Event Details
The VentureLab IGNITE Social Innovation Challenge is a high-energy, hands-on experience designed specifically for high school students who want to solve real issues facing their local and global community — and learn how to turn ideas into action. Working in teams with community mentors — students investigate real problems, conduct market research, test ideas, develop solutions, and present a formal pitch.
Day one focuses on learning and mentorship; day two emphasizes presentation, competition, and networking.
This Is Not Just About Starting a Business. It’s an experience that builds core entrepreneurial mindsets and skills — creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, empathy, communication, and failure resilience — that can be applied to any project or career path.
Students leave as confident problem-solvers with a new lens for what they are capable of beyond the classroom and newly discovered possibilities for their future.
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Spark your creativity, build your confidence, and discover what you’re capable of -- ​​​Ignite your Entrepreneurial Spirit!
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You don’t need a business idea, coding skills, or business experience. Just show up ready to learn, collaborate and make a positive impact. No experience required.
When: Friday and Saturday March 20-21, 2026
Where: Trinity University
More detailed Venue, Parking and Driving information
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Friday March 20, 10am - 5pm: Registration begins at 9am
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Saturday March 21, 10am - 1pm: Ignite Innovation Showcase
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Please see the Detailed Schedule for more information.
Meet the Team
At VentureLab IGNITE, we help students imagine the possibilities, build their ideas, and launch their futures. Powered by a passionate team of educators, entrepreneurs, and builders, we believe that learning should be hands-on, real-world, and empowering and that one spark can change everything — which is why we develop and run high-energy, high-impact entrepreneurship experiences that light the path for new ways of thinking, learning, and future careers. For us, entrepreneurship is more than starting a business; it’s a mindset and methodology that ignites confidence, unlocks potential, and empowers students to take action in whatever future they choose.
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Monica Garcia - Program Ambassador
Monica M. Garcia is a San Antonio–born innovation instigator with 30+ years of experience across project management, finance, operations, and the creative arts. Raised in a multigenerational entrepreneurial family, she champions youth entrepreneurship by connecting young founders to community, resources, and the power of their own stories. Through her work at the intersection of arts, education, and compassion, Monica equips the next generation with critical thinking, creative confidence, and the courage to dream bigger.
Nick Honegger - Technical Director
Nick Honegger is an accomplished serial entrepreneur with a passion for driving positive change. Along with VentureLab IGNITE, he is the Sr. Director of Revenue at Geekdom, where he is dedicated to fostering San Antonio’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, ensuring the city has the resources and support needed for businesses to thrive. He also works with Content on Call, a non-profit that amplifies the voices of charities in need of experienced marketing professionals. With a background as an executive in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors, Nick has built purpose-driven brands that transform industries. From launching companies, managing mergers, and navigating successful exits, he has built a career within the startup space. His passion lies in ensuring San Antonio has strong outlets for growth, for both the non-profit and for-profit sectors.
Dr. Cristal Glangchai - Director
Dr. Luz Cristal Glangchai is an engineer, entrepreneur, and professor. As the Founder of VentureLab.org and best-selling author of VentureGirls - Empowering Girls to be Tomorrow's Leaders, she empowers students to follow their passion through entrepreneurial mindsets. Dr. Glangchai has over 20 years experience teaching entrepreneurship and previously led the Blackstone LaunchPad at UT Austin and the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Trinity University. Prior to teaching, she founded a nanotechnology drug delivery company. Dr. Glangchai holds a B.A. in Plan II, a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, and an M.S. and PhD in Biomedical Engineering focusing on drug delivery and nanotechnology. She also holds executive certificates in Design Thinking from MIT, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship from Stanford University.
FAQ's
Is food provided? Yes, meals and snacks are provided for participants.
Do I need to bring anything?
 Just yourself, your curiosity and your willingness to learn and collaborate. A phone and/or laptop or ipad for research is recommended but not required.
How safe are the locations/staff? 
VentureLab Ignite prides itself in creating a safe environment for students.
1. All employees and volunteers have background checks done.
2. Each location is chosen to ensure security.
3. There is a 0 tolerance policy regarding discrimination of any kind.
Do students need to bring extra money to the course?
 No, in fact we encourage you to leave money at home to prevent losing it.
Can parents stay and observe?
 Parents can attend the Showcase on Day 2.
Can educators stay and observe?
 Educators can observe and volunteer to help students throughout the event.
Are there prizes? Yes, there are prizes and awards totalling $1500.
Contact Us
General Inquiries and Day of Event
Dr. Cristal Glangchai
512-789-8656