A process and result-driven approach to building startups and driving economic impact in the region.
2025 Application NOW OPEN
Deadline April 15, 2025
Aligned with STTE’s mission and in collaboration with community partners focused on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in El Paso, STTE will support 20 local startups over four years. The program is designed to assist emerging ventures through targeted training and support to transform ideas into viable, market-ready businesses. STTE’s approach is built around five foundational pillars: People, Place, Partners, Program, and Pitches.
By leveraging a proven model, the program aims to inspire entrepreneurs and connect them with investors, mentors, and strategic partners to accelerate their growth. Participants in the program will be positioned to attract investment, create new opportunities, and contribute to job creation across the region.
STTE is proud to partner with the City of El Paso Economic Development, Inicio Ventures, and other contributors to the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. Startups will gain access to subject matter experts, peer entrepreneurs, and industry professionals, enabling hands-on collaboration to strengthen El Paso’s business landscape and expand the region’s base of successful startups.
2024 Venture Program Participants
Aurum – Aurum specializes in converting organic waste into valuable biochar through pyrolysis. This process transforms materials like wastewater, wood, and agricultural byproducts into a versatile product that reduces waste and supports environmental restoration. Aurum’s biochar enriches soil, reduces water usage, improves crop yields, filters water, and aids in carbon sequestration. The company is also exploring biochar’s potential in construction, energy storage, and reducing livestock methane emissions.
www.aurumbiotechep.com
Chuco Relic LLC – Chuco Relic crafts unique consumer products inspired by cultural heritage and modern design. Their brand creates meaningful connections through storytelling and merchandise that resonates across communities.
www.chucorelic.com
Jale App – Jale is a bilingual employment app designed to improve job accessibility for hourly workers. The app offers a streamlined hiring experience through a user-friendly interface, AI-powered tools for job matching, and skill-building features. It provides workers with resources and knowledge for navigating the workforce through mobile-first technology.
www.work4workers.com
PCG Concrete – Innovating in construction, PCG Concrete leverages 3D printing to build structures using concrete. This method accelerates the building process and reduces waste, offering a more efficient and sustainable alternative to traditional construction practices.
TriSum Saunas, LLC – TriSum Saunas offers mobile and stationary saunas and ice baths designed for wellness and therapeutic use. Their customizable solutions cater to a growing market of individuals seeking health-focused, recovery-enhancing experiences.
www.trisumsaunas.com
Each of these ventures represents STTE’s and The City of El Paso Economic Development commitment to fostering innovation that meets the needs of today’s market while addressing industry challenges.
STTE Ventures will be a four-year program designed to assist startups through a structured three-phase journey, built around five foundational pillars: People, Place, Partners, Program, and Pitches. Throughout the program, startups will engage within a collaborative entrepreneurial environment that includes the use of the industry-leading business model canvas, a high-tech development sprint, and concludes with a pitch event focused on securing access to capital. Startup success will be evaluated based on their ability to identify new customer segments, increase user adoption, secure investment, grow revenue, and expand their teams.
- Access to pitch at Dia De Los Muertos
- Up to $5k in-house resources
- Sprint accelerator
- Community of other startups
- Identify new customer segments
- Increase users
- Increase revenue
- Gain access to capital opportunities
- Grow your team
These criteria are designed to ensure that startups entering the STTE Ventures program are well-positioned to take full advantage of the available resources and opportunities, and are aligned with our objective to support a thriving startup ecosystem in the El Paso region.
Incorporation: The startup must be a legally incorporated entity in the U.S., with appropriate documentation to verify its status.
Location: The startup must be based in the El Paso region, with the majority of the founding team residing locally. The program is focused on supporting regional entrepreneurial growth.
Stage of Development: The startup should be beyond the ideation phase, ideally with a minimum viable product (MVP) or prototype under development. This enables more effective support in growth and scaling efforts.
Industry: The startup can belong to any industry relevant to the Borderplex region but must incorporate a technology or innovation component within its business model, product, or service.
Commitment: The team must show a full-time commitment to the startup and participate actively in STTE Ventures programming. Engagement is essential to benefit from the mentorship, training, and networking offered.
Team: The startup should have at least one founder and demonstrate a plan to expand the founding team. Founding teams with multiple members tend to have greater capacity to scale and adapt.
Market Potential: The startup must target a viable and sizable market opportunity with strong growth potential.
Revenue Model: The startup should have a defined and realistic revenue model, demonstrating the potential for long-term business sustainability.
Legal Compliance: The startup must comply with all applicable laws and regulations and should not be involved in any active legal disputes.
Selection Process
The selection process for the STTE Ventures program is structured to identify the most promising startups with strong potential for national growth. Here’s how the process works:
Application Review: After the application deadline, our team compiles and evaluates all submissions. Key factors considered include growth potential, traction, team strength, and alignment with the program’s strategic goals.
Prioritization: Startups that demonstrate clear market traction and readiness to scale are prioritized. The goal is to identify ventures with a solid foundation and the capacity for accelerated growth.
Council Review: Prioritized applications are reviewed by our Startup Council, composed of experienced entrepreneurs and industry professionals. Their insights help provide a well-rounded and expert evaluation of each candidate.
Selection: Based on internal review and Council recommendations, the top five startups are selected each year to join the program. These selections reflect our belief in their potential to succeed and grow within their industries.
Our process is designed to be both thorough and supportive, ensuring selected startups are well-positioned to take full advantage of the program’s resources, mentorship, and growth opportunities.
STTE is a dynamic coworking space that brings together some of the most innovative and fast-growing startups in El Paso. As a leading hub for entrepreneurship, STTE features cutting-edge technology equipment and a modern interior design that fosters creativity and forward-thinking.
Currently, STTE is home to a highly motivated group of members working on innovative solutions across a range of industries. Notable members include Parabeac, InternBytes, Innovare, Squadpilot, Aizen, ThyroidHQ, Panoculum, and Acemate, among others.
Conveniently located across from the University of Texas at El Paso at 2601 N. Stanton St., Ste A, El Paso, TX 79902, STTE provides an ideal environment for working, collaborating, and building valuable connections to elevate your startup.