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Author: Torey Brown

The Collectiv launches AI native, dual-use sports, health & wellness accelerator in Rice’s Ion District

Posted on by Torey Brown

Original Rice News article

The Collectiv Foundation, in collaboration with Rice University, today announced the creation of the AI Native Dual-Use Sports, Health & Wellness Accelerator powered by The Collectiv in Houston’s Ion District, a 16-acre innovation hub in Houston’s Midtown developed by Rice. The accelerator platform is designed to support early-stage founders building artificial intelligence technologies validated in sports and scaled across health, enterprise and consumer markets.

The accelerator will officially launch in March and will be hosted at the Ion, the epicenter of the Ion District and Houston’s emerging venture advantage platform. It will connect founders with emerging and established professional sports leagues and franchises, university athletic conferences and departments, hospital systems, corporate partners, leading university entrepreneurship and business programs, and venture capital. Through The Collectiv’s platform, founders gain direct access to mentors, advisers, operators, pilot opportunities and investment capital, with the sports sector serving as an early validation layer and commercialization pathways extending into larger global markets.

The accelerator will focus on high-growth sportstech verticals, including but not limited to performance and health, fan experience and media platforms, data and analytics, and enterprise infrastructure. Additional details on accelerator programming, partners and application timelines will be announced in the coming weeks.

“Houston is quickly becoming one of the most important innovation hubs at the intersection of sports, health and AI,” said Ashley DeWalt, co-founder and managing partner of The Collectiv and founder of The Collectiv Foundation. “By launching this platform with Rice University in the Ion District, we are building a category-defining acceleration engine that gives founders access to world-class research, global sports properties, hospital systems and venture capital. This is about turning sports-validated technology into globally scalable companies at a moment when the world’s attention is converging on Houston ahead of the 2026 World Cup.”

The Collectiv’s accelerator is launching at a time when innovation across these sectors is accelerating, and AI-driven performance, data, and health technologies are expanding into global commercial and consumer markets. Houston is emerging as a national hub at this intersection, driven by major initiatives including the Rice-Houston Methodist Center for Human Performance, the Rice Brain Institute, the Rice Gateway Project and stadium revitalization.

At the same time, Houston’s health and life sciences ecosystem is gaining national prominence in brain health research and translational medicine with Rice and Texas Medical Center institutions advancing new funding initiatives and interdisciplinary collaborations that are strengthening the region’s leadership at the intersection of health, technology and commercialization.

“The combination of Rice University’s research leadership, Houston’s unmatched health ecosystem, and The Collectiv’s operator-driven investment platform creates a powerful acceleration engine,” said Blair Garrou, co-founder and managing partner at Mercury Fund and senior adviser to The Collectiv. “This is exactly the type of venture-scale infrastructure needed to support founders building the next generation of AI Native sportstech and wellness companies.”

With capital, research, infrastructure, and global visibility converging ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, this represents a generational opportunity to support founders building dual-use technologies validated in sports and scaled into health, enterprise and consumer markets, the founders said.

“This platform gives founders something that is incredibly rare — direct access to decision-makers across professional sports, health care, academia and enterprise,” said Chantell Preston, managing partner at The Collectiv and vice chair of The Collectiv Foundation. “We are creating real commercialization pathways through mentorship, pilots, partnerships and capital, all built around a global stage that few cities in the world can offer.”

The accelerator is backed by The Collectiv, a community-powered venture capital fund built and backed by senior leaders across sports, technology and venture, in strategic partnership with venture capital firm Mercury Fund.

“The Ion was built to serve as the front door for innovation in Houston, bringing together founders, corporations, universities and investors,” said John Reale, interim associate vice president and executive director of the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship, which drives activation at the Ion. “This accelerator embodies that mission and positions Houston as a global destination for sports, health and AI innovation.”

Rice becomes Houston host city supporter for World Cup, will host watch parties

Posted on by Torey Brown

Original Houston Chronicle article

Rice University has been named to be an official Houston host city supporter for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the university and Houston’s World Cup host committee announced Friday.

The university plans to host watch parties, community programs and soccer clinics, and to create opportunities for students to pitch in on World Cup-related activities ahead of the World Cup. It will even run FIFA-themed campus tours.

“Our role as a university is to create opportunities for learning, connection and service that extend far beyond our campus,” Rice President Reginald DesRoches said in a statement. “Supporting the FIFA World Cup 2026 Houston Host Committee allows Rice to help welcome the world to Houston — to showcase the spirit of this city, to engage our students in meaningful, hands-on experiences and to contribute in ways that reflect our commitment to having global impact at a personalized scale.”

