LEDA and the Texas Tech University Innovation Hub at Research Park

The Texas Tech University Innovation Hub at Research Park is a major resource for aspiring entrepreneurs in West Texas. With the partnership from public and private entities, The Hub is able to have a lasting impact on not only local and regional economic growth, but also those in the community who are launching businesses. The Lubbock Economic Development Alliance is proud to partner with The Hub in support of local start-up companies. 

Since opening in 2015, The Hub has supported 35,087 students, faculty and members of the community in their endeavors. Thanks to the 20 organizations who are partnering, including LEDA, 103 local start-ups have been created in the past four years. We at LEDA are excited to be continuous partners with The Hub. 

One week out of the year is dedicated to research, innovation and engagement in order to plan for Lubbock moguls to showcase great ideas, workforce development and West Texas as a thriving location for business. In 2019, Texas Tech University was able to present 375 research presentations and award over $20,000 in start-up funding from various sponsors. If you are interested in the 2020 research week, it is scheduled March 30 – April 3.

As proud sponsors, LEDA is pleased with the growth and development this program brings our community. The LEDA team has been able to financially support this program in a number of areas, including: 

Prototype Fund
Accelerates the development of a prototype for technology start-ups, assists TTU faculty, community and students in furthering IP development, and bridges the validation of technology in SBIR/STTR currently-funded projects or new proposals. 

Red Raider Idea Competition
Entrepreneurs create 60-second videos to showcase their ideas that solve problems.

Red Raider Start-Up
Three-day intensive workshops with the purpose of teaching students and community members how to start a business. 

Hub Camp
Programming taught by TTU faculty and provides the guidance needed to create a fundable business plan. 

iLaunch Competition
As part of the Spark Conference, the iLaunch competition is a student-led pitch competition.

Spark Conference
A two-day event showcasing the TTU and Lubbock entrepreneurial community. 

Faculty C-Startup
Grants to support TTU faculty interested in creating a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. 

Commercialization
During research week, the commercialization sponsorship assists a start-up company in prototype development. 

Acceleration
A program designed to assist faculty, students and entrepreneurs with seed grants to launch start-up companies or discover licensing opportunities. 

MIT VMS/iTTU Mentor Program
MIT VMS/iTTU Mentor Program trains future mentors. 

President’s Innovation Awards
These awards provide grants to support start-ups with equipment and rent. 

As research advances at Texas Tech University, the Innovation Hub and Research Park will continue to train the up-and-coming innovators and entrepreneurs to make positive impacts on the community. As a result of every new business created in the “Hub City,” more jobs are also created, boosting our economic impact. Investing in creators, catalysts, entrepreneurs and leaders benefits Lubbock in more ways than one. 

If you would like to learn more about the Innovation Hub at Research Park, visit depts.ttu.edu/research/research-park. 

“We are stronger together.”

Dan Pope
Former Mayor of Lubbock