Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) has partnered with Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School to create CDL-Texas. CDL is a nonprofit organization that delivers an objectives-based program for massively scalable, seed-stage, science- and technology-based companies. Its nine-month program allows founders to learn from experienced entrepreneurs, increasing their likelihood of success. This expansion will feature a specialized Energy Stream, focusing on driving scientific discovery and innovation in the energy sector. Located in College Station, CDL-Texas will leverage the unique strengths of the Texas A&M University community, renowned for its expertise in energy, engineering, and research, to foster groundbreaking advancements in sustainable energy solutions.

Applications for the inaugural CDL-Texas Energy Stream cohort will open in April 2025, with the program set to begin in September 2025. 

Get Involved

For Innovative Founders

CDL-Texas connects visionary entrepreneurs with world-class mentorship. We seek founders developing novel, defensible, and scalable technologies with breakthrough potential. Our carefully curated program delivers:

• Strategic objective-setting to accelerate your venture’s growth.
• Personalized mentorship from successful entrepreneurs who have built and sold major companies.
• Strategic connections to investment opportunities.
• Expert guidance from leading scientists, engineers, and inventors.
• Access to the world-renowned energy and space ecosystems in the heart of Texas.
• Dedicated support from top-tier Mays Business School students.

For Mays Students

CDL-Texas offers Mays students an experiential, career-enhancing learning opportunity. Students not only get invaluable first-hand experience of the startup mindset while earning course credit, but also play an active role in helping innovative ventures succeed and scale. Through this transformative program, Mays students gain:

• Access to all CDL-Texas activities, from venture screening and selection to program sessions and sprints. 
• Immersive exposure to deep science/tech ventures at the forefront of innovation through expert-led sessions and objective achieving sprints.
• Hands-on experience with founders, supporting them with critical objectives and business growth projects (during the 8-week sprints between sessions).

• Direct engagement with accomplished mentors, an elite group of distinguished scientists, engineers and inventors, as well as highly successful entrepreneurs, angel investors and partners from leading VC firms.
• Practical experience translating groundbreaking research into commercial value, through regular interaction with early-stage technology startups and real-world implementation of changes to scale their idea into a high growth company.
• Potential internships and job opportunities with technology startups (or via mentor networks).

Register for the BUSN 489/689 courses today and join the Mays “Venture Generation & Growth” movement!