The yearlong accelerator helped student entrepreneurs refine business models, gain expert feedback and prepare ventures for future growth.
May 27, 2026
By Winter Harris
Writer, Neeley Communications
Student founders at Texas Christian University spent the past academic year building ventures that addressed everyday challenges, explored emerging technologies and tested new business concepts through CREATE, the yearlong accelerator program operated by the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and the Innovation Network and supported by the Shaddock Seed Fund.
The program culminated this spring with CREATE’s annual pitch event, where eight student-led startups presented investor-style pitches and received feedback from entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders. Open to TCU students across all majors and colleges, CREATE provides early-stage ventures with mentorship, workshops, legal support and networking opportunities designed to help students move from idea development to market-ready businesses.
This year’s cohort reflected the growing range of entrepreneurship taking shape across TCU, with ventures spanning AI-powered software development, digital gaming, fitness products, food businesses and consumer technology. Several startups focused on solving practical frustrations through simple but scalable concepts.
Junior Colby Ackerman pitched AirBoot, a patent-pending silicone bottle boot that discreetly houses an Apple AirTag to help users track reusable water bottles. Jordan Goings, a Master’s of Science in Business Analytics student, developed Xccelerate Motors, a customizable accessories platform designed for electric scooter riders that combines storage, visibility and personalization products with a broader micro-mobility ecosystem. Rachel Clancy and Jessika Wilkinson introduced Lily Grips, a clip system designed to keep towels secured to yoga mats during heated workouts.
Other ventures reflected growing student interest in technology and digital platforms. MBA student Colby Clark pitched EzCoder, an AI-powered platform allowing non-technical founders to build and launch applications using natural language prompts. Senior Blake Swenson showcased Island Interactive, a Roblox-based gaming experience that has already generated more than 30 million play sessions and attracted eight million users worldwide. Senior Matt Neves presented Shuttr, a mechanical phone case designed to encourage more intentional smartphone use through a physical shutter system.
Additional ventures highlighted opportunities in food and youth athletics. Junior Olivia Webb presented Lucy’s Loops, a small-batch sourdough bagel business experiencing strong demand through farmers markets and online sales, while sophomores Bobby Deftos and Dylan Lafferty pitched MVP Training, a youth basketball camp business operated in partnership with Division I athletes.
Beyond the workshops and mentorship, founders said the accelerator created a shared experience among students working through the challenges of launching and growing a business.
"The most valuable part of my experience in CREATE was the opportunity to get closer with the other members of my cohort and engage with various members of the entrepreneurial ecosystem here in Fort Worth," said Ackerman.
At the conclusion of the accelerator, ventures received strategic feedback, growth recommendations and, in some cases, cash awards.
EzCoder and AirBoot each received $14,000 in funding, with AirBoot also earning the $2,000 Judges’ Choice Award. Lucy’s Loops received $8,500 in funding in addition to the $1,000 People’s Choice Award. MVP Training earned $4,000, Lily Grips received $2,000 and Xccelerate Motors received $500.
Judges encouraged several founders to focus on scaling operations, refining product positioning and accelerating customer growth over the summer.
For the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and the Innovation Network, CREATE reflects more than a pitch competition. It serves as a launching point for student founders, helping transform ideas into ventures that can attract customers, generate revenue and continue growing well beyond graduation.
