Microsoft El Paso Innovation Hub

Microsoft El Paso Innovation Hub A network of partners empowering Paso del Norte's nonprofits & entrepreneurs with digital skills and innovation

Established in 2023, the Microsoft El Paso Innovation Hub is a network of local partners fostering innovation and collaboration in the Paso del Norte region. Our mission is to empower nonprofits and entrepreneurs with the digital skills they need to compete in a global economy. A project of the El Paso Community Foundation and funded by Microsoft and Workforce Solutions Borderplex, the Hub current

ly collaborates with and supports a wide range of programs, from workforce development and digital skilling to entrepreneurship, AI, and emerging tech. Community partners include:

• Pioneers 21
• The University of Texas at El Paso
• Tech Frontier
• Fab Lab El Paso
• Philosophic Systems Institute
• El Paso Community College
• Success Through Technology Education (STTE) Foundation
• Technology Hub
• FUNAX
• El Paso Labs
• Transformd

We’re always looking to grow our network and support bold new ideas. If you're interested in collaborating, emails us at [email protected].

Bridging borders, building opportunities!Thanks to the leadership and collaboration of the Government of the State of Ch...
09/03/2026

Bridging borders, building opportunities!

Thanks to the leadership and collaboration of the Government of the State of Chihuahua (Gobierno del Estado de Chihuahua), the Consulate General of Mexico in El Paso (Consulado General de México en El Paso), CANACINTRA Juárez, and Pymais, the 3rd Misión Comercial Binacional Chihuahua-El Paso brought entrepreneurs and business leaders from both sides of the border together to connect, explore new markets, and strengthen cross-border business relationships.

The Microsoft El Paso Innovation Hub was honored to serve as the host venue for this important initiative and to welcome the entrepreneurs, partners, and organizations working to expand opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses throughout our binational region.

Here's to more connections, more opportunities, and a stronger binational business community!

📩 Want updates on future events, programs, and opportunities? Subscribe to our newsletter here: https://elpasoinnovationhub.org/calendar

Upcoming El Paso Opportunities!⭐  Lunch & Learn - Wed, Sep 9 | 12:15PM Explore different website builders and learn what...
09/02/2026

Upcoming El Paso Opportunities!

⭐ Lunch & Learn - Wed, Sep 9 | 12:15PM
Explore different website builders and learn what they can do. Gain practical knowledge about website creation and the tools available to get started. By Transformd

⭐No Code, Just Curiosity - Thurs, Sep 10 | 6PM
Build a real app with Base44 in 90 minutes—ideal for freelancers, nonprofit leaders, HR, and creatives. No coding experience needed. By Jess Whorton & Base44.

⭐ AI: For Professional Communication - Sat, Sep 26 | 10AM
Learn AI fundamentals and practical ways to use machine learning for communication in the workplace. By Tech Frontier.

⭐ Mission Amplified: Gov Grants for Tech Startups (SBIR 101) - Wed, Sep 29 | TBA
Access one of the largest sources of startup funding, without giving up equity. By 1881 Ventures.

⭐ Think & Drink Trivia Night - Wed, Sep 30 | 4PM
Startup Week Edition! Put your knowledge to the test across a variety of trivia topics and be a part of the innovation community. By the Hub, Medical Center of the Americas Foundation, & The League of Business.

⭐ AI Trainning for Elementary Teachers – Fri, Oct 16 | 9:30AM
Join a hands-on professional development opportunity designed to help educators bring AI into the classroom. By Televisa Foundation in collaboration with the Hub.

For full event details and registration, visit https://elpasoinnovationhub.org/calendar

Engineer. Researcher. Educator.For more than a decade, Dr. César Terrazas-Nájera has dedicated his career to advancing a...
08/31/2026

Engineer. Researcher. Educator.

For more than a decade, Dr. César Terrazas-Nájera has dedicated his career to advancing additive manufacturing through research, education, and industry collaboration.

