Joint effort focuses on accelerating commercialization, supporting early-stage innovation in North Texas
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.
Backed by funding from the Texas Legislature, the collaboration will connect researchers, entrepreneurs and investors to accelerate the development of new technologies that can transition from the lab into real world applications. TechFW is a nonprofit organization that has supported entrepreneurs and startups across North Texas since 1998. A partnership agreement with UNT Health was first signed in 2006.
“At UNT Health, we are committed to improving lives through research, innovation and discovery. We are pleased to renew our collaboration with TechFW,” said Dimitrios Karamichos, Ph.D., vice president of research and graduate studies at the academic medical center. “This partnership broadens opportunities for our faculty, students and startup founders to advance discoveries that can drive meaningful progress in health.”
Through this agreement, UNT Health and TechFW will develop programs that strengthen innovation pathways, prepare researchers and founders for successful commercialization, and provide structured access to entrepreneurial training.
The partnership has supported a range of successful ventures, including Ayuvis, Memsel, Cx Precision Medicine, ACDET, ZS Pharma and Resonant Sensors. These companies reflect diverse forms of engagement, including faculty and student involvement, lab space, Small Business Innovation Research support and other collaborative efforts. In 2015, ZS Pharma represented a notable success for the partnership, culminating in a $2.6 billion acquisition.
“TechFW is excited to work alongside UNT Health to support the researchers and entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of health and technology in North Texas,” TechFW Executive Director Caitlin McMinn said. “Together, we’re growing an environment where innovators can thrive.”
The partnership will include shared milestones and reporting to track progress and guide ongoing collaboration. Leaders from both organizations note that the initiative will further elevate North Texas as an emerging hub for health innovation, translational research and high-impact startups.
