EI 2025 Tech Coaches

Bijo Mathew

Founding Director - UTSA SBDC Technology Commercialization Center

Chip Templeton

Center Director - Mississippi SBDC; RISE Center

Jerry Martin

Tech Commercialization Lead - Mississippi SBDC; RISE Center

Bijo Mathew is the visionary Founding Director of the Technology Commercialization Center at the Texas South-West Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Lead Network, located at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). He also serves as the Executive Director to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s State of Texas – Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program. As a seasoned scientific program director, innovative researcher, and Principal Investigator (PI), Mr. Mathew brings a wealth of expertise to his role. With over 20 years of experience in academia, basic and applied R&D, business strategy and development, technology commercialization, innovation, and public-private partnerships, Mr. Mathew is the driving force behind developing technology based economic development strategies and providing executive direction to enhance Science and Technology (S&T) based innovation in Texas. Mr. Mathew oversees programs that provide access to groundbreaking, high-impact, and high-risk funding for applied and translational research opportunities. In collaboration with regional SBDC partners and research universities, his office offers SBIR-STTR Assistance programs, technical and business assistance to increase awareness about proof of concept and early-stage funding opportunities to advance the commercialization of technological and scientific innovations, discoveries, and technology transfer opportunities. Mr. Mathew received his MBA and Master of Science (MS) in Chemical, Biological & Material Science Engineering from the University of Oklahoma. As the Principal Investigator (PI) to the Small Business Administration (SBA) Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program award to support R&D and Small Business Innovation across the State of Texas, Mr. Mathew is committed to the technology based economic development of Texas. His corporate executive roles have included V.P. of Strategy & Business Development and Executive Director of Innovation and Public-Private Partnerships.

Chip Templeton is with the Mississippi Small Business Development Center and serves as the Center Director of the newly created RISE Center – Resources for International Success and Expansion, at the University of Mississippi. The RISE Center expands the services of the SBDC for cybersecurity, digital transformation, international trade, financial analysis, market research and tech commercialization. Prior to that, Templeton served is the organization at Mississippi State University as Center Director. While at MSU, Templeton managed the MSU SBDC Cybersecurity program, a Cares Act sub-award. In addition, he obtained certifications at the TNCPE and EDFP-BAC programs. While at the MSU Extension Service he served in areas of broadband adoption as well as telehealth education. Chip Templeton brings a wealth of knowledge to entrepreneurs by sharing decades of experience in business ownership as well as managing personal investments. Templeton enjoys working with entrepreneurs, in many sectors, that are focused on getting to the next level of success.

Jerry Martin is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of global experience in innovation, entrepreneurship, and higher education. With a Juris Doctor focusing on Intellectual Property, Technology and Information Law from the University of New Hampshire, an Ed.D in Educational Leadership, and an MBA in Global Management, Jerry is passionate about driving economic development through education and technology. Currently, he serves as the Technology Commercialization Lead at Mississippi's SBDC Network’s RISE Center, where he advises startups on intellectual property strategy, market analysis, and SBIR/STTR funding opportunities. Jerry has a proven track record of fostering international partnerships, mentoring entrepreneurs, and leading cross-cultural initiatives. His hands-on experience spans legal IP counseling, startup ecosystem development, and innovative educational program design. A former Coast Guardsman and corporate trainer, Jerry brings a dynamic, results-driven approach to empowering innovators and advancing the tech ecosystem.

Karen Bergh

Innovation Specialist - Arkansas SBTDC

Joseph Haack is the Information Analysis Centers (IAC-FA) Field Science and Technology Advisor to USSOCCOM. n this position, he is a key asset to USSOCOM for discovering and delivering superior warfighting capabilities by providing comprehensive scientific/ technical research and analysis by helping researchers, engineers, scientists, warfighters and program managers solve the most challenging technical problems. The Defense Information Technology Center, DoD IACs provide technology discovery capabilities and an efficient mechanism to acquire affordable, improved defense capabilities that mitigate adversarial threats. The DoD IACs serve the Warfighter by bringing the “think tank” to the Battlespace, and build communities of interest in areas of critical importance to the DoD, including defensive systems, cyber operations, weapon systems, homeland defense and resilient energy. He also directly supports all of the Theater Special Operations Commands (TSOC's) worldwide and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Mr. Joseph L. Haack Information Analysis Centers (IAC) Field Science and Technology Advisor U.S. Special Operations Command, USSOCOM MacDill AFB, FL Prior to his current position Mr. Haack served in the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant Colonel, retiring after serving 25 years. His duties as an Infantry, Armor and SOF-Civil Affairs Officer included Command and Staff positions advising commanders and leading Soldiers during peacetime and in combat. He capped his career as the Civil Military Operations Officer for US CENTRAL COMMAND, CCJ5 Plans Directorate, where he gained a detailed understanding of Joint Planning and Integrations for U.S. and Coalition Forces for conventional and special operations. He earned his BS from Western Michigan University, is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and numerous Army schools for conventional and special operations. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service and Army Commendation/Achievement Medals, Humanitarian Service Medal, UN Mission Medal (MINURSO), NATO Service Medal, Global War on Terror Expeditionary & Service Medals, the National Defense Service Medal and others. He was awarded the Combat Action Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge (88 jumps), the Air Assault Badge and the German Parachutist Badge. Mr. Haack has a love for history, earning the George S. Patton award for Military History, and the Order of St. George (Bronze) from the U.S. Army Armor Association. He has traveled or been assigned to 33 countries worldwide in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, to include training, combat (Iraq) and humanitarian operations/ disaster response (HADR) & Peacekeeping (PKO) deployments to Bosnia, Rwanda, Morocco, Western Sahara, Haiti, and Jordan. This diversity of cultural training, planning, deployments and mission support in combat and HADR/PKO missions gives him unique insight for theater requirements and interoperability between services, government agencies and with coalition/partner nations in peacetime and conflict.

