In 1999, the idea of ATLAS was put forward by Dr. Atila Ertas (creator and co-founder) and brought to life in a meeting with Drs. George Kozmetsky and Raymond T. Yeh (ATLAS co-founders). Nine prominent scientists and academicians, being on the ATLAS Board (1999), have put forward important and thoughtful views for a sustainable future of the organization. Dr. George Kozmetsky--the visionary who shaped the Austin technology industry was selected as the first chair of the ATLAS board of directors. From the date of ATLAS establishment (year 2000) the ATLAS ran formal meetings to discuss the development of a new transdisciplinary research and education model.