By Grace Darcy
November 4, 2025
A weekend of learning and collaboration is ahead with Ignite 3.0 set for November 7 and 8 at the McCoy College of Business at Texas State University.
The event is hosted by the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, CIE.
Ignite is a free two-day workshop for entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs to come together and gain information about the industry.
Anyone of any experience level is welcome to participate in the event.
The first day will begin with lunch and a welcome speech from Tara Godby where she will be discussing “finding your purpose in entrepreneurship.
The rest of the day is followed by various “sandbox sessions.” Session one will be by the director of the CIE, Quinn Valentine, who will be discussing "Designing the Perfect Pitch." Session two will be “AI Tools for Business Startups” with Ju Long and “Understanding & Assessing Funding Opportunities for Startups” with Rod Keller.
Between each session will be a short break allowing participants to meet and network with fellow entrepreneurs.
On day two the day will begin with lunch and a presentation from keynote speaker Max Feber.
Throughout the day there will be a start-up panel and two break out sessions. The first session of the day includes a presentation by Randy Haran discussing “The Great Game of Business.” The second session will be “Legal aspects of business” by Michael Williams.
Wrapping up the workshop will be a pitch competition. Participants will have three minutes to pitch an idea or product to a group of judges. The judges (Rod Keller, Michael Williams, Randy Haran, Max Feber, Drew Lynch, Jennifer Speed, Kelly Visnak, and Christina Jovanna Olivarez) will then deliberate and pick the top three winners.
First place will receive $1,000, followed by second with $500, and third at $250. An Ignite People’s Choice Award will be awarded for a prize of $100.
Sign up for the event before it closes!
For more information about the CIE events and activities, check out our upcoming events.
Follow us on all of our socials - LinkedIn and Instagram. To find our events list, visit our linktr.ee.
About the CIE:
“Where underestimated talent becomes unstoppable.”
The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship follows a mission of providing hands-on experiences to turn into something meaningful and impactful. The CIE supports “underestimated people and early-stage ideas with strategy, grit, and belief.”
The vision of the CIE is to make Texas State University “a place where entrepreneurship and innovation are real and accessible to anyone with the courage to create.” The CIE provides opportunities for students, faculty, alumni, and the community to turn ideas into lasting ventures.
Media Contacts:
To become involved in the CIE as a student, faculty or staff, alumni, or community member, connect with the CIE team:
Quinn Valentine, Director for the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, McCoy College of Business, at quinn.valentine@txstate.edu
Kendall Perkinson, CIE Program Coordinator
Email: kendallperkinson@txstate.edu