Trans-Pecos/El Paso RCIC

The TPEP RCIC was founded in 2005 by UTEP and later developed by the Paso del Norte Group in response to the State’s request to have a regional entity capable of identifying and preparing applicants to the ETF. Later, the RCIC became an independent 501(c)3 known as Innovate El Paso.

Today, The RCIC is housed within the Texas Tech University System (TTUS) Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC), enabling it to leverage its presence across West Texas, commercialize university intellectual property, and partner with high-profile institutions in the region.  Our staff is committed to identifying quality clients for ETF investment, as well as providing resources to our funded clients.

In 2005, the Texas legislature passed the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (ETF) under HB 1765, establishing an investment fund for technology-based start-up ventures.  The objectives of the legislation were to foster research initiatives among the State’s institutions of higher learning and encourage the development of “next generation” innovative, competitive technology companies in the State of Texas.  The ETF has been renewed three times; most recently with approximately $90 million for the next 15 months, through August 2015, to continue the commitment to advance Texas as an entrepreneurial state through investment in commercialization ventures and applied research.

The goals of the ETF are to:

- Expedite innovation and commercialization of research

- Attract and create high quality jobs in Texas

- Increase higher education applied research capabilities that will make Texas competitive

For more information, visit the ETF website.

The ETF is intended to support Texas-based companies that will commercialize a breakthrough technology.  Seven Regional Centers for Innovation and Commercialization (RCICs), were established in 2005 to identify, vet and coach ETF applicants.  The Trans-Pecos/El Paso Regional Center for Innovation & Commercialization (TPEP RCIC) is the regional agent for the West Texas area, covering 9 counties.

Companies, universities, and other organizations in the El Paso region are encouraged to apply for ETF funding.  For more information, please see the resources below:

• Startup companies taking ideas from concept to marketplace: “D” application. Visa/Mastercard Credit Card Authorization Forms
• Public-private partnerships which leverage the unique strengths of universities, federal government grant programs, and industry: “E” application.
• Texas higher education institutions seeking to recruit the best research talent in the world: Link to “F” application.

If you are interested in submitting an application for ETF funding through the TPEP RCIC, please see the materials above, then contact Chris Kohlbrenner.

If you have contacted the TPEP RCIC regarding an ETF application, please see the resources below:

• Gust – online clearinghouse portal for application documents.
• Link to templates, other resources

• Conflict of Interest Resolution Policy