Chris Canetti, the local host committee president, said Rice is the first university or college to partner with a World Cup host city in North America as a supporter.

Houston is hosting seven matches this summer at NRG Stadium for the World Cup. Five of those are in the group stage and two are in the knockout round, including an exciting match set for July 4.

FIFA Fan Fest will be held in EaDo, meaning people who are taking public transportation from the fan festival and downtown to games will pass the university on the light rail.

World Cup watch parties will be hosted at Tudor Fieldhouse and the Ion, the innovation center located in Midtown, according to a news release.

DesRoches also said that Rice will collaborate with Art Club for a “sustainable ecologies installation exhibit” that will be found on campus and other places across the city.

“The FIFA World Cup represents the very best of global sport, and Rice Athletics is thrilled to help welcome the world to Houston,” Rice athletic director Tommy McClelland said in a statement. “We are excited to welcome soccer fans to Tudor Fieldhouse and the Ion District to celebrate the ‘beautiful game’ at its highest level. These events allow us to showcase our campus and students while elevating interest in the sport of soccer across Houston and bringing our community together around an unforgettable global moment.”

Burke to conclude 25 years of leadership at Rice Alliance, marking defining chapter for university’s work in entrepreneurship

Posted on by Torey Brown

Original Rice News Article

After nearly 25 years of leadership that helped shape Rice University’s role in entrepreneurship, Brad Burke will conclude his tenure leading the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship and programming in the Ion District, Houston’s transformational innovation district, June 30.

“Brad’s impact on Rice extends far beyond any single program or initiative. He grew the Rice Alliance from a promising campus initiative into one of the most respected university-based entrepreneurship platforms,” Rice President Reginald DesRoches said. “We are deeply grateful for this lasting legacy, and we are confident in the leadership moving forward and the future of the Rice Alliance and the Ion District.”

During Burke’s tenure, Rice Business went from unranked in entrepreneurship to the No. 1 graduate entrepreneurship program by The Princeton Review for the past seven years and a top 20 entrepreneurship program in the U.S. News & World Report rankings for the past 14 years — landing in the top 10 the past four.

“Brad didn’t just build programs — he built an ecosystem, a culture and a reputation for Rice that now resonates around the world,” Rice Business Dean Peter Rodriguez said. “Through his vision and steady leadership, Rice became a place where founders are taken seriously, ideas are rigorously supported and entrepreneurship is embedded in the fabric of the university.”

One of Burke’s most visible and enduring contributions is the Rice Business Plan Competition (RBPC). Under his leadership, the RBPC grew from nine student teams competing for $10,000 into the largest and richest intercollegiate student startup competition in the world, now welcoming 42 student startups competing annually for more than $1 million in prizes.

Beyond campus, Burke played a central role in building Houston’s energy entrepreneurial landscape. He helped establish a world-class energy venture conference and was instrumental in launching and growing Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week, now a cornerstone convening event.

“The Rice Alliance stands as a rare and enduring institution in the entrepreneurial support landscape,” said Adrian Trömel, interim vice president for innovation and chief innovation officer at Rice. “This steady leadership and commitment to building something designed to last is reflected in Brad’s rapid impact at the Ion, which has grown into a vibrant center for founders, partners and community members.”

Burke co-founded the Texas University Network for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in 2008 to bolster the entrepreneurship programs at every university in Texas. In 2016, the Rice Alliance assumed leadership of the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers (GCEC), the preeminent university-based consortium designed to foster sharing of best practices.

Burke’s contributions and the Rice Alliance have been recognized both nationally and internationally with numerous awards, including the 2011 GCEC Nasdaq Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence. In 2013 and 2014, Rice Alliance was recognized as the world’s best university startup incubator by UBI Index. In 2023, Burke received both the Trailblazer Award from Houston InnovationMap and was honored by the Deshpande Foundation for outstanding contributions to advancing innovation and entrepreneurship in higher education.

Looking ahead, John (JR) Reale Jr. will serve as interim associate vice president and Rice Alliance executive director beginning April 15. Reale is a longtime Rice supporter, contributing more than 17 years on the Rice Alliance Advisory Board, and a lecturer at Rice Business who joined the Rice Alliance as managing director in 2025.

Reale co-founded Station Houston, which served as a thriving center of gravity for Houston’s startup ecosystem. Since then, through founding Integrated Capital and serving in various roles at the Texas Medical Center, he has invested in and advised countless startups, built teams and raised capital that has driven impact.

“The Rice Alliance has always been about helping founders gain advantages to realize their visions,” Reale said. “Under Brad’s leadership, the Rice Alliance has become a globally recognized platform that is grounded in trust and drives transformational founder outcomes. My commitment is to honor what Brad has built and led while continuing to serve our team and community, deepen relationships and deliver impact.”