Sandra Smart

Business Development - Missouri SBDC

Joseph Haack is the Information Analysis Centers (IAC-FA) Field Science and Technology Advisor to USSOCCOM. n this position, he is a key asset to USSOCOM for discovering and delivering superior warfighting capabilities by providing comprehensive scientific/ technical research and analysis by helping researchers, engineers, scientists, warfighters and program managers solve the most challenging technical problems. The Defense Information Technology Center, DoD IACs provide technology discovery capabilities and an efficient mechanism to acquire affordable, improved defense capabilities that mitigate adversarial threats. The DoD IACs serve the Warfighter by bringing the “think tank” to the Battlespace, and build communities of interest in areas of critical importance to the DoD, including defensive systems, cyber operations, weapon systems, homeland defense and resilient energy. He also directly supports all of the Theater Special Operations Commands (TSOC's) worldwide and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Mr. Joseph L. Haack Information Analysis Centers (IAC) Field Science and Technology Advisor U.S. Special Operations Command, USSOCOM MacDill AFB, FL Prior to his current position Mr. Haack served in the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant Colonel, retiring after serving 25 years. His duties as an Infantry, Armor and SOF-Civil Affairs Officer included Command and Staff positions advising commanders and leading Soldiers during peacetime and in combat. He capped his career as the Civil Military Operations Officer for US CENTRAL COMMAND, CCJ5 Plans Directorate, where he gained a detailed understanding of Joint Planning and Integrations for U.S. and Coalition Forces for conventional and special operations. He earned his BS from Western Michigan University, is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and numerous Army schools for conventional and special operations. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service and Army Commendation/Achievement Medals, Humanitarian Service Medal, UN Mission Medal (MINURSO), NATO Service Medal, Global War on Terror Expeditionary & Service Medals, the National Defense Service Medal and others. He was awarded the Combat Action Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge (88 jumps), the Air Assault Badge and the German Parachutist Badge. Mr. Haack has a love for history, earning the George S. Patton award for Military History, and the Order of St. George (Bronze) from the U.S. Army Armor Association. He has traveled or been assigned to 33 countries worldwide in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, to include training, combat (Iraq) and humanitarian operations/ disaster response (HADR) & Peacekeeping (PKO) deployments to Bosnia, Rwanda, Morocco, Western Sahara, Haiti, and Jordan. This diversity of cultural training, planning, deployments and mission support in combat and HADR/PKO missions gives him unique insight for theater requirements and interoperability between services, government agencies and with coalition/partner nations in peacetime and conflict.

Ethan Biller

Director - Oklahoma SBDC - Rose State College

Joseph Haack is the Information Analysis Centers (IAC-FA) Field Science and Technology Advisor to USSOCCOM. n this position, he is a key asset to USSOCOM for discovering and delivering superior warfighting capabilities by providing comprehensive scientific/ technical research and analysis by helping researchers, engineers, scientists, warfighters and program managers solve the most challenging technical problems. The Defense Information Technology Center, DoD IACs provide technology discovery capabilities and an efficient mechanism to acquire affordable, improved defense capabilities that mitigate adversarial threats. The DoD IACs serve the Warfighter by bringing the “think tank” to the Battlespace, and build communities of interest in areas of critical importance to the DoD, including defensive systems, cyber operations, weapon systems, homeland defense and resilient energy. He also directly supports all of the Theater Special Operations Commands (TSOC's) worldwide and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Mr. Joseph L. Haack Information Analysis Centers (IAC) Field Science and Technology Advisor U.S. Special Operations Command, USSOCOM MacDill AFB, FL Prior to his current position Mr. Haack served in the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant Colonel, retiring after serving 25 years. His duties as an Infantry, Armor and SOF-Civil Affairs Officer included Command and Staff positions advising commanders and leading Soldiers during peacetime and in combat. He capped his career as the Civil Military Operations Officer for US CENTRAL COMMAND, CCJ5 Plans Directorate, where he gained a detailed understanding of Joint Planning and Integrations for U.S. and Coalition Forces for conventional and special operations. He earned his BS from Western Michigan University, is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and numerous Army schools for conventional and special operations. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service and Army Commendation/Achievement Medals, Humanitarian Service Medal, UN Mission Medal (MINURSO), NATO Service Medal, Global War on Terror Expeditionary & Service Medals, the National Defense Service Medal and others. He was awarded the Combat Action Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge (88 jumps), the Air Assault Badge and the German Parachutist Badge. Mr. Haack has a love for history, earning the George S. Patton award for Military History, and the Order of St. George (Bronze) from the U.S. Army Armor Association. He has traveled or been assigned to 33 countries worldwide in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, to include training, combat (Iraq) and humanitarian operations/ disaster response (HADR) & Peacekeeping (PKO) deployments to Bosnia, Rwanda, Morocco, Western Sahara, Haiti, and Jordan. This diversity of cultural training, planning, deployments and mission support in combat and HADR/PKO missions gives him unique insight for theater requirements and interoperability between services, government agencies and with coalition/partner nations in peacetime and conflict.

