Southwest Startup Showdown: A Call to Reverse the Borderplex Startup Drought
At STTE Foundation, we are deeply rooted in the Borderplex region—El Paso, Ciudad Juárez, and Las Cruces—a dynamic, bilingual community rich with potential. With a population that’s predominantly Latino, this region holds immense promise for innovation and economic growth. However, we’re facing two critical challenges: the well-known Brain Drain, and a less-discussed but equally pressing issue, the Startup Drought.
While the Brain Drain pulls talented professionals away in search of better-paying opportunities in larger tech markets, the Startup Drought is forcing our local entrepreneurs and innovators to relocate to ecosystems with more robust mentorship, capital, and investor networks. This stifles the growth of homegrown startups and undermines the development of a strong entrepreneurial economy in the Borderplex.
To address this, we’re proud to present the Southwest Startup Showdown on November 8th at the Starlight Event Center in El Paso. This is our annual end-of-year event that brings together high school, collegiate, and early-stage entrepreneurs, providing them with a platform to pitch their groundbreaking ideas to investors, business leaders, and the wider community.
At STTE, we’ve been working hard throughout the year to cultivate startups and help them scale, tackling the Startup Drought head-on. Here’s what we’ve accomplished so far:
  • We hosted Borderland AI, engaging industry leaders to address the most pressing issues in the AI space.
  • We organized two Open AI Hackathons to generate innovative, AI-driven startups.
  • We launched our first AI Accelerator, advancing startups from concept to customer.
  • We worked closely with high school students, helping them turn their ideas into viable businesses.
  • We mentored founders through our STTE Ventures program, preparing them to take their startups to the next level.
One of the highlights of the Southwest Startup Showdown will be the 2nd Annual Microsoft Collegiate Cup, featuring top teams from universities such as UTEP, NMSU, UNM, Texas Tech, and Colorado State University. These teams will pitch their most innovative ideas and compete for the top prize.
The Showdown will also showcase cutting-edge technologies across multiple industries. You’ll see innovations like technology designed to enhance crop growth on Earth and in space, custom-designed mobile saunas and ice baths used by NFL players and university athletic programs, automated platforms that empower cross-border suppliers with access to capital, and even a portable power solution that combines the endurance of a power plant with the mobility of a battery.
This event is an essential opportunity for business professionals, entrepreneurs, developers, investors, and community leaders who want to witness the next wave of innovation coming from the Borderplex region. Whether you’re looking to invest in promising startups, discover new technological advancements, or support the region’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem, this event offers unparalleled access to the future of innovation.
  • Startup Founders: If you have an idea or an early-stage business, apply by October 18th for a chance to pitch and compete for investment and support.
  • Investors: Don’t miss this opportunity to meet promising founders and discover your next great investment. Register for free to get exclusive access to high-potential startups.
  • Inventors: Have a unique product or invention? This is your opportunity to exhibit and connect with potential buyers and investors.
The Southwest Startup Showdown is more than just a pitch competition—it’s part of our broader mission at STTE to build a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem and reverse the Startup Drought in the Borderplex. Like the Brain Drain, the Startup Drought has seen too many talented entrepreneurs leave for larger cities, but with your support, we can help them grow and thrive right here in El Paso.
Join us on November 8th and be part of the solution in creating a thriving, innovative future for the Borderplex.