Texas Government: The Legislature & Innovation
Texas Venture Gala & Forum 2026 Panel “Texas Government: The Legislature & Innovation”, Moderated by Texas Venture Gala & Forum Curator & Founder, CS Freeland
The panel featured The Honorable Texas State House of Representatives; Innovation & Technology Caucus Policy Committee Member, Representative Donna Howard, and ClutchVC General Partner Rajiv Bala, who discussed the growing role of public policy in supporting Texas’ innovation economy.
The conversation explored how Texas’ legislative structure shapes innovation policy, including the challenge of advancing bills during a legislature that meets for only a few months every two years. Representative Howard discussed the importance of bipartisan cooperation and helping lawmakers understand emerging technology, while the panel emphasized stronger coordination among government, universities, investors, and entrepreneurs.
She was also recognized as our Statecraft Innovator 2026, the “Legislator of the Year”.
“Honored to have received the Texas Venture Forum’s Legislator of the Year award. The continuation of the Texas miracle depends on policies that support innovation as well as our ability to attract and retain the world’s top talent, Representative Howard said. “We must cultivate a culture that includes diverse perspectives and representations, while also offering equitable opportunities for all. Thank you to CS Freeland for the recognition! I look forward to working with you and the Venture Forum in the upcoming session!” See her recap post here.
Bala was recognized as “Investor of the Year” for his longstanding work throughout Texas government history and continues to lead the investor community and our state in addition to being a revered and regularly recognized venture capitalist. More on that here.
This Texas Venture Gala & Forum panel recap was made possible by our Editorial Partner, Texas State University. Their McCoy College of Business Center for Student Entrepreneurship program exists to prepare the next generation of founders to build ventures that matter. Learn more about their innovation and commercialization here. Check out the entire Texas Venture Gala & Forum 2026 recap here.
