Thu, Aug 27, 2:00 PM CDT – Thu, Aug 27, 2:45 PM CDT

Texas and Dual-Use Innovation Across Domains

Texas is more than a launchpad—it’s a proving ground for dual-use innovation at scale. This capstone session brings together startups, the Texas Space Commission, DoD leaders, national security investors, and end-users to chart a path from early-stage tech to operational deployment. We’ll explore how public-private collaboration, regional investment, and mission-driven startups are making Texas a hub for space and defense breakthroughs. Please note: Adding this session to your agenda does not guarantee admission. Admission will be granted on a first-come, first serve basis until room capacity is reached.

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Speakers

speaker

Norman Garza Jr

Exec Dir · TSC

Norman Garza, Jr. joined Texas Space Commission as the inaugural executive director on July 1, 2024. TSC was established via HB 3447 in 2023, authored by St. Rep. Greg Bonnen. Previously, since 2014 at The A&M System, he served as vice president of government relations for the flagship campus, as well as assistant vice chancellor of government relations for three state agencies: TEES; TEEX; TTI. Born in Harlingen, he is a native Texan with roots across the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas.

speaker

Jim Cantrell

Phantom Space

Jim Cantrell is an American entrepreneur, mechanical engineer, and road racer with over 35 years of experience in the space and automotive industries. A Utah State University graduate, he began his career at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the French Space Agency CNES. Cantrell was a consultant and mentor for Elon Musk during the founding of SpaceX and later served as the first Vice President of Business Development on its founding team. He is the CEO and co-founder of Phantom Space Corporation, which aims to democratize space access through mass-produced rockets and satellites, and has held significant roles at companies like Iceye and StratSpace. Cantrell is also an author and passionate road racer and the founder of Vintage Exotics Competition Engineering, a company dedicated to designing and restoring vintage race cars.

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Brad Morrison

Board Member · Texas Space Commission

Brad Morrison is a Board Member at Texas Space Commission.

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Chris Pimentel

Branch Chief · SpaceWERX Ventures

Chris Pimentel is the Branch Chief for SpaceWERX Ventures, which comprises both Portfolio Management and SBIR Execution. Chris has a broad career within business operations, consulting, and the space industry. Chris is a former Marine Corps infantry officer and serves part time as the Mayor of El Segundo, California. He is a graduate and Echols Scholar at the University of Virginia. (edited)