Opportunities for North Texas Innovators
North Texas is a big place with plenty of opportunities. Here’s a curated roundup of contests and competitions; accelerator and recognition programs; and resource and grant opportunities for North Texas innovators.
Get the updated list on Friday: Sign up for our e-newsletter to stay in the loop. Information from the organizations is compiled by Dallas Innovates, and things can change: Confirm all deadlines and information with the organizations.
Know of a deadline coming up? Tell us about it here.
Startup Prize: Focus on Health
Startup Prize has a mission to activate, evolve, and transform startups by connecting entrepreneurs with mentors, resources, and investors. The focus is on learning and connecting with others while building resource networks. To participate, attend at least one qualifying event and submit an entrepreneurial canvas. Online qualifying event is May 10-11, and in-person event is June 21-22 in Shreveport, Louisiana. Application deadlines apply.
D CEO’s 2024 Nonprofit and Corporate Citizenship Awards
D CEO and Communities Foundation of Texas are honoring nonprofit professionals and organizations making a positive impact in the community, along with corporations supporting them. Awards will be given in various categories for nonprofits and corporate citizenship. Nominations are open, and the awards gala will take place in September.
Learn more and submit nominations here.
Meow Wolf Grapevine First Annual Trashion Show
Meow Wolf Grapevine is seeking designers for its first annual Trashion Show: Celebration 2024. Designers will be chosen based on their design concept and interpretation of the theme “Celebrate.” Selected designers will showcase their designs in a fashion show at Meow Wolf Grapevine on July 11, 2024. Application deadline is April 29.
Inc. 5000 List
The Inc. 5000 List highlights exceptional American growth stories and entrepreneurial success. Companies are ranked based on percentage growth of their annual revenue over a three-year period. Application fee applies. Deadline for the 2024 Inc. 5000 is approaching.
Ignite Golden Ticket Competition for Ignite Accelerator Program
Ignite is seeking women leading digital health and medical device startups for the Golden Ticket Competition. Winners will receive The Golden Ticket to enter this year’s cohort of entrepreneurs selected to participate in Ignite’s Accelerator Program. Application deadline applies.
New Texas Talent Visual Arts Exhibition
New Texas Talent is a statewide exhibition open to visual artists over 18 residing in Texas. Selected works will be displayed at the Craighead Green Gallery. Submission deadline and exhibition dates apply.
Techstars Accelerator Programs
Techstars offers two accelerator programs focusing on physical health and remote innovation. The programs provide funding, mentorship, workshops, and resources for startups in the health and technology sectors. Application deadlines apply.
Learn more about the Physical Health Fort Worth Accelerator here.
Learn more about the Anywhere Remote Accelerator here.
Moody Foundation’s Education M-Pact Fund Cycle 2
The Moody Foundation’s Education M-Pact Fund is an annual grantmaking process supporting education institutions and nonprofits in Texas. Grant priorities include Early Learning and Postsecondary Success. Eligibility criteria and informational webinar details apply.
Learn more about the grants here.
Tech Titans Awards Nominations
Tech Titans is seeking nominations for companies and individuals transforming the high-tech industry in North Texas. Award categories include Community Hero, Corporate Innovation, Emerging Company Innovation, and more. Nominations are open, and finalists will be required to attend the Awards Gala in September.
Lone Star Film Festival
The Lone Star Film Festival is seeking entries in various film categories. Submissions are encouraged in feature films, documentaries, and short films. Early bird, regular, and late submission deadlines apply.
Learn more and submit your film here.
Cancer Moonshot Expedited Examination Pilot Program
The USPTO is offering a new program to expedite technologies that prevent cancer and cancer mortality. Patent applications related to qualifying technologies will be advanced for early review. Program details and deadlines apply.
Learn more about the program here.
Dallas Residency Program with MassChallenge
Members of the MassChallenge community can apply for the Dallas Residency Program, offering office space in Pegasus Park. The program is open to current cohort members, alumni, experts, and startup founders. Application details and residency benefits apply.
Complete an interest form here.
Present Your Startup Story at 1 Million Cups
1 Million Cups offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to present their business ideas to the local community and receive feedback and support. The program provides access to training programs, networking opportunities, and a supportive community. Application details and presentation dates apply.
Apply to present your startup story here.
National Science Foundation’s America’s Seed Fund
The America’s Seed Fund program offers funding to small businesses and startups with innovative ideas. Applicants can submit project pitches at any time for a chance to receive up to $2 million in seed funding. Program details and application process apply.
Learn how to get started here.
City of Dallas Environmental Youth Advisory Council
The City of Dallas is seeking youth to join the Environmental Youth Advisory Council to address environmental sustainability issues. The program aims to empower and mobilize youth to take proactive steps towards sustainability. Application details and council responsibilities apply.
Apply to join the council here.
City of Fort Worth Boards and Commissions
The City of Fort Worth is seeking residents to serve on various boards and commissions. Vacancies are available in different areas, and applicants must reside in the district with the vacancy. Application details and eligibility criteria apply.
Learn more and apply for a board or commission position here.
The DEC Network’s Mentorship Program
The DEC Network offers a mentorship program for startup founders looking for guidance and support. Mentors provide advice, counsel, and experience to help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of building a business. Application details and mentorship options apply.
Learn more and apply for mentorship here.
Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Sprint and Registered Apprenticeships
The U.S. Department of Labor is encouraging companies to help meet the growing demand for workers in advanced manufacturing. The Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Sprint and Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Sprint aim to expand and diversify pathways into good jobs and careers in advanced manufacturing. Program details and application process apply.
Learn more about the program here.
IBM’s Call for Code Global Challenge
IBM’s Call for Code Global Challenge invites teams of developers and problem solvers to build tech solutions using AI to address global sustainability problems. The competition offers awards and prizes for innovative projects that can make a positive impact on the planet. Application details and challenge categories apply.
North Texas is a hub of innovation and opportunity, with a plethora of contests, competitions, accelerator programs, and funding opportunities available for innovators in the region. From startup prizes to nonprofit and corporate awards, there are numerous avenues for entrepreneurs and organizations to showcase their talents and make a difference in the community.
One such opportunity is the Startup Prize by Focus on Health, which aims to connect entrepreneurs with mentors, resources, and investors to help them succeed. The program emphasizes learning and networking over pitching, providing participants with valuable insights and connections to help them grow their businesses.
Another exciting opportunity is the D CEO’s 2024 Nonprofit and Corporate Citizenship Awards, which recognize organizations and individuals making a positive impact in the community. With categories ranging from leadership excellence to social enterprise, these awards celebrate the efforts of those working to improve the lives of others.
In addition, the Meow Wolf Grapevine Trashion Show offers designers a chance to showcase their creativity by repurposing garbage into innovative fashion designs. Selected designers will have the opportunity to present their creations at a fashion show in Grapevine, Texas.
These are just a few of the many opportunities available for innovators in North Texas. With a diverse range of programs and initiatives, there is no shortage of ways for entrepreneurs and organizations to make their mark in the region. Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities by signing up for the Dallas Innovates newsletter.
