landeros. The FWHCC has developed new programs to better serve their membership and the Historic Northside with revitalization and activation planning. With the announcement of the Main Street America pilot program, accessible pitch competitions, Lanzar Fort Worth featuring the Kauffman Foundation’s Fast Trac program, the Hecho en Fort Worth initiative, and much more, Anette is rapidly improving Hispanic business community in Fort Worth. To learn more about the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, visit them at To learn more about Innovate Fort Worth, visit
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#108 Victoria Wise: Made Worthy Media in Fort Worth
11/15/2023
#108 Victoria Wise: Made Worthy Media in Fort Worth
What started as a digital community space for women in her community, Victoria Wise realized she was on to something that could have much bigger impact. Tanglewood Moms was the platform that helped launch the media publication Madeworthy that shares original content for family audiences in Fort Worth. Her publications have created a new source for local information that are contributing to the growing culture of Fort Worth. To learn more about Made Worthy and Tangelwood Moms, visit them at To learn more about Innovate Fort Worth, visit
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#107 Micah Stateson: One Man's Waste Removal
11/14/2023
#107 Micah Stateson: One Man's Waste Removal
When it comes to trash collection, Micah Stateson wouldn’t say it is his dream job. But owning his own business was. While working at a local defense contractor he dreamed of the day he could be his own boss. When he dove into research around multi-family trash collection, he saw an opportunity and decided to change how it was done. Through intentionality and quality service, Micah started Optimized Waste Removal and brought back the business operations and services that are lost in today’s world. He shares how he eventually took the plunge into entrepreneurship, the lessons he has learned he hard way, and how future entrepreneurs can follow in his footsteps. To learn more about Optimized Waste Removal, visit them at To learn more about Innovate Fort Worth, visit
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#106 James Simpkins, PhD: Delivering Genes to the Brain
11/13/2023
#106 James Simpkins, PhD: Delivering Genes to the Brain
Healthcare is changing every day, and AmritaGen is pioneering the discovery of a new gene therapy for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. James Simpkins is the CEO of AmritaGen, a company seeking to rebuild brain circuits and stimulate neurological activity in people with mild cognitive impairment. This therapy method can be utilized for delivering drug treatments for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), sporadic AD (sAD), Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and Traumatic Brain Injury. To learn more about AmritaGen, vist them at To learn more about Innovate Fort Worth, visit
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#105 Techstars 2023, Part 5: Pulse Charter Connect and Maya AI
10/31/2023
#105 Techstars 2023, Part 5: Pulse Charter Connect and Maya AI
The newest cohort of the Techstars physical health accelerator has arrived in Fort Worth. Meet two of the companies that are improving the physical, mental and whole health of patients through their innovative startup companies. This episode features Laura Epstein from Pulse Charter Connect and Shivam Ramphal from Maya AI. To learn more about Pulse Charter Connect, visit To learn more about Maya AI, visit To learn more about the Techstars physical health accelerator in Fort Worth, visit To learn more about HSC Next, visit
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#104 Techstars 2023, Part 4: Somos and Xplosion
10/24/2023
#104 Techstars 2023, Part 4: Somos and Xplosion
The newest cohort of the Techstars physical health accelerator has arrived in Fort Worth. Meet two of the companies that are improving the physical, mental and whole health of patients through their innovative startup companies. This episode features Federico Casas from Somos and Isis Ashford-Swain from Xplosion. To learn more about Somos, visit To learn more about Xplosion, visit To learn more about the Techstars physical health accelerator in Fort Worth, visit To learn more about HSC Next, visit https://www.hscnext.com/en/
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#103 Techstars 2023, Part 3: Hera Fertility and LUBU
10/17/2023
#103 Techstars 2023, Part 3: Hera Fertility and LUBU
