GSMP invites public to Innovation Summit

The Greater San Marcos Partnership will be hosting their 5th Annual Greater San Marcos Innovation Summit next Tuesday at the Embassy Suites San Marcos Conference Center.

This event will take an in-depth look at the impact that higher education research, commercialization and innovation have on the future of the regional economy. 

Speakers include Texas State University President Dr. Denise Trauth, along with a panel of leaders from higher education institutions including Vice Dean of Health Ecosystem and Associate Professor at  University of Texas Dell Medical School Dr. Mini Kahlon, Associate Vice President for Research and Federal Relations at Texas State University Dr. Walter Horton and Sr. Vice President of Economic Development at University of Texas in San Antonio Robert McKinley. They will discuss how their institutions are working collectively to drive the future of the regional economy. 

Lieutenant General, Paul Ostrowski, of the new Army Futures Command, will discuss modernizing the U.S. Army by developing new military technologies to speed innovation to the battlefield, and how this affects the region and country.

The Innovation Summit will culminate with the presentation of the 2018 Dick Burdick Award for Innovation. The Burdick Award, named after the late Dick Burdick, was created to help recognize area companies that are thinking outside the box and finding creative solutions to complete problems through innovative methods, ideas, products and practices. Past winners include Paratus Diagnostics, MicroPower Global, Quantum Materials and Thermon.

“The Innovation Summit allows our community to showcase the region’s innovative assets that are attracting investment from across the country, as well as producing new startups,” Greater San Marcos Partnership President Adriana Cruz said. “The higher education panel will provide insight on how innovation, research and commercialization will positively influence the future of our economy; plus we’ll learn how the new Army Futures Command will impact Texas and the nation.”

The 5th Annual Greater San Marcos Innovation Summit  will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 25 at the Embassy Suites San Marcos Conference Center. The price per ticket is $50 and includes lunch. Tables of eight seats are $350. For more information ofr to register for the event go to the GSMP's website.