Silicon Valley has dominated the U.S. startup ecosystem for many decades. Despite repeated efforts, only a few cities outside the Valley (New York and Boston) have historically had the critical mix of funding, network, and talent to fuel vibrant startup communities. However, this is becoming less true today, as more and more entrepreneurs find their way across the U.S. There are now many metro areas with growing infrastructure and increasingly skilled workforces that can support tech startups. The “hottest” places to live in the United States are not only big cities like Austin, Chicago, Miami and Boulder. Our very own Lubbock has the beginnings of a thriving startup and innovation community. Hear how our community is working together to build a vibrant ecosystem and how you can be a part of it. Join community leaders, and entrepreneurs from Chicago, Austin, and Lubbock. They will share their stories on serving as conduits for a collaborative technology and innovation community that leverages a university’s strengths to become the catalyst for economic change, creates jobs, and helps spur economic vitality of the surrounding neighborhoods in which they live and how Lubbock is planning its future. This fun and interesting talk will leave you inspired and proud of our community. Come be a part of the change you want to see! Networking and refreshments following the session.