Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas

What Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas does

The Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas (IDRT) is a university research institute formally established on May 14, 2020 by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents following passage of House Bill 2345 by the 86th Texas Legislature. It operates from the Texas A&M University at Galveston campus, serving Texas state and regional agencies (GLO, TWDB, TDEM, GCPD), local governments including rural and underserved communities, academic researchers, and the public. Its mission is to integrate analytical tools with state-level disaster-resilience decisions, delivering decision-support platforms, community technical assistance, and evidence-based research on disaster risk reduction.

IDRT's technology stack centers on the Texas Disaster Information System (TDIS), a state-wide data platform with a five-function architecture (Ingest, Catalog, Process, Store, Consume) that integrates GLO Combined River Basin Flood Studies and TWDB State Flood Plan modeling data. On top of TDIS the institute runs an interconnected portfolio of decision-support tools: RAMP (interactive FEMA/TDEM-compliant hazard mitigation mapping), MATCH (funding-navigation), Buyers Aware (property-level flood and fire risk), DMQT (flood modeling data query tool), M3FR (ML-based flood impact estimation), and the DDRC (NDAA-compliant multi-modal aerial, terrestrial, and aquatic sensing using WingtraOne Gen II drones, laser scanners, multibeam echo sounders, and side-scan sonar, processed on AMD Threadripper Pro / NVIDIA GPU high-performance compute). Complementary programs include DRIP (community technical assistance for under-resourced Texas communities) and IRES (NSF-funded international research experiences with Netherlands and South Korea).

IDRT's business model is non-commercial: all tools and resources are provided free of charge to Texas communities, agencies, and researchers, and the institute is funded through ongoing Texas legislative appropriations, federal grants (NSF, FEMA, HUD), and state agency funding/contracts (notably a five-year GCPD Master Service Agreement with $303,134 first-year funding for the Coastal Texas Research Council). Go-to-market is sales-led direct engagement with state agencies and communities through co-development partnerships and grant-funded projects; distribution is via free web portals plus direct field services. Customer segments are state/regional government agencies, underserved rural Texas communities (data deserts), graduate students/researchers, and Texas home buyers/sellers. IDRT is not privately owned and has no external venture or equity involvement.

Name

Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas

Legal name

Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas

Website

https://idrt.tamug.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas is a state-mandated research institute at Texas A&M University at Galveston that builds free, publicly accessible disaster-data and decision-support tools (TDIS, RAMP, MATCH, DDRC) for Texas state agencies, underserved rural communities, and researchers, funded by legislative appropriations and competitive federal and state agency grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disaster Resilience & Hazard Mitigation Software

NAICS

Environmental Consulting Services (54162), Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services (541360), Surveying and Mapping (except Geophysical) Services (541370)

SIC

Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Services-Prepackaged Software (7372), Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)

akta.pro primary industry

Flood Risk Modeling, Mapping & Forecasting (Hydrology/Hydraulics, Digital Twins) (EUANAEAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Natural Disaster Preparedness & Recovery (Storm/Flood/Wildfire) (BPABANAI), Emergency Flood Response & Incident Management (Temporary Barriers, Debris Removal) (EUANAEAL), Catastrophe Risk Modeling & Analytics Services (FSAOACAL)

Keywords

• Disaster resilience research
• Flood risk mapping
• Hazard mitigation planning
• Disaster information systems
• Coastal protection analytics

Headquarters

HQ city

Galveston

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Government Grants and Appropriations: Primary funding from Texas Legislature appropriations (established via House Bill 2345), federal grants from NSF, FEMA, Department of Housing and Urban Development, and state agency funding from GLO, TWDB, and TDEM. The institute receives ongoing legislative funding and competitive grants for specific research programs.
2. Research Partnerships: Collaborative research agreements with academic institutions and government agencies for specific projects. GCPD Master Service Agreement with Texas A&M University ($303,134 first year funding for Coastal Texas Research Council).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

IDRT develops and operates the Texas Disaster Information System (TDIS) and a portfolio of free, web-based decision-support tools (RAMP, MATCH, DMQT, M3FR, Buyers Aware) that centralize disaster data, generate federally compliant hazard mitigation maps, and help Texas communities secure flood mitigation funding. The Disaster Data Reconnaissance Center (DDRC) provides multi-modal sensing, field data collection, and training across aerial, terrestrial, and aquatic environments. Complementary programs (DRIP, IRES) deliver technical assistance to underserved communities and international research training for students.

