The ATI is a nonprofit organization that harnesses local business, government and academic resources to provide strategic counsel, operational guidance, and infrastructure support to its member companies to help them transition from early stage ventures to successful technology businesses.

The incubator has hosted technology ventures with interests and business connections in Canada, Brazil, Japan, Australia, England, Germany, China, and Israel. ATI's achievements have prompted several mayors' councils nationwide to send representatives to its facilities to learn more about how to generate business development and revitalize ailing municipal economies.

ATI was founded in 1989 by Dr. George Kozmetsky and first directed by Ms. Laura J. Kilcrease.
Potential companies are required to submit a business plan focused on a new technology-based product or service, have the potential to create jobs both locally and abroad, and have six months of working capital.

The ATI is a key program of the IC² Institute at the University of Texas at Austin. The incubator occupies university space in the MCC building in northwest Austin. The program is funded through member company fees. Member companies also grant a percentage of their equity to ATI. ATI is also supported by the University of Texas, the City of Austin, and the Austin community, and works with a variety of investors, a know-how network of professional service providers, outside industry experts, and others, for the benefit of its member companies.

IC² Institute of The University of Texas at Austin is a unique non-traditional center for research and educational excellence. The Institute is engaged in a quest for constructive forms of capitalism that will allow communities and nations to grow and prosper. To realize this vision IC² combines technology, entrepreneurship and education to improve the world by creating wealth and sharing prosperity.