Previous Programs
ENTREPRENEUR IN RESIDENCE APPRENTICESHIP (EIRA)
The EIRA program is a business incubator that aims to attract and prepare the best and brightest aspiring entrepreneurs in South Texas. This program helps participants conceptualize an idea into a viable business startup solution in the space, energy, and technology industries.
Space Coders
The Space Coders program is a network of developers experienced in writing code in a variety of programming languages. Participants work in teams to solve coding challenges of all magnitudes and have the opportunity to provide longer-term support to startups within the ExF ecosystem.
Rocket Rigs
Rockets & Rigs brings together two major Texas industries, space and oil and gas. The goal is to identify common challenges, find technological solutions, and develop pathways to commercialize these solutions.
Veterans Ascension Program
The Veterans Ascension Program aims to find, attract, and support highly trained veterans into careers in the commercial space industry and commercial space startups.
2024 ExF Tech Pitch Competition
The Expanding Frontiers Space Tech Pitch Competition is a platform for innovators, students, and entrepreneurs from across the Rio Grande Valley to showcase their ideas in space and energy technologies. Participants pitch their ventures—many using NASA-developed technologies—to a panel of experienced investors, industry leaders, and subject matter experts.
This event highlights the region’s growing innovation ecosystem and provides mentorship, exposure, and real opportunities to turn bold ideas into viable startups.
Nasa Tech Trek
NASA Tech Trek is a selective, fully funded innovation program in collaboration with NASA HQ and the NASA Technology Transfer Program. It includes a series of hackathons where participants work with real NASA patents to solve challenges focused on the lunar economy, climate and sustainability, or their own space-related solutions.
These two-day hackathons promote fast-paced collaboration and problem-solving. Many teams from NASA Tech Trek go on to pitch their innovations at the Space Tech Pitch Competition, continuing their journey toward entrepreneurship.