El Paso, TX — November 8, 2024 – The Success Through Technology Education (STTE) Foundation is proud to announce the Southwest Startup Showdown, an inspiring pitch competition that will bring together the most innovative startups from El Paso and the Southwest region. Set to take place at the Starlight Event Center (6650 Continental Dr, El Paso, TX 79925), this highly anticipated event will feature over 20 forward-thinking startups across multiple industries, from high school student entrepreneurs to collegiate teams and early-stage ventures. The Showdown offers founders the opportunity to pitch their visionary ideas to investors, venture capitalists, and community leaders, addressing the critical need to support local startups and combat the region’s Startup Drought.

As El Paso’s premiere startup community leader, STTE Foundation has led the charge in building a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem since 2018. “Events like the Southwest Startup Showdown are essential to amplifying awareness and support for startups and tech innovations that will grow El Paso’s economy,” said Joseph Sapien, CEO of the STTE Foundation. “By creating a platform that connects founders with the capital, mentorship, and resources they need, we are directly addressing the region’s Startup Drought and ensuring that the Borderplex becomes a vibrant hub for high-growth startups.”

Agenda Highlights

The Southwest Startup Showdown will kick off with a series of exciting pitch competitions and activities designed to engage participants and spectators alike. The day begins at 9:00 AM with High School Pitches, where young entrepreneurs will showcase their creative solutions developed using STTE’s innovative Unicorn Academy and Startosphere™, AI tools. Sponsored by the Trellis Foundation, this segment empowers students to dive into the world of entrepreneurship, gaining real-world experience and confidence.

Following the high school pitches is the 2nd Annual Microsoft Southwest Collegiate Cup at 9:45 AM, featuring fierce competition among top universities like Colorado State, NMSU, and UTEP. Collegiate innovators will bring bold solutions such as Cleen (a consumer safety app), Cracked Gaming (a gaming platform offering cash rewards), and Space-CRYO (pioneering space-based metal freezing). These students are at the forefront of groundbreaking ideas, representing the future of industries ranging from consumer safety to space manufacturing.

At 11:00 AM, the Open AI Hackathon and Venture Pitches will showcase industry-driven solutions from STTE’s Open AI Hackathons, AI Accelerator, and Ventures Program. With support from the City of El Paso Economic Development, Microsoft, and El Paso Electric Foundation, startups like BorderFlow (optimizing cross-border logistics) and Charge Assist (building EV infrastructure) will demonstrate how they are addressing real-world challenges. This session is a testament to STTE’s dedication to nurturing early-stage innovation and advancing startups with high-growth potential.

During the Would You Rather Lunch at 12:00 PM, sponsored by El Paso Labs, participants will enjoy a unique opportunity to connect with venture capitalists through an interactive game. Founders can ask bold questions and gain valuable insights into what investors prioritize when evaluating potential deals, making this a must-attend session for anyone looking to understand the investor mindset.

At 1:20 PM, the Early Stage Startup Pitches will take center stage, showcasing a lineup of transformative startups across sustainability, healthcare, and consumer services. Highlights include Aurum, which transforms waste into valuable resources like biochar, promoting environmental sustainability; Biomedical Music Solutions (BMS), which combines music with physical therapy to enhance rehabilitation outcomes; and HamperApp, a modern on-demand platform that simplifies laundry and dry cleaning with seamless scheduling and tracking for residential, commercial, and government clients. These startups exemplify the breadth and impact of innovation emerging from the Southwest, highlighting the region’s potential to drive meaningful economic growth.

The day will conclude with an exciting Awards & Mixer from 3:00 – 5:00 PM, where founders, funders, and community members will come together to celebrate, connect, and inspire. In recognition of the incredible talent and vision presented, STTE will award $35,000 in cash prizes to standout startups, providing crucial support as they continue their entrepreneurial journey. This wrap-up offers the perfect opportunity for networking, exchanging ideas, and building relationships.

Raising Awareness and Combatting the Startup Drought

The Southwest Startup Showdown directly tackles the region’s Startup Drought by shining a spotlight on local innovation and fostering connections that provide critical access to capital. By bringing together top-tier investment firms such as Level Up Ventures, Inicio Ventures, Audaz Capital, No Border Ventures, New Mexico Angels, Sun Cruces Angels, CRE, and El Paso Labs/PIF, STTE is ensuring that local startups have the resources they need to stay and thrive in the Borderplex.

Join Us!

The Southwest Startup Showdown is more than just a pitch event; it is a transformative platform designed to empower local entrepreneurs and drive economic growth. We invite the media to attend and experience firsthand how STTE is leading the way in building a sustainable startup ecosystem in El Paso. This is an opportunity to witness the future of innovation in the Southwest and to support our region’s brightest talents as they pave the way for a thriving entrepreneurial community.

For more details on the agenda or to RSVP, visit STTEFoundation.org. Join us on November 8 to be part of a movement that is not only reversing the Startup Drought but also transforming El Paso into a powerful center for economic opportunity and technological advancement.

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