Some people dream of success. Rocco Williams is accelerating it—one science game at a time.
A science education Ph.D. student at Texas Christian University, Williams recently earned one of the top awards at TCU’s 2025 CREATE Competition—an $8,000 investment in his educational startup, Accelerating Success. The platform delivers high-quality, interactive science resources for elementary students and was born from Williams' frustration as a classroom teacher searching for better tools.
“I was just tired of the drill-and-kill,” said Williams, who once taught elementary science and social studies. “The resources out there didn’t go beyond rote memorization. I wanted something rigorous, fun and intentional.”
What began as flashcards and classroom games has evolved into a dynamic digital platform used by multiple Texas districts, including Crowley, Keller and Grapevine-Colleyville independent school districts. Featuring interactive modules, science-based word games, and even AI-generated educational music, Accelerating Success is transforming science standards into celebrations—complete with dance breaks.
The idea to pitch his business emerged in a class taught by Curby Alexander, professor of professional practice, where Williams showcased his concept through a digital design assignment. Encouraged by Alexander, he entered the CREATE Competition, the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation's cross-campus accelerator program, powered by the Shaddock Seed Fund.
“The workshops, mentorship and support helped me strengthen our business model and vision,” said Williams, who balances a full-time role as a curriculum coordinator in Fort Worth ISD with night classes as a doctoral student. “It’s a lot, but the synergy between my work, business, and coursework makes it all connect.”
With the $8,000 award, Williams plans to redesign the Accelerating Success website to enhance user experience and streamline access to its science curriculum.
“I want educators to get what they need, fast,” he said. “We’re updating the design, improving page load speeds, and integrating more AI-driven features—like custom songs that teach science concepts.”
While the original model focused on school and district sales, the platform now includes a subscription option for individual teachers. The pivot came after educators at conferences expressed interest in using their own funds to access the resources.
Williams credits his success to a strong support system, including his business partner, Isaac Washington, and his wife—Natalie Ayala Williams ‘07. He also acknowledges guidance from the TCU College of Education and TCU Neeley School of Business.
His mentor, Angelo Biasi—a seasoned ed-tech entrepreneur and founding CEO of Solvably—helped him navigate sales strategy and product scaling.
But what sets Williams apart most is his commitment to deeper learning.
“Our resources are grounded in the four Cs of 21st-century learning—critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration,” he said. “Deep learning happens when students have to think creatively—like during a game that asks them to explain evaporation without saying ‘water’ or ‘sun.’”
He encourages fellow educators and students to consider entrepreneurship through the CREATE program, reminding them that innovation often begins by solving a classroom problem.
“If you see a gap, fill it,” he said. “You never know—you might just build something worth accelerating.”