Burke will remain at the Rice Alliance as an adviser to ensure a smooth transition until his retirement June 30.

“Working with an amazing team to build the entrepreneurial ecosystem at Rice, in Houston and beyond, has been the privilege of my career,” Burke said. “It has been extremely gratifying to hear entrepreneurs say our efforts changed their lives, while bringing new innovations to market. The organization is well-positioned to help drive exponential growth across startups, investors and the entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

With this leadership transition, the Rice Alliance and the Ion move forward on a strong foundation, supported by the university and many corporate partners.

Ion District Unveils New Art Displays Showcasing Local Artists

Posted on by Torey Brown

Creativity collides with innovation as Houston artists reveal new public art displays at the Ion

HOUSTON, OCTOBER 28, 2025 – Ion District, Houston’s 16-acre innovation hub developed by Rice University, today announced its next round of site-specific window art installations. Created by Houston-based artists Luisa Duarte and Joel Zika, the new installations will be unveiled by the artists on October 29, 2025, during a public event hosted by the Ion and Piper Faust Public Art at Second Draught located in the Ion from 5:30 – 7:30 pm CT.  

Following the event, the installations will be available for the public to view for free for the next six months as part of the Ion District’s “Eye on Art” program. The rotating art installations create opportunities for Houston-based artists and demonstrate the importance of cross-disciplinary connections when fostering innovation. 

As the epicenter of the Ion District, the Ion provides a variety of programming aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship for Houston companies and beyond. Eye on Art enhances this mission by showcasing creativity through accessible art experiences for the community and visitors—displayed prominently in the building’s windows, which serve as welcoming focal points at its entry.

Chosen by the Ion and the Ion District Art Advisory Council, with support from public art consultant Piper Faust, the installations are a nod to the original window displays of the historic Sears building on which the Ion was built.   

Luisa Duarte: “Urban Sentinels” 

Bold geometry and radiant color transform in this dynamic exploration of structure, balance, and the pulse of urban life. 

Luisa Duarte is a multidisciplinary artist with a foundation in architecture that deeply shapes her practice. Rooted in abstract geometry, her work transforms structured design into intuitive, expressive forms that explore memory, identity, and belonging. As a Venezuelan immigrant, Duarte’s art reflects the duality of nostalgia and discovery, blending the precision of architecture with the emotion of lived experience. 

Her latest installation, Urban Sentinels, is a site-specific work composed of four three-dimensional sculptures derived from her geometric works on paper. These “sentinels” are quiet observers and guardians of presence that invite reflection rather than defense. 

Rooted in architectural language yet alive with color and rhythm, the sculptures interact with their surroundings to create moments of stillness within the city’s motion. Framed by a green-painted mural Urban Sentinels transforms the Ion’s windows into a space for contemplation and connection. 

More than an installation, Duarte’s sentinels act as beacons of care, holding space for imagination, memory, and belonging within the urban landscape. 

Joel Zika: “Acanthus”  

Victorian decoration comes to life in this cutting-edge interactive sculptural installation. 

Joel Zika is a Houston-based media artist originally from Australia who uses emerging technology to tell stories in site-specific environments. His practice combines deep research with a fascination for both contemporary and historical forms of entertainment, creating immersive works that connect communities through shared visual experiences. 

Zika’s latest work, Acanthus, uses digital technology to explore our relationship with ornament in public space. The installation features digital sculptures and holographic projections that audiences can control. Through this interactive experience, participants manipulate richly decorative, Victorian-inspired forms as if tending to flowers in a garden. The work continues Zika’s exploration into how we communicate through our built environments using motifs of classical decoration to create an immersive, participatory environment that encourages curiosity and engagement. 

Zika has exhibited internationally in galleries, festivals, and public spaces, with recent projects featuring digital installations in windows and vitrines similar to those at the Ion. 

“Innovation comes in many forms, and the Eye on Art program is a testament to artists, creatives, and Houston residents being an integral part of Ion’s innovation community,” said Faust. “As we unveil the fifth round of art installations, we celebrate the extraordinary work of our local artists, and also the inclusive, welcoming, and collaborative space that Ion offers to all innovators in Houston.”  

To learn more about the Eye on Art program and its application process, please visit the Artist Residency page on the Ion District’s website or contact Piper Faust at piper@piperfaustpublicart.com.  

