Tech Bloc Weekly Newsletter 🚀
April 9th, 2024
📰 In this Issue:
Tech Bloc Announcement
San Antonio Tech News
Opportunities
San Antonio Tech Events
Stay Engaged
Build With AI - Gemini API Workshop!🤖
We are proud to announce Tech Bloc is co-hosting the workshop, Build With AI - Gemini API, with DEVSA 🚀In partnership with Google Developer Group
In this interactive workshop you'll:
Learn about the capabilities of the Gemini API, a powerful tool for building intelligent applications.
Discover how to leverage Gemini's features to create innovative solutions.
Get hands-on experience with the API through practical exercises and code examples.
Network with fellow developers and share your ideas in a collaborative environment.
Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting your AI journey, let’s learn together.
📍Location: 3331 General Hudnell Dr Acc Rd, San Antonio, TX 78226
📅 Date: April 27th, 2024
⏱️Time: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Limited Spaces!
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from an industry leader, gain valuable hands-on experience, and connect with the DEVSA community! 👏
Tech Bloc heads to Texas Venture Gala & Forum!
We are proud to be representing San Antonio at this year’s Texas Venture Gala & Forum gathering on April 12 & 13th at the Fairmont in Austin, Texas. The Gala & Forum features our state’s: venture capitalists, corporates, LPs, accelerators, incubators, family offices, angel networks, university innovation departments, and chambers & economic development corporations funds.
Catch the following Tech Bloc Board Members in the following panels this Saturday:
9:30 AM - Juan Sebastian Garzon in ‘Texas Angel Networks' History, Progress, & Future’
1:30 PM - Ileana Gonzalez in ‘Rising Star VCs & Future of Venture’
2:00 PM - Mariano Gonzalez in ‘Trends in Getting Lean & Mean: Emerging Managers’
2:30 PM - Will Conway in ‘Exit Strategy Trends: IPOs, M&A, and Secondaries’
The Forum hosts daytime conversations featuring prominent Gala guests who will share their experiences. The Gala recognizes leadership and excellence in our innovation ecosystem.
Get your ticket NOW 🎟️ Use "TECHBLOCVENTURE" at checkout, exclusively for Tech Bloc network investors, granting you a $150 rebate!
San Antonio Tech and Business News
From groundbreaking innovations to exciting developments, stay tuned for a tech-filled journey that promises to shape the future. Welcome to a year of endless possibilities and cutting-edge news in our vibrant San Antonio tech community.
UTSA joins consortium to create sustainable aviation hub in San Antonio
UTSA has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Department of Energy Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E), the City of San Antonio, and CPS Energy to develop and promote energy technologies that could potentially decarbonize the aviation sector.
Source: UTSA News
After delays, SAWS catching up on installing new high-tech water meters
Almost 140,000 SAWS customers now have the advanced meters, which provide real-time information about water usage and leaks.
Source: San Antonio Express News
Peraton Deepens Cybersecurity Roots in San Antonio, New Office at Tech Port to Boost City's 'Cyber City USA' Stature
Peraton, the heavyweight in national security, is making moves in San Antonio, Texas.
Source: Hoodline
Venture-capital deal activity falls to lowest level since 2017
Funds raised by VC firms also saw declines in Q1.
Source: San Antonio Business Journal
Return-to-office mandates are frustrating many workers, but these perks can win them over
More companies are increasing their return-to-office requirements, which is sowing seeds of distrust with some workers. But there are some perks that can win them over.
Source: San Antonio Business Journal
Downtown Vitality Index: The cities are best-positioned for success in the hybrid era
The hybrid era hasn't been kind to many downtowns and city centers. But these cities are leading the way for downtown vibrancy.
Source: San Antonio Business Journal
Future of Combat: San Antonio engineers lead in AI warfare with new Air Force Contract
The United States Air Force has awarded the Southwest Research Institute's Advanced Electronic Warfare team a $6.4 million contract to explore cognitive EW algorithms that "accurately detect and respond to unknown enemy radar threats in real-time," SwRI officials have announced.
Source: San Antonio Business Journal
Construction to start on Texas A&M-San Antonio health care training facility
The 35,500-square-foot structure will expand the school’s medical research and training to allow future health care professionals to improve services and close health inequities in San Antonio, the university said in a release.
Source: San Antonio Express News
San Antonio's CarbonFree in deal with U.S. Steel to turn carbon emissions into edible calcium powder
San Antonio’s CarbonFree Chemicals has signed an agreement to convert carbon emissions from a U.S. Steel Corp. plant in Indiana into calcium powder.
Source: San Antonio Express News
SwRI TO BUILD THE SPACECRAFT BUS FOR IN-SPACE REFUELER SERVICER PROGRAM
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) will build, integrate and test a small demonstration spacecraft as part of a $25.5 million Space Mobility and Logistics (SML) prototyping project funded by the U.S. Space Force and led by prime contractor Astroscale U.S. The spacecraft, called the Astroscale Prototype Servicer for Refueling (APS-R), will refuel other compatible vehicles while in geostationary orbit.
