Fort Worth Innovates

Fort Worth - Tarrant County Innovation Partnership

Fort Worth Innovates, a podcast powered by the Fort Worth–Tarrant County Innovation Partnership, shines a light on the entrepreneurs, researchers, and leaders shaping the future of Fort Worth. Each episode shares the stories of the innovators that are driving bold ideas and breakthrough solutions across industries, showcasing how Cowtown is becoming a hub for creativity, collaboration, and growth. Learn more about the Fort Worth-Tarrant County Innovation Partnership at https://fwtc-innovate.com/ Email us at fwinnovates@gmail.com for an idea on a guest or innovation to feature. Follow us on social media @FortWorthInnovates to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes.

  1. Inside DFW Airport's Innovation Strategy: AI, Automation & Flying Taxis

    Jun 2

    Inside DFW Airport's Innovation Strategy: AI, Automation & Flying Taxis

    How is one of the world’s busiest airports using AI, automation, and advanced mobility to shape the future of travel? In this episode of Fort Worth Innovates, host Cameron Cushman sits down with Paul Puopolo, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, to explore how innovation is transforming the passenger experience at one of the largest and busiest airports on the planet. From AI-powered congestion prediction and autonomous vehicles to biometric screening, smart parking systems, and the future of flying taxis, Paul shares how DFW Airport is leveraging emerging technologies to improve efficiency, reduce friction, and prepare for the next generation of mobility. The conversation also dives into how airports collaborate with startups, why innovation requires dedicated leadership, and how North Texas is positioning itself as a global leader in aviation, aerospace, and advanced air mobility. Whether you're interested in technology, entrepreneurship, smart cities, transportation, aviation, or the future of innovation in Texas, this episode offers an inside look at how one of the world's most complex transportation hubs is reinventing travel. Learn more about DFW Airport: https://www.dfwairport.com/ Learn more about Fort Worth-Tarrant County Partnership: https://fwtc-innovate.com/

    28 min
  2. The Future of Innovation Districts in Texas | Pegasus Park & Fort Worth

    May 20

    The Future of Innovation Districts in Texas | Pegasus Park & Fort Worth

    What does it actually take to build an innovation district that transforms a city? In our newest episode of Fort Worth Innovates, Cameron Cushman sits down with Dr. David Snow, Executive Director of Pegasus Park, to explore how innovation hubs drive entrepreneurship, attract talent, create jobs, and generate billions in economic impact. From biotech startups and research commercialization to workforce development and place-based innovation, this conversation dives deep into how ecosystems like Pegasus Park are reshaping the future of North Texas — and what Fort Worth can learn as it builds its own innovation economy. Some of the topics covered: ✈️ Why innovation districts matter for long-term economic growth 🧬 How biotech startups scale inside collaborative ecosystems 🏙️ The role of universities, investors, and entrepreneurs in creating “sticky” innovation communities 📈 Why science parks outperform traditional commercial development 🤝 How Fort Worth’s emerging innovation districts could shape the city’s future for decades If you care about the future of Fort Worth, entrepreneurship, research, startups, biotech, aerospace, or economic development — this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 🎧 Listen now, follow our page for more conversations on innovation in Fort Worth, and share this episode with someone building the future in North Texas. Learn more about Pegasus Park here: https://pegasuspark.com/ Learn more about the Fort Worth-Tarrant County Innovation Partnership here: https://fwtc-innovate.com/

