What Is PRISM?
PRISM (Partnership for Regional Innovation in Semiconductor Manufacturing) is a $5 million initiative led by The University of Texas at Austin, in collaboration with Austin Technology Incubator and National Security Innovation Council (NSIC). Funded over four years, PRISM accelerates innovation and scaling in semiconductor manufacturing for defense technologies.
Who Is It For?
PRISM is designed for Texas-based companies that are ready to scale beyond incremental growth and enter the defense supply chain. Eligible businesses must:
- Have a NAICS code starting with 33XXXX
- Or support businesses in the PRISM/DoD semiconductor supply chain
Texas State SBDC’s Role in PRISM
We support qualified Texas businesses by:
- Providing one-on-one business advising
- Connecting companies with PRISM partners
- Preparing businesses for Department of Defense (DoD) opportunities
Where We Serve
While all Texas companies can participate, our primary focus is on:
- Dallas/Fort Worth
- Austin/San Antonio
These regions represent 26 counties and nearly half of Texas’s population, with strong ties to semiconductor innovation and defense manufacturing.
Phase 2: Advanced Business Advising
Now launching Phase 2, we offer targeted advising for companies that:
- Completed our PRISM professional development training
- Meet PRISM eligibility requirements
Through personalized sessions, we’ll:
✅ Assess your readiness for DoD contracting
✅ Align your strategy with defense opportunities
✅ Connect you with the right PRISM partners
Meet Your Advisor: Med Raza
Med Raza serves as a consultant to the Texas State SBDC, supporting the Department of Defense PRISM grant to accelerate and optimize the semiconductor supply chain in Texas. Drawing on experience in market research and small business development, Med Raza helps design and deliver targeted workshops and advisory support that bridge technical, commercial, and workforce gaps for semiconductor and microelectronics clients across the state. His efforts foster collaborative strategies between industry, academia, and defense partners, advancing the resilience and competitiveness of Texas’ small business ecosystem within national security-focused technology sectors.
PRISM Partners
The initiative partners with top research institutions and accelerators to provide small businesses access to advanced prototyping, manufacturing, and startup acceleration. These partnerships offer workforce training, supply chain integration, and commercialization opportunities for business growth.
On-demand Training
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Workshop 1: Overview of Scaling and Operational Excellence
- Systemization and Automation
- Team Building and Delegation
- Client Acquisition and Retention
- Personal Development and Leadership
- Quality Control
- Financial Management and KPI’s
- Market Adaptation
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Workshop 2: Developing High Performance Leadership
- Principles of Persuasion
- Conflict Resolution
- Communication Strategy
- Manage Team Dynamics
- Create Proper Expectations Through Measuring Competency and Commitment
- Goal Setting and Business Planning
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Workshop 3: Maximizing Financial Performance
- Cutting Costs
- Managing Debt
- Boosting Revenue
- Managing Assets
- Managing Financial Positions
- Electronic Financial Organizer
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Workshop 4: Personnel and Risk Management
- Determining Talent Requirements
- Identifying Current Talent Competencies
- Upskilling Strategy
- Retention and Attraction Strategy
- Evaluating Systems and Their Tasks
- Avoidance of Risk
- Reduction of Risk
- Transference of Risk
- Acceptance of Risk
- Diversify Supply Chain Risk
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Workshop 5: Creating a Culture of Innovation
- Encourage the Creation of Ideas
- Cultivate Diverse Interactions
- Inspire with A Purpose
- Engage in Product/Service Improvement
- Implementation Strategies
Meet Your Presenter: Dr. Ron Collier
President of Collier Consulting Group, received his Ph.D. in instructional development from Purdue University. While attending Purdue, Dr. Collier also taught courses in computer technology, business development and instructional strategies.
After 15 years as a business educator and consultant, he became training coordinator for a major manufacturer of heating and air conditioning equipment and continued in that position for over seven years. During his tenure with the company, Ron was instrumental in the development of workshops, mini-courses and videotapes in the areas of business development and financial management, helping over 4000 service contractors develop double digit profitable and successful businesses.
In 1991, Dr. Collier established the Collier Consulting Group, becoming a business consultant to businesses all over North America. His group of professionals provides business development instruction, accounting services, individual consulting, specific software including Collier Flat Rate, Electronic Financial Officer, and ProfitTracker.
Dr. Collier utilizes a variety of tools to teach business management, including writing articles for various trade magazines, teaching workshops, and providing consulting and coaching services. In addition, he has worked closely with PHCC, ACCA, ARI, MSCA, MCA, American Home Shield, ASBDC and Chamber of Commerce offices to provide training, coaching, and continuing education for both service, manufacturing, and retail related businesses. He was also a contributor and developer of the program, How to Start a Small Business, at ASBDC East Texas Chapter which served over 600 businesses in Texas.
His newest contribution to business is his book: Profit is An Attitude: The Strategies You Need to Optimize Profits , detailing what it takes to not only grow, but scale your business successfully.
Texas State University SBDC is a proud member of the Texas South-West SBDC Network, which is funded in part through the State of Texas and a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), is hosted by the University of Texas at San Antonio and accredited nationally by America’s SBDC. The Small Business Development Center services are provided to all U.S. citizens and legal residents in accordance with Federal funding requirements. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.