About Ion District:  

The Ion District is a 16-acre innovation hub in Houston’s Midtown, developed by Rice University to foster collaboration among entrepreneurs, academics, startups, and established companies. Anchored by the Ion building—a centerpiece for technology, research, and entrepreneurship—and home to Greentown Labs, one of North America’s leading climate tech incubators, the District offers dynamic workspaces, labs, and event venues designed to accelerate innovation and economic growth. The District will soon expand with The Arc, a nearly 200,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art research and technology facility purpose-built to accelerate collaboration, research, and commercialization across key industries. Together, these resources make the Ion District a central destination for Houston’s rapidly evolving innovation ecosystem.

The Ion Hosts Aramco’s Exclusive F1 Livery Reveal

Posted on by Torey Brown

Before the new Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1® livery was revealed to the world, Aramco—one of the Ion’s founding partners—brought the excitement of the global stage to Houston with a preview unveil with its employees. Last year, the Aston Martin Aramco F1 team brought motorsport to Houston with a demonstration run of the AMR22 and a discussion on innovation in engineering, mobility and sustainability.

Photo credit: Aston Martin F1 Team

This year’s private livery preview—featuring Fernando Alonso,  Aston Martin Aramco F1 driver and Jak Crawford, AMF2 driver, Ali A. Al-Meshari, SVP Technology Oversight and Coordination, Aramco, and Ahmed Al-Mulhem, President & CEO, Aramco Americas and Andy Cowell, Team Principal and CEO, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team—was a unique opportunity for Aramco employees to see the new car before its worldwide reveal. Hosted within the Ion, the event reflects Aramco’s deep ties to Houston’s innovation community and its commitment to advancing technology development.

This milestone not only celebrated the unveiling of Aston Martin Aramco’s first-ever bespoke livery, but also the shared commitment between Aramco and its partners to advance innovation, science and sustainability on and off the track. The new design—featuring a series of science-inspired details—symbolizes the collaboration and cutting-edge technology that define the partnership between Aramco and Aston Martin.

Photo credit: Aston Martin F1 Team

As Formula 1® moves toward its next era in 2026, with FIA-compliant 100% sustainable fuels and a renewed focus on safety and performance, Aramco continues to lead the way in pioneering technologies that shape the future of mobility. Congratulations to Aramco and the Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1® Team on this historic livery reveal, and best of luck to Fernando Alonso and the team as they take the track in Austin this weekend.

At the Ion, we’re proud to partner with global innovators like Aramco who are redefining what’s possible through science, engineering and collaboration—and to see Houston continue to play a role in these world-changing advancements.

Read more about the livery here and see the Q&A with F1 driver Fernando Alonso here.

New Morning Speaker Series at the Ion Spotlights NASA Space Stories

Posted on by Torey Brown

Innovation doesn’t just happen in labs or boardrooms—it happens when stories are shared, and ideas and imaginations are sparked. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the launch of a new speaker series: NASA Stories at the Ion.

This morning series will spotlight the human side of space exploration. Each session will feature personal and powerful stories from astronauts and key NASA personnel. From breathtaking missions aboard the ISS to unexpected lessons in leadership and teamwork, this series offers a behind-the-scenes look at spaceflight, told by the people who’ve lived it.

Join us for the inaugural edition of “NASA Stories at the Ion” on Tuesday, July 1 featuring veteran NASA astronaut Dr. Tracy C. Dyson. In this conversation, Dr. Dyson will share stories from her remarkable 373 days in space, her experiences aboard the International Space Station, and the leadership lessons she’s learned while orbiting 250 miles above Earth.

NASA Stories at the Ion builds on the success of NASA Tech Talks, offering a new, more personal perspective to complement the technical insights shared in that ongoing series. Together, these programs offer a more complete picture of the innovation, leadership and resilience behind space exploration.

NASA Stories at the Ion is family-friendly and open to the public. This speaker series is designed to inspire anyone curious about what it takes to push the boundaries of human potential. Complimentary breakfast and networking kicks off each event.

Stay tuned! NASA Stories at the Ion is just getting started. Be sure to check the Ion Events Calendar regularly for upcoming speakers and future sessions in this new series.

Persona AI expands in the Ion as Rice and Ion District support growth of AI innovation

Posted on by Torey Brown

Persona AI, the Houston-based humanoid robotics startup that recently closed $25 million in pre-seed funding, is significantly expanding its operations at the Ion, the Houston innovation hub powered by Rice University, in June. The fast-growing company, co-founded by former NASA roboticists Nicolaus Radford and Jide Akinyode, along with Jerry Pratt — former leader at IHMC Robotics and former CTO of Figure AI — will establish a state-of-the-art development center in the prominent corner suite on the first floor.