The newest cohort of the Techstars physical health accelerator has arrived in Fort Worth. Meet two of the companies that are improving the physical, mental and whole health of patients through their innovative startup companies. This episode features Thiv Paramsothy from Hera Fertility and Luca Buratto from LUBU. To learn more about Hera Fertility, visit To learn more about lubu, visit To learn more about the Techstars physical health accelerator in Fort Worth, visit To learn more about HSC Next, visit https://www.hscnext.com/en/
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#102 Techstars 2023, Part 2: Brilliantly and Comma
10/10/2023
#102 Techstars 2023, Part 2: Brilliantly and Comma
The newest cohort of the Techstars physical health accelerator has arrived in Fort Worth. Meet two of the companies that are improving the physical, mental and whole health of patients through their innovative startup companies. This episode features Kristen Carbone from Brilliantly and Miller Morris from Comma. To learn more about Brilliantly, visit To learn more about Comma, visit To learn more about the Techstars physical health accelerator in Fort Worth, visit To learn more about HSC Next, visit https://www.hscnext.com/en/
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#101 Techstars 2023, Part 1: Sydney Robinson & Lisa Voronkova
10/03/2023
#101 Techstars 2023, Part 1: Sydney Robinson & Lisa Voronkova
The newest cohort of the Techstars physical health accelerator has arrived in Fort Worth. Meet two of the companies that are improving the physical, mental and whole health of patients through their innovative startup companies. This episode features Sydney Robinson from Vessl Prosthetics and Lisa Voronkova from ComeBack Mobility. To learn more about Vessl Prosthetics, visit To learn more about ComeBack Mobility, visit To learn more about the Techstars physical health accelerator in Fort Worth, visit To learn more about HSC Next, visit https://www.hscnext.com/en/
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#100 John Goff: Fort Worth's Bright Future
09/26/2023
#100 John Goff: Fort Worth's Bright Future
No one has done more to drive innovation in Fort Worth than the guest featured on our 100th episode... Meet John Goff, the real estate tycoon of Fort Worth. As a true visionary in Fort Worth, he's been a driving force for innovation in the city, and on this episode, we dive deep into his incredible journey. John's role to increase innovation started with the Fort Worth Now initiative, initiated by former Mayor Betsy Price in spring 2021. He delves into the charge from Mayor Price and the strategies he employed to make Fort Worth economically stronger in the wake in the COVID-19 pandemic. He shares about the Aggieland North project and the vision behind it, shedding light on its significance for Fort Worth. He also shares about his exciting commercial development project in the cultural district, The Crescent, which is scheduled to open in the fall of 2023. John shares his aspirations for Fort Worth and what he sees as the Fort Worth of the future. To learn more about John Goff, visit them at To learn more about Innovate Fort Worth, visit
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#99 Joe Skraba & Oriana Hawkins, Ph. D: Creating a Diagnostic Advantage
09/05/2023
#99 Joe Skraba & Oriana Hawkins, Ph. D: Creating a Diagnostic Advantage
Everyone has had the common cold. Often, the cause of the cold is a viral infection, but antibiotics only work on bacterial infections. But people are prescribed antibiotics for their viral infections 80% of the time. ENTVantage is working to change that. By creating a device that can diagnose if cold symptoms are bacterial or a viral, doctors are now able to prescribe the right medicine to their patients. Dr. Oriana Hawkins and Joe Skraba share how they aim to reduce the abuse of antibiotics and provide doctors the tools necessary to diagnose their patients in the clinics. To learn more about ENTVantage, visit them at To learn more about Innovate Fort Worth, visit .
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#98 Meilin Howard, D.D.S.: Reflecting on Innovations in Dentistry
08/22/2023
#98 Meilin Howard, D.D.S.: Reflecting on Innovations in Dentistry
Local dentist, Meilin Howard, was experiencing a problem. When it came to her dental mirror, it was hard for her to keep it clean during dentist appointments. She decided to solve her own problem and began looking into innovating her traditional dental tools. What she discovered was a larger problem than she suspected. Now she is looking for ways to fix the problems she and many other dentists face in the dental industry. Listen to how she is maximizing local resources to support her innovations in dentistry, how she identifies problems worth innovating, and how Fort Worth became her home.