    38 min
  3. How a $1.6B Global Defense Tech Company Innovates in Fort Worth

    Apr 28

    How a $1.6B Global Defense Tech Company Innovates in Fort Worth

    In this episode of Fort Worth Innovates, host Cameron Cushman sits down with Raanan Horowitz, former President and CEO of Elbit America, to explore how a small startup evolved into a $1.6 billion leader in aerospace and defense technology. With decades of experience in innovation, national security, and advanced engineering, Raanan shares how Elbit built cutting-edge solutions—from enhanced flight vision systems to mission-critical defense technologies—by focusing on the needs of the end user and embracing an iterative approach to innovation. The conversation dives into what truly drives innovation inside high-stakes industries like aerospace and defense, including the shift from traditional “waterfall” development to faster, feedback-driven iteration. Raanan also highlights the importance of workforce development, emphasizing the need to not only train skilled engineers but to connect them directly to real-world problems and mission-driven work. His perspective sheds light on how companies can attract talent that is both technically capable and deeply motivated to make an impact. Looking ahead, the episode explores the future of aviation and defense, including advancements in AI, digital twin technology, human-machine integration, and even urban air mobility. From autonomous systems to innovations happening at DFW Airport, Raanan offers a compelling vision of what’s next—and why the timing is right for Fort Worth to lead. Whether you’re interested in entrepreneurship, emerging technology, or the future of aerospace, this episode offers valuable insights into how innovation is built, scaled, and sustained. Learn more about Elbit America here: https://www.elbitamerica.com/ Learn more about the Fort Worth-Tarrant County Innovation Partnership here: https://fwtc-innovate.com/

    29 min
  4. How Trinity Metro Is Transforming the Future of Fort Worth Transportation

    Apr 14

    How Trinity Metro Is Transforming the Future of Fort Worth Transportation

    In this episode of Fort Worth Innovates, host Cameron Cushman sits down with Rich Andreski, President & CEO of Trinity Metro, and Annette Landeros, Chief Strategy Officer, to discuss how public transportation is transforming mobility, economic development, tourism, and quality of life across Fort Worth and Tarrant County. From the $2 airport ride on TexRail to the expansion of color-coded bus lines like the Orange Line, Blue Line, and upcoming Pink Line (La Línea Rosa), this conversation explores how Trinity Metro is making public transit simpler, more accessible, and more innovative for residents and visitors alike. The conversation also dives into exciting future projects, including: TexRail’s expansion to the Medical DistrictTRE double-track improvementsfaster regional rail connectivitytransit-oriented development around train stationsa reimagined Central Stationhow transit supports Fort Worth’s Innovation District, tourism growth, and the 2026 World CupThis episode offers a fascinating look at how transportation infrastructure is becoming a key driver of Fort Worth’s future as a world-class city. If you enjoy stories about innovation, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, and the future of Fort Worth, be sure to follow, subscribe, and share this episode. Every listen helps us continue telling the stories of the people and organizations building the future of Panther City. Learn more about Trinity Metro here: https://ridetrinitymetro.org/ Learn more about the Fort Worth-Tarrant County Innovation Partnership here: https://fwtc-innovate.com/

    35 min
  5. AI in Healthcare & National Security: How General Genomics Is Solving the World’s Hardest Problems

    Mar 31

    AI in Healthcare & National Security: How General Genomics Is Solving the World’s Hardest Problems

    In this episode of Fort Worth Innovates, host Cameron Cushman sits down with Dr. Chris Naler, COO and Vice President of Growth and EdTech at General Genomics, a Fort Worth–based AI and biotech company transforming healthcare, bioinformatics, and national security through predictive analytics and machine learning. A retired Marine Corps Colonel, Dr. Naler shares how General Genomics is using its proprietary AI platforms to analyze massive healthcare data sets, identify disease risk earlier, and support breakthroughs in areas like Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. The conversation explores the difference between AI and machine learning, how predictive models can move healthcare from reactive to proactive, and why Fort Worth is emerging as a major hub for innovation, research, and applied technology. Dr. Naler also discusses the company’s work with government, healthcare, and university partners, as well as its upcoming AI for Executives workshop designed to help leaders better understand and implement AI in their organizations. Sign up for the AI for Executives workshop on May 29th, 2026: https://airtable.com/appHXOMocrWjKAb5P/pagc9KrNmwuxFWXQL/form Learn more about General Genomics: https://ggenomics.com/ Learn more about Fort Worth-Tarrant County Innovation Partnership: https://fwtc-innovate.com/

    31 min
  6. How We’ll Grow 50% More Food by 2050 — And the Ranch Tech Making It Possible

