Patent Attorney and Founder
Hey, El Paso inventors, entrepreneurs, and business owners,
I’m JD Houvener, patent attorney and founder of Bold Patents. If you’re building something new and bold here in El Paso, this one’s for you.
I know the inventor journey can feel isolating. You’re out front, doing something that’s never been done, like the lead bird in a V-formation, cutting the wind for those behind. But here’s the good news: you’re not alone. El Paso has a thriving community of founders, makers, and idea-builders, and there are some powerful local resources you should know about.
Here are five standout places in El Paso that can support your journey:
1. Medical Center of the Americas (MCA) Innovation Center
- Focuses on biomedical and life science startups
- Access to high-tech labs and experienced mentors
- Home of the Cardwell Collaborative, a 60,000 sq ft research hub
- Recent success stories:
- Circular Genomics – RNA-based diagnostics for neurological conditions
- AUS Research – New therapies for respiratory diseases
2. Pioneers 21
- A nonprofit incubator in downtown El Paso
- Great for first-time founders or solo inventors
- Offers guidance in marketing, legal, funding, and more
- Support comes from mentors who care, not investors chasing equity
- Notable startups:
- Parabak – A Flutter code design tool
- Interns – A platform that connects students with internships
3. The Bridge Accelerator
- A 12-week program bridging tech from El Paso and Juárez
- Helps local businesses tap into a $39 billion supply chain
- Offers training in IT, data, and business development
- Standouts include:
- Atlas Sensor Tech – Environmental monitoring tools
- Tasker Logistics – Supply chain optimization solutions
4. Fab Lab El Paso
- A hands-on space for digital design and prototyping
- Loaded with 3D printers, CNC machines, and laser cutters
- Great for bringing physical product ideas to life
- Important tip: Before working with any third party (including Fab Lab), talk with a patent attorney. File for protection first, especially if you plan to share or build your invention.
5. Technology Hub
- A bi-national incubator just across the border in Ciudad Juárez
- Offers co-working, fabrication tools, and startup weekends
- You’ll pitch to real investors and learn how to tell your story
- Standout startups:
- Immersive Wisdom – Enterprise VR collaboration tools
- Zerob – Smart home energy tech
Whether you’re building in biotech, software, or hardware, these resources can give your idea a real shot. But before you jump into development or pitch to the public, ensure that your invention is protected.
At Bold Patents, we’re here to help you understand your IP rights. That includes patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyright. We’ll help you figure out if you need a provisional, non-provisional, or design patent, and get that “patent pending” status in place before you go public.
Ready to take the next step?
Book your free discovery call with us at Bold Patents.
I’m JD Houvener, Go big, Go bold.