On Saturday, February 11, 2017, the UTSA Center for Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship (CITE) will host the semi-annual Technology Entrepreneurship Boot Camp for the region, which targets new and emerging technology entrepreneurs. The daylong boot camp offers an intensive crash course on the commercialization of new technologies with expert presentations on fundamental technology entrepreneurship skills on the following topics: opportunity identification; business planning and pitching; IP and business law; social media, public relations and branding; funding; and start-up resources available at UTSA and the San Antonio community.
The keynote will be given by world-renowned electric violinist and Emmy-winning composer Mark Wood, founder of Wood Violins and an original member of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. He has appeared on the world’s most venerable stages including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Madison Square Garden. He also writes and records original music for film and television, has released six solo albums, and tours with his band The Mark Wood Experience (MWE). His commission credits include The Juilliard School and extensive TV broadcast music including The Winter Olympics and The Tour de France (for which he won his Emmy). Dubbed “The Les Paul of the Violin World” by PBS, the Juilliard-trained violinist invented the first solid body electric violin in the early 1970’s and he holds the patent for the first-ever self-supporting violin. His company stands behind its claim to have made the most important change to the violin in 400 years and is often referred to as the Stradivarius of electric violins. A passionate advocate and supporter of music education through his program “Electrify Your Strings,” Wood is in San Antonio for the annual Texas Music Educators Association annual conference. His participation at UTSA’s event was secured by Dr. Stan Renard, CITE Assistant Director (College of Liberal & Fine Arts-COLFA) who also coordinates the UTSA Music Marketing program.
“To host Mark Wood as our keynote speaker and address our students and community entrepreneurs is a coup and we are thrilled to have him on campus. Historically, our program has focused on engineering and business students. However, this past year, we have integrated College of Sciences and COLFA students, particularly those in the music department, who are very creative and can benefit from the entrepreneurial and business skills our program provides. Bringing in Dr. Renard, who is a faculty member and touring musician, gives a different perspective and worldview which has expanded the program for all participants,” said Dr. Cory Hallam, UTSA Chief Commercialization Officer.
The boot camp not only exposes students to key entrepreneurial concepts but also gives them the opportunity to network with business and community leaders.
Speakers, who volunteer their time and services, will include Sheridan Chambers, Principal at Denim Group; Janie Gonzalez, Founder and CEO at Webhead; Michael Morales, Founder and CEO at Studio M, Inc and Morales Rockstart Academy; Blayne Tucker, Founder and CEO at Maverick Music Fest and Mix Bar; Derrick Pizarro, Founder and CEO at Pizarro Firm; Magaly Chocano, Founder and CEO at Sweb Development, and Debra L. Innocenti, Internet/Technology Attorney, Innocenti Jones PLLC.
Founded in 2007, over 2,000 UTSA students have been trained by the CITE Technology Entrepreneurship Boot Camp resulting in countless company launches.
To register | UTSA CITE Technology Entrepreneurship Boot Camp | Saturday, February 11 | 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. | UTSA Main Campus | Retama Auditorium 2.02.02
