ATI is a nonprofit organization that harnesses local business, government and academic resources providing strategic counsel, operational guidance, and infrastructure support to assist its member companies in the transition from early stage ventures to successful technology businessesand works with a variety of investors, a know-how network of professional service providers, outside industry experts, and others, for the benefit of its member companies.

ATI was founded in 1989 by Dr. George Kozmetsky and first directed by Ms. Laura J. Kilcrease. Potential companies are required to submit a business plan focused on a new technology-based product or service, have the potential to create jobs both locally and abroad, and have six months of working capital.

The incubator has hosted technology ventures with interests and business connections in Canada, Brazil, Japan, Australia, England, Germany, China, and Israel. ATI's achievements have prompted several mayors' councils nationwide to send representatives to ATI facilities to learn more about how to generate business development and revitalize ailing municipal economies.

The incubator occupies university space in the MCC building in northwest Austin. The program is funded through member company fees, and member companies also grant a percentage of their equity to ATI. ATI is also supported by the University of Texas, the City of Austin, and the Austin community.

ATI is a key program of the IC² Institute and the IC² Institute of The University of Texas at Austin is a unique, non-traditional center for research and educational excellence works with a variety of investors, a know-how network of professional service providers, outside industry experts, and others, for the benefit of its member companies.. The Institute engages in a quest for constructive forms of capitalism that will allow communities and nations to grow and prosper. To realize this vision, IC² combines technology, entrepreneurship and education to create wealth and share prosperity.