One Year Anniversary for the Texas Greenbelt Coalition–Can We Lead the Way in Cleantech?

If we don’t get this right and do it now–we won’t be the leader, we’ll be the follower. And that’s something I’m sure that no one wants.

Startup Weekend Austin Dates Announced!

I’m very excited to report that we held the first planning meeting for Startup Weekend Austin .

Spotlight on Austin’s Biotech Community–ATI BioScience Incubator Open House

Austin is known more for software and semi-conductors than biotech companies. But, did you know that there are over 100 biotech related companies in the area? Were you aware that The Milken Institute has called Austin one of the top 12 biotech and life science centers in the country? I can certainly see why! The work of ATI-Bioscience is clearly evident in this ranking.

The Commercialization of Technology–An Eye-Opening AWT Austin Tech Tuesday

A wonderful networking and educational opportunity at the University of Texas IC² Institute!

More From The Door64 Tech Fair–Tech Ranch Austin Rocked the Room!

The energy was amazing at the Door64 Tech Fair. The Tech Ranch Austin session was outstanding! Entrepreneurs learn the answers to the key questions to “start-up” and success designing a business around you!

Door64 Tech Fair–Awesome Full House of Technorati at Goodwill Industries

Well I made it through yesterday’s Door64 Tech Fair (@door64).  What an amazing event!  Hundreds of people and over 30 tech companies convened at the Goodwill Industries of Central Texas to network, learn, and share ideas.

Matt Genovese Founder of Door64

There is too much to talk about in just one post, so I’m going to write several posts covering the day’s highlights.  I met so many wonderful people and tech companies at the event that I feel compelled to make the time and devote enough space to adequately describe them!  First and foremost we have to thank Matt Genovese (@mgenovese) the founder of Door64.  What a great organizer.  He managed to mobilize nearly 1,000 attendees and 37 tech companies for the occasion.  The place was jam packed with people.  It was crowded, but that just increased the energy level and  made me feel like I was part of something exciting.  That I was part of some of the best of Austin’s energy.  And I really was.  With the support of the IEEE and contributions from sponsors BuildASign, Amplify Financial , and Telecom Careers, the program proved amazing.

In this post I’m highlighting  Austin’s Goodwill Industries.  I dropped off my donation at their retail store prior to registering for the tech fair and was amazed at the quality–not only of the donations available  for sale–but the light, bright store.  I was greeted by Yolanda White who graciously accepted my donation and provided me with a receipt.  I was so impressed, that I took a photo.

Yolanda White of Goodwill Industries

I guess I just wasn’t thinking, because I hadn’t realized the mission of the organization is to provide job-related services and opportunities for people with barriers to employment.  The Austin center  has a gorgeous wall of photos of some of their success stories.  Stories of physically or mentally disabled people who now, thanks to Goodwill, are leading productive, happy lives as employees.  It really was quite amazing and heartwarming.

Goodwill Success Stories

The Austin location also features a computer museum and recycling center.  Austin’s Goodwill Industries provided a wonderful–though crowded–venue for the Door64 Tech Fair. I came to connect to technology, and came away with a warm feeling for the good work Goodwill provides in our community.