VentureLab at San Antonio Startup Week: Elevating the Next Generation of Founders

VentureLab’s commitment to amplifying youth voice and championing entrepreneurial learning was on full display at San Antonio Startup Week this year. We were thrilled to be a central part of the celebration, presenting five impactful events that bridged the gap between today’s thriving startup community and the young founders of tomorrow.

Our sessions brought the focus squarely to youth voice, showcasing the innovative ideas and problem-solving skills our students develop through entrepreneurship education. 

“Our participation in San Antonio Startup Week is about more than just showcasing our curriculum; it’s about making a clear statement that youth entrepreneurship is a core component of future economic growth and innovation,” says Desma Deitz, VentureLab’s Executive Director. “By embedding students in this real-world ecosystem, we accelerate their learning and build their confidence as changemakers.”

🌟 From Panels to Pitches: Our Impactful Lineup

VentureLab presented a variety of engaging formats designed to inspire both established professionals and young students.

We provided a breadth of content throughout the week, covering everything from fundamental creative thinking to advanced tech integration. This included three sessions: a workshop focused on creative problem-solving titled “If Pigs Could Fly: Unlocking Creativity for Real-World Innovation”; a strategic session for scaling founders, “Fuel Your Funnel: Design Thinking & AI for Sales Growth”; and a crucial conversation on the relevancy of early education in technology, “STEAM, AI, and Youth Entrepreneurship: Who cares?” These three events reinforced our mission to provide a full spectrum of entrepreneurial skills to the community.

“Next Gen Now: Youth Perspectives on an Inclusive Startup Ecosystem”

One of the week’s most critical discussions was the panel, “Next Gen Now: Youth Perspectives on an Inclusive Startup Ecosystem.” This session went beyond theory, bringing together a diverse group of panelists to discuss the real-time challenges and necessary support systems for young founders. The panel featured powerful voices from the community, including:

• Jen Maestas, Deputy Director, CAST Schools, offered insight on creating early educational pathways
• Victoria Olguin, Former VentureLab student & current MBA student at St. Mary’s shared her lived experience as a young founder
• Zain Haq, High School Student at CAST STEM and entrepreneur provided perspective on current youth needs and challenges
• Crystal Royal, Supplier Diversity Manager at H-E-B discussed corporate support, mentorship, and funding access

The panelists provided invaluable insights into breaking down both financial and non-financial barriers—such as access to mentorship and networks—to ensure the startup ecosystem is truly inclusive for young innovators from all backgrounds.

A Signature Experience: Youth Pitch Competition at UTSA

Our main event was the Youth Pitch Competition, presented with support from the UTSA Najim Center. This was a Real-World Learning Experience for middle and high school students, offering a two-hour program where they practiced creativity, problem-solving, and business basics. They then presented original ideas to improve their school to a panel of community leaders, including Dirk Elmendorf, Cat Dizon and Pablo Calvo.

• Inclusive Innovation: The event was open to all students, with no prior entrepreneurship experience required.

• A Glimpse of the Future: After their showcase, students were invited to stay and watch UTSA students compete for $10,000 in the Big Rowdy Pitch, offering a powerful, real-world example of innovation in action.

🤝 Thank You to Our Key Partners

Our extensive role at San Antonio Startup Week would not have been possible without the support and collaboration of key partners who are equally dedicated to cultivating the next generation of innovators. The 80|20 Foundation has been a foundational partner championing youth entrepreneurship education and the UTSA Najim Center continues to provide meaningful onramps for youth to pursue entrepreneurship as college students.

We extend our deep gratitude to Geekdom for inviting VentureLab to play such a significant role in elevating youth voice throughout the week. Their commitment to building the city’s tech and startup community is truly foundational.

We also want to recognize the incredible partnership of CAST Schools and H-E-B. Their investment in programs that provide real-world, hands-on learning experiences is what makes these impactful opportunities a reality for students across the city.

VentureLab is proud to collaborate with organizations that understand the immense value of fostering an entrepreneurial mindset in every child. By creating these opportunities today, we are collectively building a more innovative and equitable future for all.

We look forward to continuing this work and to seeing what big ideas our young founders bring to the stage next year!

Learn more about our partners here.