UNT Health Fort Worth has renewed and expanded its long-standing partnership with TechFW to advance technology commercialization, support early-stage innovators and strengthen North Texas’ growing health innovation ecosystem.
Backed by funding from the Texas Legislature, the collaboration connects researchers, entrepreneurs and investors to accelerate the development of new technologies that can transition from the laboratory into real-world applications. TechFW, a nonprofit organization founded in 1998, has supported entrepreneurs and startups across North Texas for more than two decades. The original partnership agreement with UNT Health was first signed in 2006.
“At UNT Health, we are committed to improving lives through research, innovation and discovery. We are pleased to renew our collaboration with TechFW,” said Dimitrios Karamichos, vice president of research and graduate studies at the academic medical center, in a statement. “This partnership broadens opportunities for our faculty, students, and startup founders to advance discoveries that can drive meaningful progress in health.”
Under the renewed agreement, UNT Health and TechFW will jointly develop programs designed to strengthen innovation pathways, prepare researchers and founders for successful commercialization, and provide structured access to entrepreneurial training.
Over the years, the partnership has supported a range of successful ventures, including Ayuvis, Memsel, Cx Precision Medicine, ACDET, ZS Pharma and Resonant Sensors. These companies represent diverse forms of engagement, including faculty and student involvement, access to lab space, Small Business Innovation Research support and other collaborative efforts. A notable milestone came in 2015, when ZS Pharma was acquired for $2.6 billion.
“TechFW is excited to work alongside UNT Health to support the researchers and entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of health and technology in North Texas,” said TechFW Executive Director Caitlin McMinn. “Together, we’re growing an environment where innovators can thrive.”
The expanded partnership will include shared milestones and reporting to track progress and guide ongoing collaboration. Leaders from both organizations said the initiative will further elevate North Texas as an emerging hub for health innovation, translational research and high-impact startups.