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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#119 Chris Rawley: A Different Kind of Seed Investment
04/30/2024
#119 Chris Rawley: A Different Kind of Seed Investment
Chris Rawley is finding innovative ways to invest in local farmers. Through Harvest Returns, people can micro invest to support farmers buying new equipment or services to grow and scale their farms. With Rawley’s unique background in the military and witnessing how the agricultural industry can be improved, he is introducing new ways to invest in securing our food supplies and getting involved in their local agricultural communities. To learn more about Harvest Returns, visit: To learn more about HSC Next, visit:
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#118 Kelly Cloud: Convergence of Life Sciences Companies in DFW
04/16/2024
#118 Kelly Cloud: Convergence of Life Sciences Companies in DFW
When it comes to life science innovation in DFW, Kelly Cloud has a front row seat to it all. Kelly is the vice president of life sciences at the Dallas Regional Chamber, the organization that champions economic growth and development in the North Texas region. She shares the innovation happening with biotech companies, the future vision of the region’s economic growth, and what they are doing to foster and recruit companies in life sciences and biotechnology ecosystems. Please visit the Dallas Regional Chamber at Please visit the DFW Economic Development Guide at Please visit Innovate Fort Worth at
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#117 Mark Lambright: Flying Freight via Airships
04/02/2024
#117 Mark Lambright: Flying Freight via Airships
The future of transportation is taking to the skies. Meet Mark Lambright, the CEO of Trident Airships, the cargo transportation company that is innovating how we move products efficiently. Utilizing a hybrid lift system, Trident can enter remote locations using unseen maneuverability capabilities. Not only showcasing cutting-edge technology, Trident is reducing operating costs and carbon emissions in comparison to other cargo logistics options on the market. To learn more about Trident Airships, visit: To learn more about HSC Next, visit:
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#116 Maëlle Gavet: The Big Picture: The Global Investor
03/19/2024
#116 Maëlle Gavet: The Big Picture: The Global Investor
Maëlle Gavet, CEO of Techstars, shares insights into the world of entrepreneurship and startup investing. Techstars has invested in over 4,000 startups globally, making them the largest seed investor in the world for the second year in a row. She was recently named as one of the 100 Most Influential Women in US Finance in 2024 by Barron’s. Maëlle discusses the diverse industries ripe for disruption and Techstars' ethos of "give first." Reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey and the global economic landscape, she offers practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and highlights the role of startups in addressing healthcare challenges and shaping the future. Learn more about Techstars here: Learn more about the Techstars Physical Health Accelerator in Fort Worth here: Learn more about HSC Next here:
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#115 David Aspinall: Unlocking Opportunities for Autistic Professionals
03/05/2024
#115 David Aspinall: Unlocking Opportunities for Autistic Professionals
When it comes to diversity and inclusion in the workforce, auticon US is doing just that. David Aspinall, CEO of auticon US, shares how autistic individuals are thinking differently about solving their clients most challenging technological issues. By restructuring their hiring process, supportive job coaching and client management, autistic individuals are finding valuable careers in the workforce that fit their strengths. Learn more about auticon US here: Learn more about Innovate Fort Worth here:
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#114 Lisa Ferrand: Capping the Side Effects of Cancer
02/20/2024
#114 Lisa Ferrand: Capping the Side Effects of Cancer
For cancer patients going through chemotherapy, hair loss can be a heartbreaking reality. Lisa Ferrand, CEO of Warrior Caps, is preserving hair from chemotherapy hair loss through her cold cap technology. Her cold caps are sub-zero gel-lined “beanies” that freeze the hair follicle and increases retention of hair during chemotherapy. As a cancer survivor herself, she understands the delicate relationship that people have with their hair and how helping them preserve this sense of normalcy can help them navigate this difficult disease. Learn more about Warrior Caps here: Learn more about HSC Next here:
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#113 Brendan McGuire: Funding Tomorrow's Innovators
02/06/2024
#113 Brendan McGuire: Funding Tomorrow's Innovators
When it comes to local community impact, banks play a big role. Meet Brendan McGuire, Regional President of PNC Bank in North Texas. Brendan oversees PNC's lines of business, sponsorship, philanthropy, and branding efforts that are crucial to PNC's national main street banking model. With active roles in various local community organizations, McGuire is recognized as one of the most influential leaders in North Texas. He sheds light on PNC's national footprint, small town feel and its longstanding commitment to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship. McGuire shares insights on where he thinks the North Texas economy is headed, shares advice for entrepreneurs with crazy ideas, and provides valuable banking insights for startups. Learn more about PNC Bank at Learn more about HSC Next at
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#112 Jason Mastoris and Hardik Patel: Making Room for New Biotech Startups
01/23/2024
#112 Jason Mastoris and Hardik Patel: Making Room for New Biotech Startups
Panthera BioSolutions is a company that's reshaping the landscape of pharmaceutical and biotech innovation. Founded in 2021 by visionaries Hardik Patel and Jason Mastoris, Panthera stands at the forefront of addressing long-standing unmet needs in the industry. Their approach to include the introduction of first-to-market, ready-to-use, leasable cleanrooms in North Texas. Learn how these spaces empower local companies to seamlessly scale up to GMP standards, supporting clinical trial execution, and optimizing costs, as well as educating the future of biotech work force. Learn more about Panthera BioSolutions at Learn more about Innovate Fort Worth at Learn more about HSC Next at
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#111 The Big Picture: John Dearie: Washington D.C.'s Policy-preneur
01/09/2024
#111 The Big Picture: John Dearie: Washington D.C.'s Policy-preneur
Most entrepreneurs are too busy innovating and growing their companies to advocate for themselves in our nation’s capital. But our guest on this first edition of a new series called “The Big Picture” is working to bring the message that entrepreneurship is critical to the future of the American economy to our lawmakers and policymakers in Washington, DC. Meet John Dearie, the Founder and CEO of the Center for American Entrepreneurship, a non-profit research, policy and advocacy organization that works to achieve a policy environment that promotes new business formation, survival and growth. John shares his work at the national level with our audience and sheds light on some local issues that startups and innovators face around the country. To learn more about the Center for American Entrepreneurship, visit: To learn more about the Innovate Fort Worth podcast, visit: To learn more about HSC Next, visit:
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#110 Kendel Rogers and Rob Upchurch: Year in Review, 2023
12/12/2023
#110 Kendel Rogers and Rob Upchurch: Year in Review, 2023
The producers who work behind the scenes of the podcast join our host to look back on the year that was 2023. Kendel Rogers from HSC Next and Rob Upchurch of RobMakesPods Productions share their experiences of making Innovate Fort Worth and growing it to over 100 episodes. They also share stories of their favorite guests that stood out throughout the year. Kendel, Rob and Cameron discuss some trends in innovation that they saw this year and they reveal the top five episodes of all time. They also share a sneak peek of what is to come in 2024! To learn more about the Innovate Fort Worth podcast, visit: To learn more about HSC Next, visit: To learn more about RobMakesPods Productions, visit:
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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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