“This new partnership with the Nucleate Activator program highlights Texas State’s drive to turn lab discoveries into real‑world solutions that improve lives,” said Shreek Mandayam, Ph.D., vice president for Research at TXST. “As first‑time participants, we’re excited to give our researchers a chance to explore new ideas, build meaningful connections, and translate their work beyond the lab, while supporting our mission to turn discoveries into solutions that benefit communities across Texas and beyond.”
Carolyn T. Chang, Ph.D., director of the Bioscience Education and Training Research (BETR) Programs at TXST’s Translational Health Research Center (THRC), played a key role in bringing the Nucleate accelerator to the university. Serving as the primary anchor and recruiter for the initiative, Chang leads programs that align curriculum innovation, experiential learning, and professional development with emerging talent and labor market needs across Texas.
As part of this effort, TXST organized a “Bobcat Bus” to transport students to the final event, giving many their first opportunity to experience one of Texas’ premier biotech gatherings. There, students connected directly with investors, scientists, and founders, gaining firsthand insight into the life sciences industry while building valuable relationships and exploring future career pathways.
Crucial to executing this vision on campus and preparing TXST’s innovators was the parallel launch of the BobCatalyst, led by Matt Sorenson, Ph.D., director of venture development with the Office of Innovation, Commercialization & Engagement. The new university-wide initiative provided essential infrastructure and “pre-flight” training that prepared TXST contestants for the rigorous Nucleate curriculum. By focusing on customer discovery and market validation, the BobCatalyst Innovation Accelerator Program helps researchers refine their value propositions and bridge the gap between campus breakthroughs and global health impact.
Visit the Translational Health Research Center website for details on the BETR Programs, or explore the BobCatalyst website for more information on TXST’s broader innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
To learn more about TXST’s growing research ecosystem, watch the Nucleate partnership video.