Product overview

IDRT functions as a research institute that has developed a portfolio of interconnected decision-support tools centered on disaster resilience for Texas. The cornerstone is the Texas Disaster Information System (TDIS), a comprehensive data platform that serves as the foundation for multiple applications including RAMP (Risk Assessment and Mapping Portal), MATCH (funding tool), and the DDRC (data reconnaissance center). These tools are complemented by educational programs like IRES (international research experiences) and DRIP (community technical assistance), along with specialized web tools for flood risk communication, property risk assessment, and flood modeling. The portfolio integrates research, data analytics, training, and policy tools to support disaster preparedness, response, and recovery across Texas communities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• TDIS (Texas Disaster Information System): Comprehensive data platform for natural disaster management in Texas, providing tools for disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation.
• DDRC (Disaster Data Reconnaissance Center)
• DRIP (Disaster Resilience Information and Partnership)
• IRES (International Research Experiences for Students)

Products and services

• Texas Disaster Information System (TDIS) A comprehensive cloud-based spatial data platform supporting natural disaster management in Texas by streamlining data ingestion, storage, processing, and utilization. Centralizes disaster-related data to improve preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts across the state through data stewardship, advanced analytics, and secure data sharing. Built for state agencies, communities, academic institutions, and researchers.
• Risk Assessment and Mapping Portal (RAMP) An interactive mapping tool built on TDIS that helps Texas communities develop sections of their hazard mitigation plans. Provides statewide flood-loss mapping, multi-hazard risk analysis, FEMA/TDEM-compliant plan-ready maps and reports, and county/city-level risk profiles for any Texas community regardless of size or technical capacity.
• MATCH (Mitigation Assistance for Tailoring Choices) An online tool developed in partnership with the Texas General Land Office that helps Texas communities identify and pursue potential funding opportunities for flood mitigation and resilience projects. Provides capabilities for browsing and comparing funding opportunities, exploring funded projects, generating tailored application insights, and accessing supporting resources.
• Disaster Data Reconnaissance Center (DDRC) A field-ready applied research and service center providing multi-modal sensing for data acquisition, processing, and analysis across aerial (drone-based), terrestrial (laser scanners, infiltrometers), and aquatic (multibeam echo sounders, side-scan sonar) environments. Offers strategic consulting, compliance guidance, and hands-on training in field methods, sensing technologies, and UAS operations for researchers, public agencies, and practitioners.
• Buyers Aware An online system that helps prospective home buyers and sellers understand flood and fire risk relative to other properties by entering a street address and receiving a graphic and statistical risk assessment for a specific property in Hurricane Harvey-affected areas of Texas.
• M3FR (Measuring, Mapping, and Managing Flood Risk) A reference tool providing comprehensive catalog of flood hazard models in the U.S. with characteristics relevant to decision makers, emphasizing practical utility as guidelines for disaster management and flood-related issues. Uses statistical machine learning techniques to identify expected flood impacts based on parcel-level flood damage claims.
• Data & Models Query Tool (DMQT) Allows users to search and download state flood modeling data from GLO's Combined River Basin Flood Studies and TWDB's State Flood Plan to help reduce flood risk.
• DRIP (Disaster Resilience Information and Partnership) A technical assistance program for under-resourced Texas communities that empowers them with digital tools and training to make informed disaster mitigation decisions, secure funding, and reduce future losses through improved access to flood-risk data and community engagement. Has partnered with ten communities across six diverse regions in Texas.
• IRES Global Flood Resilience Program (GFRP) An NSF-funded international research experiences program providing U.S. students immersive research training focused on flood resilience through partnerships with institutions in the Netherlands and South Korea, supporting IRES program participants.
• Flood Risk and Vulnerability Dashboard A GIS-based dashboard focused on historical buyouts in Harris County that maps and analyzes buyouts in terms of flood risk and social vulnerability at origin and destination block groups.
• Texas Coastal Atlas A coastal risk and planning resource serving 29 Texas coastal counties, supporting flood risk communication and coastal resilience planning.

Quantifiable outcome

• DRIP program partnered with 10 communities experiencing chronic/acute flooding across 6 diverse Texas regions
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability9 records

Feature9 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and strategic.

• Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 March 2026GCPD established Master Service Agreement with Texas A&M University on March 20, 2026 enabling funding for relevant research conducted by the Coastal Texas Research Council over five years ($303,134 first year). IDRT established the Council at GCPD's request to serve as scientific and technical hub for the historic Coastal Texas Project, evaluating proposed research investments and delivering expert input for Galveston Bay Barrier System (Ike Dike) and Galveston Bay Shoreline Protection.
• Texas General Land Office (GLO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor funder and partner for TDIS development and multiple research projects. GLO provided funding and oversight for TDIS platform and partnered with IDRT on MATCH tool development. Collaborates on state flood planning and coastal protection initiatives.
• Texas Water Development Board (TWDB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in TDIS development and State Flood Plan. TWDB collaborates on flood data integration, model storage solutions (MS2), and state flood planning processes.
• Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFunded development of RAMP tool. Collaborates on hazard mitigation planning requirements and FEMA compliance. TDEM Conference provides platform for tool launches.
• Delft University of Technology (Netherlands)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading expert institution in the Coastal Texas Research Council alongside Texas A&M University and Rice University. Building on more than 15 years of collaboration between Texas and Netherlands institutions on coastal protection. Part of broader Netherlands partnership including I-STORM network.
• Rice UniversityflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipating university in the Coastal Texas Research Council bringing expertise to the science and technology partner role for the Coastal Texas Project.
• Texas A&M AgriLife ExtensioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDRIP program partner providing county-level extension agents and disaster assessment support. Collaborated on Fort Hancock project with local agents.
• University of Texas at AustincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Keri K Stephens from UT Austin Moody College of Communication is an IDRT Distinguished Partner, leading communication research in DRIP program. Collaborated on Fort Hancock community data collection project.
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of executive committee overseeing the Coastal Texas Research Council alongside GCPD, Texas GLO, and participating universities. Engineering and design activities for Galveston Bay Barrier System already underway.
• I-STORM (International Network for Storm Surge Barriers)strategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational knowledge sharing network for professionals in storm surge barrier industry. IDRT hosted I-STORM Next Gen meeting in Galveston, TX - first occurrence in the United States. May be added to Coastal Texas Research Council.
• Rijswaterstaat (Netherlands Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management)strategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerMay be added to Coastal Texas Research Council in future. Represents Dutch government expertise in water management and infrastructure.
• University of WashingtoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner with Institute for Hazard Mitigation Planning and Research on Buyers Aware tool development for flood risk communication.
• Texas Tech UniversitystrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Ali Nejat leads Center of Excellence in Climate Resilient Equitable Housing (CECREH) in collaboration with IDRT. CECREH funded by Department of Housing and Urban Development.
• Texas Southern UniversitystrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner institution in CECREH Center of Excellence alongside Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Stony Brook, University of Kansas, and University of Waterloo.
• University of North Carolina at Chapel HillcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-PI Dr. Antonia Sebastian collaborating on flood risk and fiscal implications of property buyouts research in Houston Metro Area.
• University of North TexascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-PIs Laura Siebeneck and Tristan Wu collaborating on risk communication research in Texas coastal counties.
• Coastal Resilience Center at University of North CarolinastrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborating on evaluating and promoting nature-based solutions using FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance funding.
• The Nature Conservancy & Houston WildernessstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners on proactive buyouts of flood-prone properties research, evaluating economic benefits of open space restoration and conservation.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• ICF International: Global consulting firm with significant disaster management, climate resilience, and emergency preparedness practice serving federal, state, and local government clients. Comparable to IDRT's consulting and decision-support offerings.
• CoreLogic (Cotality): Major property data and analytics provider offering flood, wildfire, and climate risk models. Comparable to IDRT's hazard analytics and M3FR reference catalog of flood hazard models.
• Moody's RMS: Industry-leading catastrophe risk modeling firm offering flood, hurricane, and climate risk analytics to insurers and governments. Comparable to IDRT's flood risk modeling and mapping capabilities, with a broader commercial footprint.
• AtkinsRéalis (formerly Stantec Disaster Recovery Services): Engineering and consulting firm with major disaster recovery, flood mitigation, and infrastructure resilience practice. Comparable to IDRT's coastal risk reduction and engineering-adjacent work.

Direct peers

• National Center for Disaster Preparedness (Columbia University): University-based research center focused on disaster preparedness, response, and resilience policy. Directly comparable to IDRT as a research-to-practice hub serving government agencies and communities.
• Disaster Research Center (University of Delaware): The world's first center devoted to the social science of disaster research. Comparable to IDRT as an academic disaster research institute producing applied scholarship and decision-support tools.
• National Hazards Center (University of Colorado Boulder): Federally-funded hazards research center at CU Boulder producing applied research, datasets, and community engagement around disaster resilience — directly comparable to IDRT's research institute model.
• Coastal Resilience Center (University of North Carolina): U.S. Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence focused on coastal resilience, disaster preparedness, and community engagement. IDRT is already a documented partner, indicating peer-level positioning.

Emerging players

• First Street Foundation: Non-profit producer of parcel-level flood, fire, and climate risk data for U.S. properties. Comparable to IDRT's Buyers Aware and DMQT tools that translate disaster risk into actionable property-level information.

Others

• Texas General Land Office (Community Development & Recovery): Partner and funder of IDRT (and a major state agency customer). Listed as a peer because GLO runs Texas's largest disaster recovery and mitigation programs, operating in the same disaster data and funding-navigation space as IDRT's tools.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/institute-for-a-disaster-resilient-texas

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas