December is such a magical month as it provides the time to reflect and engage with family, friends and loved ones. For ATI, the month brought two impactful events.
Defense Innovation Summit
After extensive planning and preparation, the Microelectronics Manufacturing Summit for our PRISM program was held December 3rd to 5th. Huge kudos to Becky Taylor, Larry Peterson and David Daniel for pulling together a great show as a subset of the larger Defense Innovation Summit which drew an estimated 2,500 attendees from across the country to Austin. The event was a real showcase of how advanced microelectronics will help us tackle some serious national security challenges and the opportunities involved in re-shoring our country’s advanced semiconductor manufacturing capability. It was a great opportunity to see how defense innovation and manufacturing leadership are coming together, with U.S. government program funders, key industry figures, and initiatives from across Texas and Washington, DC all in attendance. As part of the PRISM program, ATI is actively recruiting startups working on materials, processes, equipment and designs that belong in the plethora of manufacturing fab and advanced packaging initiatives underway in Central Texas and across the country.
Annual TEXVMS Awards Luncheon
ATI’s final mentor luncheon for the year was held on December 6th to celebrate the hard work and achievements of our amazing mentors and portfolio companies. It was a holiday lunch filled with well-deserved awards and recognition, showcasing the service attitude and spirit embodied by our organizations. A big shout-out and congratulations to all of our award winners:
- Best NSF I-Corps Mentor – Tom Ortman
- Best Overall Mentor Company – Well Water Finders
- Best Overall Mentor Team – Texas PACE Authority
- Best Overall Lead Mentor – Kim Allen
- Best Extra Mile Mentor – Gaines Bagby
In addition to awarding the amazing mentors above, ATI was thrilled to host a fireside chat featuring Alan Graham, the incredible founder and CEO of Mobile Loaves and Fishes. In celebration of the holidays and recognition of TEXVMS’ year-round spirit of giving back, Alan shared his inspiring journey from one family van with a basket of sandwiches to building Community First! Village, a master planned development providing housing and community to those who would otherwise be without a home. Alan’s words and story were truly inspiring and left us all feeling energized and ready to take on new challenges. Thank you, Alan, for spending your valuable time with us and inspiring us all to do better!