    Mar 3

    How We’ll Grow 50% More Food by 2050 — And the Ranch Tech Making It Possible

    In this episode of Fort Worth Innovates, Cameron Cushman sits down with Andrew Coppin, Co-Founder and CEO of Ranchbot Monitoring Solutions, to explore how IoT, satellite connectivity, and edge computing are transforming modern ranching. Now headquartered in Fort Worth, Ranchbot provides remote water and infrastructure monitoring for ranchers, delivering real-time alerts for wells, tanks, pumps, and livestock water systems—helping operators save up to 60–70% of their time while improving water stewardship and animal health. Serving more than 12,000 ranches across the U.S. and Australia, the company is expanding into AI-powered herd monitoring and precision agriculture, while collaborating with the Texas A&M University System to advance research in sustainability and animal ag innovation. With global food demand rising and water resources under pressure, this conversation highlights how smart ranch technology is shaping the future of agriculture in Texas and beyond. Learn more about Ranchbot here: https://ranch-bot.com/ Learn more about Texas A&M University here: https://fort-worth.tamus.edu/ Learn more about the Fort Worth - Tarrant County Innovation Partnership here: https://fwtc-innovate.com/

    40 min
  7. John Goff on Building Texas A&M Fort Worth and the Future of the Fort Worth Innovation District

    Feb 18

    John Goff on Building Texas A&M Fort Worth and the Future of the Fort Worth Innovation District

    In this episode of Fort Worth Innovates, Cameron Cushman sits down with John Goff, Chairman of the Fort Worth-Tarrant County Innovation Partnership, to discuss the bold vision behind Texas A&M University Fort Worth and the city’s emerging innovation district. What began as a pandemic-era initiative led by former Mayor Betsy Price to evaluate Fort Worth’s economic future revealed a major gap: the largest U.S. city without a Tier One research university. That insight sparked a transformational partnership to expand Texas A&M’s presence downtown—moving beyond the law school to create a world-class research campus designed to fuel industry collaboration, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and long-term economic growth. Goff shares how the Innovation District aims to connect corporate leaders with research talent across aerospace, healthcare, agriculture, technology, and beyond—while catalyzing mixed-use development, housing, retail, and investment in Southeast Downtown. With decades of experience in real estate and capital markets, he explains why universities—not corporations—become the defining institutions of cities, and how Texas A&M Fort Worth could shape the region for generations to come. Learn more about Texas A&M Fort Worth here: https://fort-worth.tamus.edu/ Learn more about the Fort Worth-Tarrant County Innovation Partnership here: https://fwtc-innovate.com/

    29 min
  8. How Fort Worth Startup Market Match Is Changing Consumer Forecasting

    Jan 27

    How Fort Worth Startup Market Match Is Changing Consumer Forecasting

    In this episode of Fort Worth Innovates, host Cameron Cushman sits down with Demetrie King, founder of Market Match, a Fort Worth–based startup revolutionizing market research through swipe-based technology. Inspired by the simplicity of apps like Tinder, Market Match allows consumers to quickly swipe through product options, giving businesses real-time insight into what customers actually want—before they make costly purchasing decisions. King shares how his background as a vending machine entrepreneur exposed a major disconnect between consumer demand and supplier assumptions, leading him to build a gamified, mobile-first survey platform that dramatically increases engagement. Compared to traditional tools like Google Forms, Market Match generates hundreds of responses in minutes, helping universities, event organizers, brands, and vendors reduce waste, improve forecasting, and better serve their audiences. 🎧 If you’re interested in startups, customer discovery, market research innovation, Fort Worth entrepreneurship, or reducing waste through technology, this episode is a must-listen. 🎧 Subscribe, listen, and share to help spotlight the innovators shaping the future of Fort Worth. Learn more about Market Match here: https://marketmatch.app/ Learn more about the Fort Worth-Tarrant County Innovation Partnership here: https://fwtc-innovate.com/

    24 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Fort Worth Innovates, a podcast powered by the Fort Worth–Tarrant County Innovation Partnership, shines a light on the entrepreneurs, researchers, and leaders shaping the future of Fort Worth. Each episode shares the stories of the innovators that are driving bold ideas and breakthrough solutions across industries, showcasing how Cowtown is becoming a hub for creativity, collaboration, and growth. Learn more about the Fort Worth-Tarrant County Innovation Partnership at https://fwtc-innovate.com/ Email us at fwinnovates@gmail.com for an idea on a guest or innovation to feature. Follow us on social media @FortWorthInnovates to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes.

Information

  • Creator
    Fort Worth - Tarrant County Innovation Partnership
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Fort Worth - Tarrant County Innovation Partnership 2025
  • Show Website
    Fort Worth Innovates

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