As an Assistant Professor in the UTEP Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Department at UTEP - The University of Texas at El Paso , his work focuses on additive manufacturing, materials science, and advanced manufacturing technologies. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications on powder bed fusion, in situ process monitoring, and the thermal behavior of metallic alloys in additive manufacturing.

Beyond academia, Dr. Terrazas actively contributes to the global additive manufacturing community by presenting his research at international conferences and collaborating with organizations across the field. His professional experience spans research, technical writing, 3D designs, and engineering communication.

Dr. Terrazas earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, and Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from The University of Texas at El Paso.

Aerospace Center W.M. Keck Center for 3D Innovation at UTEP

📬 Want more stories like this? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on programs, events, and Local Legends shaping the Borderplex: https://mailchi.mp/epinnovationhub/newsletter

🎉 Congratulations to all participants and winners of last week's AI Digital Marketing Skills Camp! Made possible by Work...
08/28/2026

🎉 Congratulations to all participants and winners of last week's AI Digital Marketing Skills Camp!

Made possible by Workforce Solutions Borderplex and the NextForce program, this 4-day bootcamp equipped participants with practical digital marketing and AI skills in social media strategy, web design, graphic design, and email marketing, helping them build the knowledge and confidence needed to market their ideas, grow businesses, and compete in today's digital economy.

A special thank you to our judges for sharing their time and expertise: Rachel Wolfe (Ellevelle Consulting), Mando Alvarez (Hello Amigo), Adriana Acosta (CREO & CO. Marketing Firm), as well as Jacqueline Goodship, Alondra McDuffie, and Janell Valles (Workforce Solutions Borderplex). Your industry experience provided valuable feedback and fresh perspectives, helping participants refine their ideas and highlight next steps.

We're also proud to recognize our award winners:
🏆 Marketing MVP Award
• Mariana Chavez (AM Cohort)
• Karla Paulina Valles Alvarez (PM Cohort)

🥈 2nd Place Marketing Award
• Dorothy Moreno (AM Cohort)
• Joselin Carmen Trejo Villalobos (PM Cohort)

Each winner was awarded one year of Canva Pro, one year of Squarespace, and a custom domain to support the continued growth of their project beyond the camp.

Programs like this create pathways to opportunity by equipping aspiring professionals with valuable digital skills, real-world experience, and professional connections. In just four days, participants gained the tools, confidence, and support to take their ideas further, and we're excited to see what they accomplish next.

Explore upcoming opportunities: https://elpasoinnovationhub.org/calendar

Here come the opportunities! ⭐ Border Innovation Health Summit - Thur, Aug 27 | 8AM - TOMORROW!Connect with industry lea...
08/26/2026

Here come the opportunities!

⭐ Border Innovation Health Summit - Thur, Aug 27 | 8AM - TOMORROW!
Connect with industry leaders, investors, and innovators shaping the future of biotech and health innovation. By Medical Center of the Americas Foundation.

⭐ Philosophic Brown Bag Series – Fri, Aug 28 | 12 PM - LAST SESSION!
Join us for the finale: thought-provoking topics, new perspectives, and lively discussion in our ongoing series. By the Philosophic Systems Institute in collaboration with the Hub.

⭐ AI: Machine Learning - Sat, Aug 29 | 10AM
Learn AI fundamentals and practical ways to use machine learning for research, writing, productivity, and career growth. By Tech Frontier.

⭐1 Million Cups Presentations - Wed, Sep 2 | 9AM
Weekly opportunity to showcase your business, meet fellow entrepreneurs, and grow your network. By 1 Million Cups El Paso.

⭐ Mission Amplified: Gov Grants for Tech Startups (SBIR 101) - Wed, Sep 29 | TBA
Access one of the largest sources of startup funding, without giving up equity. By 1881 Ventures.

⭐ Think & Drink Trivia Night - Wed, Sep 30 | 4PM
Startup Week Edition! Put your knowledge to the test across a variety of trivia topics and be a part of the innovation community. By the Hub, Medical Center of the Americas Foundation, & The League of Business.

