Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
A hub of resources and opportunities for today’s and tomorrow’s entrepreneurs. Test ideas in competitions, launch ventures, connect with investors and gain hands-on experience through programs that span the TCU campus and beyond.
About the Institute
The Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation empowers students, entrepreneurs and the broader community through applied learning, research and strategic partnerships. Across programs, participants gain the tools, experience and networks needed to explore, build and grow new ventures.
Experiential Programs
Work directly with startups and businesses to solve real challenges, apply entrepreneurial thinking and gain hands-on experience that bridges classroom learning with real-world impact.
Venture Development
Turn ideas into ventures through structured programs that provide mentorship, funding opportunities and experiential learning designed to help you launch and grow.
Investment & Venture Platforms
Engage in real-world venture ecosystems by connecting with investors, entrepreneurs and industry leaders through programs that support funding, venture growth and strategic decision-making.
Events & Industry Engagement
Connect with founders, investors and industry professionals through high-impact events, competitions and networking opportunities hosted by the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. These experiences strengthen connections, spark ideas and support the entrepreneurial community.
Faculty & Teaching Innovation
Support innovation in the classroom through programs that help educators integrate entrepreneurial thinking and experiential learning across disciplines.
Entrepreneurship Certificate
Develop entrepreneurial thinking and practical business skills through a certificate program designed for students across disciplines.
Leadership & Advisory
Explore the people who drive our work and impact.
The institute’s advisory board includes entrepreneurs, executives and faculty who provide industry insight, mentorship and strategic guidance to support program development and student engagement.
- Lisa Barrentine
CEO
First Preston - Debbie Cooley
President
M-Pak - Barry Davis
Executive Chairman
EnLink Midstream - Mark Friday
Managing Director
Cathexis - Grecia Garza
Realtor
Roger Healy and Associates - Katlyn Grasso
Founder
GenHERation - Jennifer James
Chief Diversity Officer
StrategyHous - Sol Kanthack
President
Left Dial - Les Kreis
Principal
Steelhead Capital Management - Helena Krusec
Senior Corporate Venture Associate
Capital Factory - Jessica Miller
Co-President
M2G Ventures - David Minor
President
Minor and Associates - George Popstefanov
CEO/Founder
PMG Advertising Agency - Doug Renfro
President
Renfro Foods, Inc. - Bill Shaddock
Owner
Shaddock Development Company - Jared Shope
President
CD Ski & Sports - Greg Thomas
President
Delta Oil and Gas - Jacobe Watson
Executive Director
Beckway Group - Dr. Ray Smilor
Emeritus Professor
Texas Christian University - Rodney D'Souza
Managing Director
Texas Christian University
The institute collaborates with organizations across campus and across the nation to support entrepreneurship through programming, research and community engagement.
- Entrepreneurs Organization (EO)
- Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers (GCEC)
- Global Entrepreneurship Week Fort Worth
- National Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO)
- Sparkyard (Fort Worth entrepreneurial resource platform)
- TECH Fort Worth
- Texas University Network of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (TUNIE)
- U.S. Association of Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE)