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“The collaborative model on which INCUBATE Galveston is founded and developed is a powerful approach to accelerating economic opportunities for entrepreneurs and growing businesses. At the core, the initiative is focused on building and enhancing relationships across multiple actors and sector focused on innovation as a tool for prosperity creation on the island. Events such as their first hackathon, strengthens Galveston’s economic resiliency and competitiveness, and shines a light on the island—helping us attract and retain innovative talent and companies.”
-Patrick Louchouarn, Ph.D., Interim Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs and Interdisciplinary Initiatives, and Regents Professor, Texas A&M University
The INCUBATE Galveston model is community-based and organically and energetically driven to engage and meet the needs of the Galveston entrepreneurial and innovation community. The initiative intends to sustainably promote diversity, equity, inclusion, respect, and collaboration to power the project. In addition, INCUBATE Galveston sources and showcases Galveston's talent in ways that generate a sense of pride in the island's entrepreneurial ecosystem, talent pipeline, resources, and community.
2021 Highlights and Milestones
In January 2021, INCUBATE Galveston established a collaborative partnership with the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Texas A&M University at Galveston, the City of Galveston, Galveston Economic Development Partnership, and the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce. The group visited The Ion and The Cannon in Houston to review incubators in action. They also began planning inaugural programs, including the ABCs of Entrepreneurship and the first Incubate Galveston Hackathon.
Galveston ISD, the Ion, and The Cannon became collaborative partners in 2021.
On September 7, October 5, and October 12, respectively, the ION and INCUBATE Galveston presented a three-part online series focused on entrepreneurship. The first panel discussion featured entrepreneurs showcasing stakeholders and their role as connectors and regional support systems. The second panel discussion featured entrepreneurs sharing their stories and how to create awareness in the community for INCUBATE Galveston and its stakeholders. The final discussion featured experts addressing what entrepreneurship and innovation mean to the Galveston-Houston region.
From October 15-17, The ION and INCUBATE Galveston presented Vision Galveston’s first hackathon—encouraging and exploring innovation and entrepreneurship among businesses and students. Four teams had 72 hours to develop a business plan—addressing problems including Galveston’s population increase in diabetes, food insecurity, homelessness, and healthcare delivery.
The main objective was to influence area startup companies to create a robust ecosystem of entrepreneurs, mentors, and academic partners. In addition, the teams competed for a share of $7,500 in prize money during the event held at The Cannon @ The MarMo coworking space in downtown Galveston.