For full event details and registration, visit https://elpasoinnovationhub.org/calendar

08/25/2026

Hear from Joselin and Karla!

During our AI Digital Marketing Skills Camp, these young entrepreneurs gained hands-on experience in social media strategy, web design, graphic design, email marketing, and AI-powered marketing. They put their new skills into practice by building cohesive brands and creating professional marketing assets for their own small businesses.

This camp was made possible by Workforce Solutions Borderplex through their NextForce program, which allowed participants to attend at no cost! We’re grateful for their support in bringing this opportunity to life and helping young entrepreneurs develop in-demand digital skills.

As winners of the camp competition, Joselin and Karla also earned a year of Canva Pro, a year of Squarespace, and their own custom domain.

Want to hear more about programs like this?
Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on programs, events, and community impact: https://mailchi.mp/epinnovationhub/newsletter

Join us for Think & Drink, Startup Week Edition!Visit https://www.startupep.org/ for more events on this special week: S...
08/25/2026

Join us for Think & Drink, Startup Week Edition!
Visit https://www.startupep.org/ for more events on this special week: Sept 27 - Oct 3.

Sign up here: https://epcf.org/Think&Drink

DETAILS
- When: Wednesday, September 30th
- Time: 4PM – 6PM
- Location: Microsoft El Paso Innovation Hub, 500 W. Overland, Suite 210
- Cost: $10 to reserve your seat (drinks & pizza will be served)

ABOUT THE GAME
- Topics: Startup Jargon, El Paso Business & Orgs, Logo & Brands
- Rounds: 3 rounds, teams of 4 (larger orgs can form multiple teams)
- Guests: Individuals, small businesses, community orgs, students, tech pros, YOU
- Solo: No team? Sign up solo and we’ll pair you up

Brought to you in partnership with the Medical Center of the Americas Foundation, The League of Business , and the Microsoft El Paso Innovation Hub

Playback to an exciting afternoon of gaming, competition, and connection! 🎮🏁Participants joined us for our Gaming Showca...
08/20/2026

Playback to an exciting afternoon of gaming, competition, and connection! 🎮🏁

Participants joined us for our Gaming Showcase & Tournament, where they had the chance to compete for the fastest lap in Gran Turismo 7, take on the Ninja Trial VR Escape Room, and show off their skills with Binho Soccer.

Huge thanks to MJ's Gaming Cafe, Centre Future , and the UTEP Goldtrail racing team for partnering to bring this one-of-a-kind event to life!

At The Hub, we believe innovation should be accessible to everyone. Events like these help foster curiosity, encourage lifelong learning, and create meaningful opportunities for our community to engage with emerging technologies in a welcoming environment.

📩 Want to stay updated on upcoming programs and events? Register for our newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/epinnovationhub/newsletter

The Microsoft El Paso Innovation Hub is a project of the El Paso Community Foundation supported by Microsoft.

Discover how SBIR grants can help turn innovative ideas into funded opportunities!Stephanie Schilling, 1881 Ventures  Di...
08/19/2026

Discover how SBIR grants can help turn innovative ideas into funded opportunities!

Stephanie Schilling, 1881 Ventures Director, will guide you through the grant process, from finding the right funding opportunities to understanding what reviewers look for and developing a strong, actionable proposal.

This special Mission Amplified session is brought to you during El Paso Startup Week! Join us to be part of El Paso’s startup community. Follow .the.eso for more.

EVENT DETAILS
- Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
-Time: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
-Location: Microsoft El Paso Innovation Hub (500 W. Overland, Ste. 210)
-Materials: A laptop for hands-on activities

Reserve your spot for only $10!
Click here to join: https://epcf.org/EPInnovationHub

Address

500 W Overland Avenue, Suite 210
El Paso, TX
79901

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Microsoft El Paso Innovation Hub posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share