Austin American-Statesman
"Latest Group of Startups Graduates From Austin Tech Incubator"
Jan. 26, 2012

This week, 21 Austin companies graduate from the Austin Technology Incubator, an affiliate of the University of Texas and the IC2 Institute think tank.

The Austin American-Statesman looked at the impact ATI has had on Austin startup companies. Since its start, ATI has helped more than 200 startups raise nearly $1 billion in investment capital.

The program also benefits the business infrastructure in Austin and helps UT students gain work experience.

"When ATI was founded, Austin wasn't really a tech city yet, and a lot of core business infrastructure wasn't here yet," Executive Director Isaac Barchas said. "We have built an experienced team of people who are capable of rolling up their sleeves and tearing up a business plan, having conversations with investors and helping companies solve problems."

 

Today, the incubator concentrates on four areas-- information technology, wireless, clean energy and bioscience-- which Barchas said allows it to recruit industry veterans and tap into their experience.

 

ATI also taps into UT's brainpower, Barchas said.

 

This semester, the incubator has 32 student interns from disciplines including business, engineering and law.

 

For more information on the Austin Technology Institute and UT's work with startup companies click here.