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#97 DJ Perera: Teaching Innovation in the Arts
08/08/2023
#97 DJ Perera: Teaching Innovation in the Arts
Innovation and art share something in common: creativity. That is why DJ Perera is teaching students the value of utilizing innovation not just in the classroom, but for their future. As an immigrant and art student at Texas Christian University, Perera’s world widened from the opportunity education provided him. But he also learned the necessity of using creativity to be innovative in art, but also in life. Now, after recieiving many awards and honors, he is teaching his students about using technology in art, innovating the artistic space, and how creativity and innovation build off each other. To learn more about DJ Perera, visit To learn more about Innovate Fort Worth, visit
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#96 Allison Silveus: Converging AI & HR
07/25/2023
#96 Allison Silveus: Converging AI & HR
Hiring the right person for the right job can be difficult. And sometimes, our unconscious biases can unknowingly keep us from hiring the right candidate. Dr. Allison Silveus is leveling the playing field by using technology to make better hiring decisions, without human interference. Her startup, Unbent, is focusing on improving the hiring process through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to remove unconscious bias and improve hiring outcomes. Allison also shares how anybody can be an innovator by solving everyday problems and she shares her tips and tricks when pitching in pitch competitions. To learn more about Unbent, visit To learn more about Innovate Fort Worth, visit
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#95 Jessica Essl: Reimagining Old Spaces for New Businesses
07/11/2023
#95 Jessica Essl: Reimagining Old Spaces for New Businesses
When it comes to reinventing old spaces in Fort Worth, look no further than the twins who are revitalizing Fort Worth through real estate. Jessica Miller Essl is co-president of M2G Ventures with her sister, Susan Miller Gruppi, and they are creating innovative spaces through human-centric design. They focus on commercial real estate, but also foster investment opportunities to bring in cool businesses that represent Fort Worth’s funky flair. Spaces like The Foundry District, Mule Alley in the Stockyards, and the innovations happening in the O.B. Macaroni building are embracing the history of the area while infusing a vision of the future. She discusses their approach to cultivating Fort Worth’s culture in their projects, what it’s like to work with family, and where they see the future of real estate in Fort Worth heading. To learn more about M2GVentures, visit To learn more about Innovate Fort Worth, visit
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Check out our new website!
07/04/2023
Check out our new website!
Innovate Fort Worth is proud to announce their new website, . Check out our current featured innovator, as well as all past podcast guests. While you’re there, fill out our podcast listener survey. Be the first 50 survey participants to win an exclusive Innovate Fort Worth Stanley travel tumbler.
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#94 Tre Welch: A Big Heart for Tiny Patients
06/20/2023
#94 Tre Welch: A Big Heart for Tiny Patients
When Dr. Tre Welch watched a traditional heart stent placed in a child with congenital heart disease, he knew there had to be a better way. He invented a bioresorbable heart stent made with materials that flex and grow with children, which results in fewer heart surgeries over time. Welch shares his experience pitching his idea and how he used Fort Worth’s biotech resources to support his startup, like the HSC Next SBIR Phase 0 program, Tech Fort Worth, and DesignPlex Biomedical. To learn more about Tremedics, visit their website at To learn more about Innovate Fort Worth, visit To learn more about HSC Next,
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#93 Spencer Traver: The Future of Digital Advertising
06/06/2023
#93 Spencer Traver: The Future of Digital Advertising
