image: 1MC brings together innovators to help startups share ideas and work through problems in a safe space.
Credit: Photo Courtesy UT Arlington
The University of Texas at Arlington is now home to an international program designed to engage and connect local entrepreneurs. UTA’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology Development (CETD) has begun hosting weekly Wednesday meetings as part of the 1 Million Cups program (1MC), with the first held yesterday. These meetings bring together students, faculty and community members to discuss business ideas and share feedback.
“The premise of 1MC is that bringing together innovators helps startups share ideas and work through problems in a safe space,” said Matthew Clark, faculty director for CETD. “Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a faculty member eager to support innovation or a member of the community interested in learning about new business ideas, you’ll find that this event offers an incredible opportunity to engage with students, colleagues and like-minded individuals.”
Founded in 2012 by the Kansas City-based Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, 1MC is based on the belief that entrepreneurs discover solutions through community engagement.
At the CETD-hosted meetings, attendees will hear presentations from local startups and entrepreneurs, provide feedback, discuss additional ideas and collaborate on overcoming potential challenges. The event also offers networking opportunities with UTA students, faculty, community members and investors. True to its name, coffee will be provided to help fuel the conversations.
Bringing 1MC to UTA expands CETD’s resources and enhances its support for local entrepreneurs and startups.
“UTA and North Texas are incredible places to engage in entrepreneurship and innovation,” said Paul J. Corson, UTA’s chief innovation and entrepreneurship officer. “Adding 1MC is an exciting new way we can help advance homegrown talent, technologies and startups.”
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
Located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, The University of Texas at Arlington is a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through scholarship and creative work. With an enrollment of approximately 41,000 students, UT Arlington is the second-largest institution in the UT System. UTA’s combination of outstanding academics and innovative research contributes to its designation as a Carnegie R-1 “Very High Research Activity” institution, a significant milestone of excellence. The University is designated as a Hispanic Serving-Institution and an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education and has earned the Seal of Excelencia for its commitment to accelerating Latino student success. The University ranks in the top five nationally for veterans and their families (Military Times, 2024), is No. 4 in Texas for advancing social mobility (U.S. News & World Report, 2025), and is No. 6 in the United States for its undergraduate ethnic diversity (U.S. News & World Report, 2025). UT Arlington’s approximately 270,000 alumni occupy leadership positions at many of the 21 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas and contribute to the University’s $28.8 billion annual economic impact on Texas.