Applications are being accepted through July 11 for the Texas AI Challenge, the first statewide pitch competition exclusively for early-stage AI startups in Texas.

TXAIC offers finalists up to $100,000 in investment and services tailored to help their businesses. The live pitch event will take place Aug. 7 at SMU during Dallas Startup Week.

Applications close July 11. Finalists will be announced July 31. The event is being put on by Fort Worth-based Pro-Forma and hosted by the Spears Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership.

A panel of more than 40 judges — representing venture capital, industry, and academia — will evaluate submissions and provide hands-on feedback to selected teams. Finalists will present their pitches live before an audience of founders, investors, corporate innovation leaders, and regional stakeholders during the area’s annual startup celebration.

Among the judges is Wade Myers, founder and chairman of Pro-Forma and general partner at Eagle Venture Fund, which invests in purpose-driven tech companies with long-term growth potential.

Pro-Forma helps startups, founders, and investors better understand their finances so they can make better business decisions.

A U.S. Army veteran and seasoned entrepreneur, Myers has founded, backed, or advised more than 90 companies. He has had a wide-ranging career in venture building, beginning in 1996 after early stints at Mobil and Boston Consulting Group.

Learn more and apply here.

New Hope Equine Appoints Susan Altshuler Program Manager

Susan Altshuler has been promoted to program manager at New Hope Equine Assisted Therapy.

Altshuler will oversee rider intake, develop individualized lesson plans, define volunteer requirements, and match riders with their perfect horse. She will continue her role as a dedicated instructor for our riders and volunteers.

Her journey with New Hope began as a dedicated volunteer years ago. Since earning her PATH certification in 2019, she quickly rose to become lead instructor.

ACU and SABR Partner to Redefine Sports Leadership and Analytics

Abilene Christian University’s Center for Sports Leadership and Learning announced a strategic partnership with the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) during the SABR 2025 National Convention in Dallas.

The collaboration, unveiled by ACU Dallas Provost Dr. George Saltsman and SABR CEO Scott Bush, aims to elevate leadership and analytics education across the sports industry. Through the partnership, SABR’s respected course content and certification pathways will be integrated into ACU’s online academic and professional development programs.

“This partnership is about more than baseball – it’s about bringing SABR’s legacy of thoughtful inquiry and statistical innovation to a wider sports audience,” said Bush.

The two organizations will work together to assign academic credit to SABR courses and develop new professional development offerings. Initial efforts will focus on integrating SABR’s analytics training into degree and non-degree programs, with pilot courses expected to launch by late 2025.

Founded in 1971, SABR is known for its deep roots in baseball scholarship and its role in pioneering data-driven thinking in the game. The partnership marks another milestone for ACU’s recently launched center, which seeks to empower sports professionals through faith-based, high-performance education and applied research.

Launched in 2025, the Center for Sports Leadership and Learning at ACU Online exists to empower coaches, administrators, and athletes through holistic leadership education, strategic consulting, and applied research.

LanCarte Commercial Real Estate Secures Industrial Lease in Rhome

Fort Worth-based LanCarte Commercial announced the lease of a 31,500-square-foot warehouse at 167 Lion Court in Rhome in the northwest DFW industrial corridor.

The firm said the lease “signifies sustained momentum in the demand for well-located, functional warehouse product” as businesses continue to expand into high-growth areas on the edge of the metroplex.

“This deal highlights the strength of the Northwest DFW industrial submarket, where quality space continues to lease quickly,” said Mark Boone, LanCarte senior vice president, who represented the landlord.

Devin Kopas of ETHOS Commercial Advisors represented the tenant.

Quorum Architects Hires LSU grad as Architectural Intern

Quorum Architects, a local commercial architecture and interior design firm, has hired Adrianna Jordan as an architectural Intern. She will provide design and technical assistance to Quorum’s animal care design team.

Jordan interned with two Dallas design firms while pursuing a master’s in architecture at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge this spring.

“Adrianna brings fresh ideas and creativity to the team and is already proving herself to be a valuable asset by providing impeccable production support,” said Kim Dowdy-Hickman, principal and director of Animal Care Design.

Quorum Architects, founded in 1992, is an architectural and interior design firm of 32 professionals based in Fort Worth. It is registered in 33 states.

Camp Fire First Texas Hires Karen Barlow Parrish as Major Gifts Officer

Camp Fire First Texas has appointed Karen Barlow Parrish as its major gifts officer. In this role, Parrish will advance the organization’s mission by cultivating and securing major gifts to support Camp Fire’s strategic goals and life-changing programs for youth and families across North Texas.

A Fort Worth native and Tulane University alumna, Parrish brings more than 20 years of experience in development, communications, and nonprofit leadership.

Her career includes leadership roles with The Arts Council of Fort Worth, Historic Southside Inc., and, most recently, as director of development and communications for the Episcopal School of Nashville.

“Karen’s passion for building authentic relationships and her deep roots in our community make her an outstanding addition to our team,” said Tamara Clement, director of development for Camp Fire First Texas.

Parrish began her career working in the congressional offices of Speaker of the House Jim Wright, Congressman Chet Edwards, and Congressman Pete Geren in Washington, D.C.

Parrish has deep ties to Camp Fire having grown up in the organization. Her grandmother, Louisa Haun, served as Camp Fire executive director from 1958-78.