University of Texas Rio Grande Valley increases support for cross-border entrepreneurship

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) continues to play an active role in the cross-border economic ecosystem through entrepreneurship, innovation, and business support programs for companies interested in entering the U.S. market, stated Linda Ufland, Director of Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Commercialization, during the 31st Foreign Trade Congress of the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade (COMCE).

UTRGV is part of the University of Texas System, which includes 14 institutions across the state. According to Ufland, the university distinguishes itself through a strong regional vocation, with presence along the border with Tamaulipas — in cities such as Brownsville, McAllen, Harlingen, Reynosa, and Matamoros — and an enrollment of nearly 35,000 students. The institution operates through a distributed campus model, with main sites in Brownsville and Edinburg, as well as a medical school in Harlingen.

Business support programs

Although its primary mission is academic, Ufland explained that UTRGV has a division focused on economic development that collaborates with the industrial sector and regional organizations to promote new opportunities.

“We have entrepreneurship, incubation, and acceleration programs for local companies wishing to open or grow their business. Among the highlighted initiatives is the soft-landing program, designed to support Mexican companies seeking to establish operations in the United States. This program provides guidance, connections, and accompaniment to facilitate informed setup regarding processes, ecosystem, and regulatory considerations.”

Growing interest from Mexican companies

Despite the current political and economic environment in the United States, Ufland highlighted that demand from Mexican companies seeking access to the U.S. market has increased, noting that — contrary to expectations — it has not declined.

In response, the institution aims to bring resources, information, and programs closer to decision-makers to reduce risks when entering that market.

Ufland emphasized that UTRGV has positioned itself as an active agent in the border region by contributing to regional development through talent formation, industrial linkage, and support for new business initiatives.