Source: SwRI
📣Calling all Health/Medical focused startups
📅Applications to Bexar Bio are currently open, deadline to apply is May 1st.
Hosted by VelocityTX and sponsored by Bexar County Economic & Community Development, BexarBio is Greater San Antonio’s $100K cash prize pitch competition strictly focused on biomedical startups with dual-use innovations. The competition will be held on June 24, 2024 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.
Applicants for consideration should:
Be a company with one of the following focus areas: medical device, biotech, healthcare IT or related fields
Have a dual-use technology (with both military and civilian applications)
Preferably be headquartered in the United States
Be a properly registered business entity in the United States. (International companies are welcome to apply with the commitment of moving their business to Bexar County.)
Have received less than $4.5M from 3rd-party investors
Generate less than $2.0M in annualized revenue
Has been validated by securing non-dilutive or dilutive funding
Maintain a company presence (office or remote employee) within Bexar County for a minimum of 1 year after prize money award date
🎉 Exciting Announcement: Free Laptop Giveaway for Fiesta San Antonio! 🎉
Get ready for an incredible opportunity from Compudopt! We're giving away FREE laptops to families with students at our upcoming Fiesta San Antonio event. These laptops come with 2 years of FREE technical support. Help us spread the word and get more families registered for this amazing opportunity!
Scan the QR code on the flyer 📲
Intermediate React Native Workshop 🚀
Ready to level up your React Native skills? Join us for an exciting Intermediate React Native Workshop, hosted by ACM! 💥
📅 Event Date: Wednesday, April 24th
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM CT
📍 Location: Training Room- Project Cowork, 101217 Morocco St, #195
🔗 Link: https://www.meetup.com/acm-sa/events/300140253/
Whether you're an experienced developer or just getting started, this workshop is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their React Native knowledge. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from industry expert, Gene Tigner and connect with fellow React Native enthusiasts. 🌟
UTSA’s Draper Data Science Business Plan Competition
Student-led business teams competing in the UTSA Draper Data Science Business Plan Competition can win cash investments of up to $75,000 for their ventures, all while benefitting from invaluable mentorship and insights provided by seasoned experts and judges.
📅 Event Date: April 12th, 2024
🕕 Time: 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
📍 Location: UTSA School of Data Science
Competition Teams
Autowatch - UTSA - San Antonio, TX
EpyDiagnosis - Tec de Monterrey - Monterrey, Mexico
Live Stream - Rice - Houston, TX
Penta Labs - ITAM - Mexico City, Mexico
Samuel by Aptitude Medical Modeling - UTSA & UT Health - San Antonio, TX
Sonar Sights - UTSA, UT Health, A&M Corpus Christi, San Antonio, TX & Corpus Christi, TX
Empowering Entrepreneurs: Uniting Professionals for Growth, Learning, and Connection 🌟
Mark your calendars for INBIA’s 38th International Conference on Business Incubation (ICBI38) happening in San Antonio, Texas, from April 14th to 17th, 2024! 🗓️
Join us for this exciting event featuring relevant, timely content tailored for entrepreneur support professionals from across the globe. ICBI38 will delve into current trends, proven strategies, and best practices, led by expert practitioners through panels, discussions, and presentations. 🚀
Join us at ICBI38 for the prestigious INBIA Awards, where we'll recognize excellence in entrepreneur support and ESO management. Be inspired by the innovative initiatives driving success in our industry. 👏
AI in Cyber Day 🤖
Thrilled to be partnering with Accenture, Google, Frost Bank Center for this exciting event at UTSA to learn more about AI in Cyber! 👏
An enriching opportunity for students of all majors to learn about AI in six different sessions and experience hands-on cyber training by industry experts in AI learning, with the perks of free food and drinks, five Hack The Box License Giveaways, and a chance to network with industry experts! 🚀
📅Event Date: April 16th, 2024
⏱️Time: 12:00pm-6:00pm
📍Location: Retama Galleria, Student Union, 1 UTSA Circle
*Open to students only* ✨
Looking to expand your network and connect with Tech Bloc members?
Engage with your tech community by becoming a member of Tech Bloc. Gain access to our exclusive platform, where you can connect with fellow members, share valuable resources, and stay actively involved in the tech scene, among getting exclusive access to member-only events!
New Workforce Database Link 💼:
Unlock your career potential by joining our dynamic workforce database! Whether you're a seasoned professional or a student eager to jumpstart your career, enter your details to connect with exciting employment opportunities. Maximize your chances of landing your dream job by becoming part of our expansive network, where employers actively seek talent like yours. 👏
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Fantastic news for sustainability! Thank you for this summary.