ETX Launchpad

Entrepreneurial Action Starts Here

The hub of innovation and entrepreneurship at The University of Texas at Tyler.

At the ETX Laucnhpad we foster creativity and innovation by providing all UT Tyler students resources to test ideas, build real things, and learn entrepreneurship by doing it. Our goal is to nurture an entrepreneurial mindset and culture that engages students, faculty, staff, and the wider community.

All our students from across the university are encouraged to participate in our programs; pitch competitions, workshops, speaker series, networking sessions, student organization, experiential learning courses, our UT Tyler-branded student marketplace, and other events that connect them with the world of entrepreneurship.

Our mission is to empower students to transform their ideas into thriving ventures, significantly contributing to the growth and prosperity of East Texas. Join us in creating a vibrant ecosystem where creativity meets opportunity, and every vision has the potential to become a reality.

Have an idea? Share your idea with the ETX Launchpad for feedback and guidance! Get constructive feedback to help shape and strengthen your idea. No pressure, just growth. We are a conflict-free space for students to share their ideas.

Submit your idea today!

Competitions

Our competitions provide a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs, creative thinkers, and problem-solvers to showcase their ideas, develop their skills, and make impactful connections. We foster an environment where students are not only learners but also creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs.

Big Idea Pitch

Open to ALL Students! The Big Idea Pitch is an easy, early stage business idea pitch competition designed to identify a pain in the marketplace. You do not need to be a business student; follow a simple format and present your idea!

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New Venture Pitch

The New Venture Pitch is designed to test and validate your big idea, make changes (iterations or pivots) based on evidence found and insights gained, and repeat this process until the crucial aspects of your business are fully validated.

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ETX High School Idea Challenge

The ETX High School Idea Challenge, the region's largest innovation competition for high school students, aims to encourage, support, and inspire the next generation of inventors, innovators, and entrepreneurs.

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Events

March 4, 2026

2026 ETX High School Idea Challenge

East Texas high school students: bring your boldest ideas to life! Compete in this fast-paced innovation showdown where teams pitch real-world solutions to business leaders, entrepreneurs, and judges for scholarships, and bragging rights.

March 25, 2026 | 3 PM to 5 PM | COB 180

2026 New Venture Pitch

UT Tyler students: pitch your startup or business idea to a panel of investors and entrepreneurs for cash prizes, incubation support, and a shot at seed funding!

Everyone is welcome to come and show support to our student innovators!

March 25, 2026 | 5 PM to 8 PM | COB Lobby

Mixer Networking at Soules College of Business

Join us for a networking mixer bringing together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community friends. Come celebrate Homecoming while building new connections across the UT Tyler community.
We are hosting the Tyler Young Professionals Network.
Beverages, finger foods, and appetizers served by the Potpourri House.

News

Read more stories

At the heart of entrepreneurship at The University of Texas at Tyler is the ETX LaunchPad, a hub where ideas take shape and opportunities grow.

ETX LaunchPad Keeps Students at Forefront

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The University of Texas at Tyler is a top 50 finalist of the 2026 Baylor New Venture Competition March 27 – 28 in Waco. This business plan and elevator pitch competition showcases collegiate student created, managed and led ventures from across the globe.

UT Tyler Named Top 50 Finalist at State Innovation Competition

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The staff are knowledgeable, personable, accessible, and want us to understand and synthesize the material being taught to succeed. This may be an online program, but I feel more in touch with my professors than I ever did in a face-to-face program.

Elanie Ironsmith

The LaunchPad has helped me in my career by giving me a platform to explore a path outside my engineering field. The venture I proposed, DeeDee, is in my opinion a billion-dollar idea. Once it reaches its full potential, LaunchPad and UT will have played an integral role in its launch. I appreciate the opportunity to participate in this program; it challenged my extracurricular skills, pushed me out of my comfort zone, and additionally helped give my profile a new dimension.

Rand Khalid

I am so grateful for what The LaunchPad has given me. It gave me an amazing opportunity to present my business idea and practice my public speaking skills. I really felt like I was able to hone in on my pitch, explain the concept clearly and get the recognition I deserved from the audience. The LaunchPad is a great platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to explore their ideas and get feedback from industry professionals.

Sergio Garrido

Unleash the Innovators of Tomorrow

Are you passionate about innovation? Fuel the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs with your investment in the ETX Launchpad Innovation Fund. We empower students by removing barriers and providing the resources they need to turn their ideas into reality.

Your contribution is more than just money. It's an investment in a brighter future for East Texas and beyond. Join us in building a thriving ecosystem of innovation!

Support the Innovation Fund