2025 TXST SXSW Lab: The Bobcat Den
The TXST SXSW Lab: The Bobcat Den is a dynamic, all-day event that showcases Texas State University’s cutting-edge research, industry collaborations, and student innovation. Four curated sessions, each featuring faculty-industry panels and live student/faculty demonstrations, provide an interactive platform to explore key themes shaping the future across multiple sectors.
Attendees will experience an immersive lineup of discussions and exhibits covering critical topics such as AI, Federal and Defense, Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Space, Sustainability, and more. The event is designed as a come-and-go experience, offering networking opportunities with TXST leadership, faculty, innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors in a vibrant and engaging venue.
General Admission (Free) – Enjoy complimentary entry to the event! Space is limited, and once we reach capacity, entry will be on a one-in, one-out basis. Arrive early to maximize your chances of getting in!
VIP Admission (Guaranteed Entry) – Secure your spot with a VIP ticket! VIP guests are guaranteed entry at any time during the event, ensuring you won’t miss out due to capacity limits.
DOORS OPEN 1:30 PM
Networking and Refreshments
SESSION ONE 2:00 PM
AI Blessing and Curses - Presented by HPE / Soluna
AI Infrastructure Panel (30 min)
- Mario Facusse, CEO MEF Solutions
- Shree Moorthy, President of Solve4M
- Apan Qasem, TXST Associate Chair Computer Science
- Dipul Patel, CTO of Soluna
AI Applications Panel (30 min)
- Dipul Patel, CTO of Soluna
- Oji Udezue, CPO for Calendly, Twitter, and Typeform
- Tahir Ekin, Director TXST Center for Analytics and Data Science
- Zen Van Loan, AI and Data Analytics at Texas Workforce Commission
Faculty Student Demos / Networking (30 min)
SESSION TWO 3:30 PM
Launch and Grow - Presented by Michael Best
Space Panel (30 min)
- George P. Bush, Former Land Commissioner, Managing Partner Michael Best
- Jennifer Speed, TXST AVP for Research Development
- Matt Domo, Founding Team of AWS, Advisors to US Space Force Association
- Brad Morrison, Board of Directors Texas Space Commission
Successful Commercialization Foundations Panel (30 min)
- Aaron Barker, Partner and Head of Venture Best, Michael Best
- Jamie Strachan, CEO of Nabaco, Inc.
- Isaac Chapa, Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer Simpl HealthCare
- John Menchaca, Partner, Michael Best
Faculty Student Demos / Networking (30 min)
SESSION THREE 5:00 PM
Talking Semiconductors - Presented by Keysight
Ultrawide Panel (30 min)
- Christian, Keysight Partner Account Manager
- Jesus Jimenez, TXST Director Ingram School of Engineering
- Krisztian Bakos, Starlink @ SpaceX Senior Engineer
- Marcus Gavin, Generac Directors of Engineering
Foxhunt Gamification (30 min)
Faculty Student Demos / Networking (30 min)
SESSION FOUR 6:30PM
Community Matters
Sustainability Panel (30 min)
- Harold Strong, TXST Director of Star Park
- Craig Lawrence, Partner and Co-Founder Energy Transition Ventures
- Tony Taylor, Director Texas Solar
- Sujata Mandal, TXST Assistant Professor, Ingram School of Engineering
Transportation Panel (30 min)
- Howard Freidman, Managing Director Bluechip Jets
- Subasish Das, TXST Assistant Professor Transportation Studies
- Bryce Bencivengo, Community Affairs at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
- Jim Wimberly, President, Texas Aviation Partners, San Marcos Regional Airport
Faculty Student Demos / Networking (30 min)
CASH BAR AVAILABLE ALL DAY