In the heart of Fort Worth’s historic Stockyards is a fast-growing, homegrown media tech company that is changing the digital advertising industry. Simpli.fi is disrupting traditional media buying by utilizing AI automation, machine learning, and integrated software to serve their clients. By providing cutting edge technology like mobile ad geofencing, strategic localized ad buying campaigns, and a platform to connect business owners and advertisers, Simpli.fi has made reaching customers easier than ever before. Spencer Traver, vice president of marketing at Simpli.fi, shares insights on how their software solutions automate workflow for businesses, what he thinks the future of adtech looks like, and the latest rebranding efforts of the company. To learn more about Simpli.fi, visit their website at To learn more about Innovate Fort Worth, visit To learn more about HSC Next,
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#92 Charlie Lass: The Humble Entrepreneur
05/23/2023
#92 Charlie Lass: The Humble Entrepreneur
When it comes to testing an idea and taking it to market in 30 days, Charlie Lass is the entrepreneur leading the charge. He is the CEO of Dallas.Inc and Fort Worth.Inc, companies that guide entrepreneurs finding product-market fit. Recently he launched Humble.Inc, a platform designed to support the mental health of entrepreneurs by creating a space of transparency and community. Hear how he uses his past entrepreneurial experience to make change, why Fort Worth is primed for disruption, and how he was once nominated for a BAFTA. To learn more about Dallas.Inc, visit their website at To learn more about Humble.Inc, visit their website at To learn more about HSC Next, visit
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#91 Danguole Altman: Changing Expectations for People with Dementia, Part 2
05/09/2023
#91 Danguole Altman: Changing Expectations for People with Dementia, Part 2
Listen to our continued conversation with Danguole Altman, CEO of Cx Precision Medicine and be sure to check out part one in episode 90. More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s Disease, and even more with Dementia and Parkinson’s. Cx Precision Medicine’s CEO, Danguole Altman, is focused on tackling this big problem for an aging population. Based on Dr. Sid O’Bryant’s revolutionary research at HSC, Cx Precision Medicine is bringing this important diagnostic technology to help people all over the world. Through a clinical diagnostic, Cx Precision Medicine is conducting screening tests to detect Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases based on blood biomarkers, AI and machine learning. Cx aims to “Change eXpectations” around how doctors diagnose Alzheimer’s and dementia. Want to learn more? Listen to episodes 20 and 21 with Dr. Sid O’Bryant to learn more about his research. To learn more about Cx Precision Medicine, visit their website at To learn more about HSC Next, visit
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#90 Danguole Altman: Changing Expectations for People with Dementia, Part 1
04/25/2023
#90 Danguole Altman: Changing Expectations for People with Dementia, Part 1
More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s Disease, and even more with Dementia and Parkinson’s. Cx Precision Medicine’s CEO, Danguole Altman, is focused on tackling this big problem for an aging population. Based on Dr. Sid O’Bryant’s revolutionary research at HSC, Cx Precision Medicine is bringing this important diagnostic technology to help people all over the world. Through a clinical diagnostic, Cx Precision Medicine is conducting screening tests to detect Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases based on blood biomarkers, AI and machine learning. Cx aims to “Change eXpectations” around how doctors diagnose Alzheimer’s and dementia. Want to learn more? Listen to episodes 20 and 21 with Dr. Sid O’Bryant to learn more about his research. To learn more about Cx Precision Medicine, visit their website at To learn more about HSC Next, visit
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#89 Nick Goggans: Drilling for Data
04/11/2023
#89 Nick Goggans: Drilling for Data
Data is the new oil, and people are more invested in their data than ever before. Nick Goggans is the entrepreneur making sense of it all. Nick is the CEO of Pumpjack Dataworks, and he is guiding the sports and entertainment industry to better understand their audience. He supports sports teams on how to ethically organize and understand their audiences to better serve their fans. The DFW metroplex is home to over 20 professional sports teams, and is quickly becoming the sports center of the world. This foundation is propelling Pumpjack Dataworks into work on a global scale. Learn more about Pumpjack Dataworks here: Learn more about HSC Next here: Innovate Fort Worth is powered by PNC Bank.
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#88 Bob Benkowski: The Professional Prototypist
03/28/2023
#88 Bob Benkowski: The Professional Prototypist
From a back-of-the-napkin idea to a functioning prototype, DesignPlex Bio is the full-service development company helping entrepreneurs take their idea to the next step. Robert Benkowski is the CEO of DesignPlex, and he is just as innovative as the innovators he serves. Building medical devices and prototyping is essential for healthcare innovators who have to meet strict requirements from regulators. His team supports researchers and entrepreneurs by guiding them through the regulatory process to take their ideas from the napkin to the patient. Learn more about DesignPlex at Learn more about HSC Next at
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#87 Meelis Anton: Designing for Driverless Delivery
03/14/2023
#87 Meelis Anton: Designing for Driverless Delivery
The future of electric, self-driving delivery vehicles has arrived. Meet Meelis Anton, the COO of Clevon. Clevon is the Estonian company bringing autonomous delivery vehicles to Fort Worth from their US headquarters at Alliance Texas. They aim to meet the delivery driver labor shortage by operating self-driving cars to deliver groceries and food in local neighborhoods, even in bad weather. The vehicles are fully electric, and while driverless, they can also be driven through teleoperation. This means a driver, located at the headquarters can see through cameras and control the vehicle using a remote steering wheel. Currently, they are focusing on the logistic and warehouse industries, but see applications in other areas. To learn more about Clevon, visit: To learn more about Innovate Fort Worth, visit:
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#86 Scotty Scott: The Fort Worth Foodie
02/28/2023
#86 Scotty Scott: The Fort Worth Foodie
Scotty Scott has a story that many entrepreneurs share. He started with aspirations in politics, though his passion was in his hobbies like hosting dinner parties and telling stories. CookDrankEat is Scotty’s food journey from a hobbyist to an influencer, author, and entrepreneur. He shares how influencers are innovating, his inspiration for writing his cookbook “Fix Me A Plate”, and how Fort Worth supported Scotty Scott and other creatives entrepreneurs become successful. Follow Scotty Scott at @ CookDrankEat Follow Innovate Fort Worth at @ InnovateFortWorth
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#85 Patrick Coddou: Exit Interview — Supply Razor
02/14/2023
#85 Patrick Coddou: Exit Interview — Supply Razor
From Shark Tank to successful exit, hear the story of how Supply sold from the cofounder himself, Patrick Coddou. We brought back our guest from to share what happened since he was on the show and how and why he decided to sell the company. Founded in 2015, Coddou shares stories of the highs and lows of building the ecommerce company throughout the years. He explains why it’s his employees that make the company great, what to expect when a company is getting acquired, and some lessons learned as an entrepreneur building the company.
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#84 Karen Meadows: Simulated Patients, Real Experience
01/31/2023
#84 Karen Meadows: Simulated Patients, Real Experience
HSC is harnessing the power of simulation to teach medicine in a different way. Karen Meadows is the director of HSC’s Simulation Center an interactive, immersive space that offers virtual reality, augmented reality, robotic mannequins, hololens, and 3D simulated experiences. Students use this space of the future to confidently train for different healthcare situations in a safe atmosphere. The Sim Center also focuses on supporting public health by offering additional trainings around emergencies, natural disasters and new technologies to existing healthcare providers.
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#83 Jose Alfaro: Creating Opportunities for Creatives
01/17/2023
#83 Jose Alfaro: Creating Opportunities for Creatives
Where community development meets economic development, you will find Co.Starters. Jose Alfaro, CEO of Co.Starters, has a passion for artists, creative entrepreneurs, and small business owners. He says that entrepreneurs who are a part of a supportive community have a higher success rate, and through Co.Starters, a 90% success rate. Co.Starters aims to supply the education, resources, tools, but especially a community, to the entrepreneurs and business owners that are the bedrock of unique and vibrant communities in various cities.
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#82 Rob McClain, PhD: Free Money for Small Businesses
01/03/2023
#82 Rob McClain, PhD: Free Money for Small Businesses
Every entrepreneur knows that finding funding is difficult. And sometimes, investors want you to give away tons of equity in exchange for their capital. That’s where “America’s Seed Fund” or SBIR grants, come in! In this episode, Dr. Robert McClain, Assistant Vice President of Research and Innovation at HSC, explains his findings around the lack of SBIR grants awarded in Tarrant County. He dives into the details around why Tarrant County is not winning more of these awards, and what can be done to change this. He believes that assisting entrepreneurs to tap into these grant awards will catalyze innovation in Fort Worth.
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#81 Kendel Rogers and Rob Upchurch: Year in Review, 2022
12/20/2022
#81 Kendel Rogers and Rob Upchurch: Year in Review, 2022
The producers who work behind the scenes of the podcast join our host to look back on 2022. Kendel Rogers from HSC Next and Rob Upchurch of RobMakesPods share their experiences of making Innovate Fort Worth and growing it to 80+ episodes. They also share stories of their favorite guests that stood out throughout the year. Cameron, Kendel, and Rob discuss what Innovate Fort Worth has grown into and what it means for the community. They will also share a sneak peek of what is to come in 2023!
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