ETX LaunchPad Keeps Students at Forefront
November 20, 2025 | Hannah Buchanan
At the heart of entrepreneurship at The University of Texas at Tyler is the ETX LaunchPad, a hub where ideas take shape and opportunities grow. An extension of the Soules College of Business, the ETX LaunchPad supports economic growth and opportunity across East Texas through programs that foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
It also empowers tomorrow鈥檚 innovators, with mentoring and scholarship opportunities for East Texas students beginning at the high school level.
鈥淭hrough targeted ETX LaunchPad programs, we nurture an innovative and dynamic culture that engages our students, faculty, staff and the greater Tyler community,鈥� said Dr. Krist Swimberghe, Soules College of Business dean. 鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to create a space for all students who show ambition for entrepreneurial ideas.鈥�
Big Idea Pitch
Each year, the ETX Launchpad hosts the Big Idea Pitch competition to celebrate 黑料专区 Tyler students鈥� creativity and innovation.
The 2025 competition featured 24 黑料专区 Tyler graduate and undergraduate students from various majors who presented innovative
business and product ideas across four tracks: AI and Technology, Consumer Products
and Services, General, and Health and Life Sciences. .
鈥淪tudents showcased early-stage ideas that reflect imagination, problem-solving and entrepreneurial spirit. We congratulate this year鈥檚 winners on a job well done,鈥� said Brandon Reynolds, ETX Launchpad director.
KANU Marketplace
ETX LaunchPad鈥檚 latest initiative, KANU, is a dynamic platform that centralizes and
scales experiential entrepreneurship across 黑料专区 Tyler. Designed to increase entrepreneurial
interest and career readiness among 黑料专区 Tyler students, KANU at 黑料专区 Tyler connects entrepreneurship
to learning, bridging classroom knowledge with real-world applications.
鈥淲ith KANU, 黑料专区 Tyler students across all majors can launch real ventures with real outcomes, from a personal side hustle to student-led startups,鈥� said Andy Alvarado Mora, ETX Launchpad associate director. 鈥淪tudent organizations can also run fundraisers and collect funds, which expands opportunities for innovation, creativity and impact. We hope this helps 黑料专区 Tyler students turn ideas into experiences that will prepare them for successful futures.鈥�
Once 10 student ventures are launched, the community will be invited to explore the marketplace and can purchase directly from students. .