Texas A&M University System Innovators to Be Honored at Inaugural Texas Innovation Conference & Awards
By: Crystal Carter, Ed.D.
Several innovators from The Texas A&M University System will be recognized with the University Innovator Award at the inaugural Texas Innovation Conference & Awards, taking place April 22–23, 2026, on the campus of Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas.
This statewide event will convene a select group of high-impact innovators—including startups, academic researchers, investors, corporate innovation leaders, and ecosystem partners, with a shared goal of strengthening collaboration and accelerating the commercialization of research across Texas.
Advancing Innovation Across Texas
The Texas Innovation Conference & Awards is designed to spotlight individuals and organizations that are successfully translating research into real-world solutions. A centerpiece of the event, the Texas Innovation Awards recognizes both emerging companies—such as SBIR/STTR Phase II award winners—and academic innovators who are driving measurable impact through commercialization, startup formation, and industry partnerships.
Among these honorees are University Innovator Award recipients nominated by their respective institutions’ research leadership. Representing the A&M System, this year’s awardees exemplify excellence in innovation and translational research.
The Texas A&M University System University Innovator Award Recipients
Prairie View A&M University
- Magesh Rajan, Ph.D., P.E., Vice President of Research & Innovation and Professor of Electrical Engineering
Tarleton State University
- Rajani Srinivasan, Ph.D., Professor and Burnaby Munson Research Professor of Chemistry
- Bryant Wyatt, Ph.D., Professor of Mathematics and Founder/Director of the High Performance Computing (HPC) Lab
- Abolghassem Zabihollah, Ph.D., P.E., Professor of Mechanical Engineering and licensed Professional Engineer in Texas
Texas A&M University
- Scott V. Dindot, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
- Mark E. Benden, Ph.D., C.P.E., Professor and Director, Center for Worker Health, Environmental & Occupational Health, School of Public Health
- Gerard L. Coté, Ph.D., Texas A&M Regents Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Director of the Center for Remote Health Technologies & Systems
These innovators have demonstrated leadership and measurable progress in translating research into real-world impact—advancing commercialization pathways, launching startups, and building meaningful collaborations with industry.
Strengthening the Statewide Innovation Ecosystem
The Texas Innovation Conference & Awards highlights a shared mission across institutions: to showcase groundbreaking research, elevate emerging startups, and strengthen Texas’ expanding innovation ecosystem. By bringing together representatives from R1 and R2 universities in Texas alongside industry and investment leaders, the event creates new opportunities for collaboration and economic growth.
Recognition of these A&M System innovators reflects the System’s ongoing commitment to supporting inventors and translating discoveries into solutions that benefit society.
For more information about the award recipients and the conference, visit:
https://www.tcu.edu/innovation/network/texas-innovation-conference-awards/awards.php
