TechFW, a nonprofit startup incubator and accelerator, recently signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with the Fort Worth-Tarrant County Innovation Partnership. The partnership connects local businesses with Texas A&M research and services.
The collaboration includes $50,000 in support for TechFW's ThinkLab and SmartStart programs. The two groups plan to share a new 7,000-square-foot office at Water Gardens Place, in the Switchyard Innovation District next to the Texas A&M-Fort Worth campus. The office will include co-working spaces for entrepreneurs. The agreement also includes potential curriculum and mentoring support.
ThinkLab is an eight-week, cohort-based program that helps innovators develop ideas. SmartStart offers business services and coaching for companies ready to launch. Cameron Cushman, executive director of the Fort Worth-Tarrant County Innovation Partnership, called the deal "the very beginning" of a long relationship. Caitlin McMinn, executive director of TechFW, said the partnership deepens TechFW's ties with Texas A&M.