Karen Bergh joined ASBTDC in May 2023. Over her 30-plus year career, she has provided business consultant services specializing in marketing and communications and business development systems. She also served for over a decade as an administrator in higher education for universities in Southern California. Karen provides consulting services for technology startups and entrepreneurs to advance their innovative ideas, products, or services to the marketplace. She assists companies with identifying and pursuing opportunities through the federal Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) seed funding programs. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in Journalism and her Master’s in Professional Studies (MPS) from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. in Strategic Public Relations. She has earned the Accreditation in Public Relations, or APR, from the Public Relations Society of America, which is considered the pinnacle achievement for practitioners in the PR field.

Coming Soon

Ethan Biller is the Center Director at Rose State College for the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center network. He began his career with the SBDC in mid-2023. In his current role he works closely with his team to serve clients in the Metro OKC area, specifically in the area of technology commercialization. His role works closely with Jessica Ervin of the SBDC through the Tech Launch Center and the numerous programs housed therein. Ethan holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, with a focus on accounting. In addition to his education, he has a rich background in entrepreneurship, encompassing fields such as the arts, personalized fashion and community outreach. He spent 6 years in South Korea teaching elementary school English, and used his time there to pick up the language and plant himself in the start-up community. Most recently, he helps his wife run her farm-to-market cut flower farm.

Barbara Bonner-Stephens

Consultant - Mississippi SBDC; RISE Center

Nick Alder

Nebraska Business Development Center + NUtech Ventures; University of Nebraska Lincoln

Bill Carey

CEO - ARC Technology

Barbara is a consultant working with rural and innovative small businesses providing advising and technical services.  She is currently serving as a consultant to Mississippi Small Business Development Center.  Her previous work included serving at the Regional and Technology Commercialization Director for Oklahoma Small Business Development Center where she co-founded the Tech Launch Center.  Her earlier career included commercial lending for community banks and Farm Credit lenders in Texas and Oklahoma.  She also owns small businesses Tin Barn Consulting and Hog Shield.  Barbara has a BS and MS from West Texas State University in Agricultural Business.  She has conducted research and published papers on agricultural topics through Texas A&M Agrilife Extension and Research.

Nick Alder is an innovation consultant advising startups and technologists on tech scouting, rapid prototyping, and proposal development. He serves as a consultant to the Nebraska Business Development Center, recruiting and accelerating Nebraska innovators into defense industry opportunities, notably SBIR/STTR. In addition, Nick serves as the Entrepreneurship Catalyst for NUtech Ventures - the technology transfer office for University of Nebraska Lincoln - directly coaching University researchers on commercialization in partnership with the NSF I-Corps program. Across numerous innovation roles in economic development, startup accelerators, and supply chain, Nick has deep familiarity with the challenges innovators face when pursuing defense projects - and is passionate about coaching founders into these opportunities. Nick joined the Encountering Innovation team in 2023, serving as a tech coach and outside advisor. In 2024 and 2025, Nick successfully recruited a portfolio of Nebraska innovators to pitch at Encountering Innovation - helping attendees through SBIR/STTR proposal development, access to manufacturing, and fundraising support.

Bill Carey earned a BS and MS in Electrical Engineering from The University of Texas at Arlington and is the CEO of his engineering business, ARC Technology. ARC focuses on applied research and development, resulting in unique technology solutions for its customers. ARC has successfully completed 10 Phase I and 4 Phase II contracts through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, with 2 technologies continuing on to Phase III contracts. In 2002, Carey was awarded the National Small Business Administration Tibbetts Award for the state of Kanas for his work in the SBIR program with his former company. Carey joined the Encountering Innovation team in 2017 as the science advisor on a part-time basis while continuing to operate his electrical engineering business. His role is to help companies bridge the gap between their innovative ideas and the funding and other resources required for developing those ideas into a thriving business. Carey’s experience in SBIR/STTR and relationships with the DoD, Homeland Security, Army, MDA, and other government agencies provides unique capabilities to assist his clients.