A Catalyst for Texas Innovation: Recap of the 12th Annual TNVC
By: Kimora Butler
The 12th annual Texas New Ventures Competition (TNVC) brought together 19 start ups from across Texas, each competing for a share of the $1.1 million prize pool. Over two days, founders delivered rigorous presentations to a diverse panel of investors and expert judges. Ultimately, Gale, a Lantana based company, was awarded first prize.
The competition’s structure allowed start-ups to showcase their technologies, connect with potential investors, and refine their business strategies. Six finalists advanced to the final round, and formal presentations. Gale, led by CEO and founder Tom Griffiths, earned first place following the competitive evaluation process with over 125 Texas-based companies before competing in two rounds of highly selective in person presentations. Gale is an HSA/FSA payment platform that has helped retailers increase sales by up to 10%. Reflecting on the experience, Griffiths emphasized the power of community and connection, noting, “You are often one person away from a connection that can help you — or that you can help.” He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to “just get started and make progress every day,” crediting TNVC for offering perspective through the journeys, challenges, and successes of fellow founders.
Among the $1.1 million awarded, Octane was awarded second place and secured several special prizes. Based in Houston, Octane is building one of the first Agentic AI store operator software platforms designed to eliminate repetitive busywork for retailers. Co founders Enrique Losoya and Narendra Vishnumolakala, both Texas A&M former students, have been deeply engaged in the university’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Having launched their venture just four months ago, they highlighted the value of constructive critique, sharing, “We got to learn and pressure test our business plan and received extremely good feedback.” Vishnumolakala added, “TNVC helps grow start ups from early stage to exit, so we plan to stay connected with TNVC to scale our business.”
Beyond the monetary awards, TNVC provides founders with invaluable experiences, technical and business feedback, and access to networks that can accelerate long term growth. The four month vetting, coaching, and evaluation process ensures that every applicant, not just finalists, receives meaningful guidance on strengthening their venture.
TNVC’s Lasting Impact
Over the past 12 years, TNVC has awarded over $6 million in prize funding, shaping the trajectory of numerous Texas start ups. Blake Teipel, former TNVC winner as Essentium and now co-founder of Abode Labs, returned this year as a panelist and judge. He reflected on the significance of revisiting Aggieland, where he and his team launched two companies as graduate students a decade ago. “Participating in TNVC provided not only the pre seed capital but also confidence, experience, and early supporters who believed in our vision.”
Teipel emphasized the value of TNVC’s open format structure, which allows teams to pitch alongside top tier ecosystem competitors, preparing them to compete nationally. He also underscored the strength of the Aggie Network, sharing, “Aggies are going to be in your corner … we have each other’s backs.”
TNVC’s transformative model also includes special prizes awarded directly by sponsoring organizations. These tailored matches ensure that each recipient receives support aligned with their strategic needs. This year, more than 15 companies received special awards.
Day one of the event featured speed networking and an entrepreneurial panel with past winners, and a networking reception co-hosted by the Greater Brazos Partnership. Day two included three rounds of semi final presentations, elevator pitches, and the awards ceremony. By the end of the two day event, 37 awards and prizes had been distributed — further solidifying TNVC and Texas A&M Innovation’s role as a catalyst for innovation across Texas.
About Texas A&M New Ventures Competition
The Texas A&M New Ventures Competition fuels new venture growth by providing funding, mentorship, and a supportive entrepreneurial community. Since its launch in 2015, over $ 6million of prizes have been awarded. The 2026 competition drew an audience of over 200), including venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, ecosystem leaders and angel investors committed to identifying the next generation of Texas based innovators. Previous TNVC winners have collectively secured over $1.47 billion in investments, emphasizing TNVC’s role in elevating Texas start ups to national prominence under the guidance of Texas A&M Innovation.
About Texas A&M Innovation
Texas A&M Innovation partners with entrepreneurs, investors, incubators, and industry leaders to commercialize technologies developed within The Texas A&M University System. The A&M System statewide network includes 12 universities, a comprehensive health science center, eight state agencies, Texas A&M–Fort Worth and the Texas A&M–RELLIS. With nearly $1.6 billion in annual research expenditures and new technologies generated each year the A&M System fuels, the organization offers abundant opportunities for collaboration and real world impact. Learn more about the Texas A&M Innovation technology portfolio