This move reinforces the Ion District’s continued focus on emerging tech and aligns closely with Rice University’s Momentous 10-year strategic plan, which prioritizes the development and integration of ethical and responsible artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. Persona AI joins other AI-forward activities in the Ion District, including the recently announced RAVA — the Rice Nexus plus Google Public Sector AI accelerator.

“We chose the Ion because it’s more than just a building — it’s a thriving innovation ecosystem,” said Nicolaus Radford, co-founder and CEO of Persona AI. “This is where Houston’s tech future is being built. It’s a convergence point for the people, energy, and ideas that power our mission to redefine human-machine collaboration. For an industrial, AI-driven robotics company, there’s no better place to scale than in the heart of Houston.”

“Persona AI’s expansion at the Ion is a clear market signal of the high-tech surge Rice is helping power in Houston. As more breakthrough companies choose to grow in the Ion District, it’s proof that our innovation ecosystem is accelerating—and Rice is at the center of it,” said Paul Cherukuri, vice president for innovation and chief innovation officer at Rice University.

Persona AI’s new development center will be located in the suite currently utilized by the Ion Prototyping Lab, which is managed by TXRX Labs. The IPL will transition its operations to the TXRX facility in the East End Maker Hub and will enable a network of facilities between the Ion and East End Maker Hub that better supports the growing demand for maker services and the growing pipeline of startups and creators citywide.

“TXRX has seen a significant increase in demand for fabrication and prototyping across industries,” said Roland von Kurnatowski, founder and president of TXRX Labs. “This move allows us to grow our team at our main facility, where we have an influx of projects that need more localized support. The current TXRX staff at the Ion will transition to our location in the East End, and existing IPL members will have access to these facilities. We will continue to be a strategic partner to the Ion District, creating a bridge across the city as we support the startup and maker community in the region.”

The Ion District will maintain some prototyping and maker support within the current Greentown Labs Prototyping Lab for certain specialized programs. This follows last year’s announcement of Rice’s continued investment in Greentown Labs and energy innovation, reinforcing the university’s commitment to scaling up high-impact infrastructure across the Ion District.

Impact Hub Houston Announces New Headquarters at the Ion District!

Posted on by Torey Brown

Read the article originally published through Impact Hub Houston here.

Impact Hub Houston Moves to the Ion to Expand Support for Impact Ventures and Entrepreneur Ecosystem Development

 

Houston, TX – 2025 April 2 – Impact Hub Houston, a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring, connecting, and empowering people with the resources they need to build businesses that address humanity’s most pressing challenges, is excited to announce its move to the Ion, Houston’s growing hub for innovation and entrepreneurship powered by Rice University. This strategic move aligns with Impact Hub Houston’s commitment to advancing equitable economic growth by connecting its regional and international community with a thriving local ecosystem to foster greater collaboration, connectivity, and capital access for entrepreneurs.

Impact Hub Houston works with over 52 community partners in the region and over 120 Impact Hubs in 68 countries around the world to create programs and opportunities that advance the launch and growth of impact ventures. In its mission to accelerate purpose-driven entrepreneurship and upward mobility for Houstonians, embedding itself in the Ion’s environment of startups, corporate partners, and investors presents an unparalleled opportunity to amplify its impact.

“As a founder who has been deeply involved in evolving Houston’s startup community over the past two decades, this move represents a pivotal moment in our impact story—one where local and global communities, businesses, and institutions start aligning strategies and come together to build a more collaborative, equitable, and sustainable economy,” said Grace Rodriguez, Executive Director of Impact Hub Houston. “At the Ion, we will not only deliver more impactful programs and events, but also unite the unique entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems we’ve been facilitating through Impact Hub Houston’s equitable energy, capital readiness, procurement, talent, and impact initiatives. The Ion and Rice offer a convergence of resources that will enable us to deepen our partnerships and strengthen regional support for local changemakers to accelerate impactful solutions for Houston and beyond.”

“We’re excited to welcome Impact Hub to the Ion. Their mission and programming align naturally with our efforts to support entrepreneurs at every stage—from first-time founders to seasoned innovators. This collaboration strengthens our shared commitment to growing a thriving innovation ecosystem in Houston,” said Brad Burke, Associate Vice President for Industry and New Ventures at Rice Innovation.

Moving to the Ion District, Houston’s dynamic epicenter for innovation, will allow Impact Hub Houston to::

  • Strengthen its Greater Houston Support Stack initiative, a coalition of incubators, accelerators, and economic development organizations that provide entrepreneurs with coordinated programs, resources, mentorship, and access to contracts and capital.
  • Expand collaboration among innovators and ecosystem partners to develop solutions that address Houston’s challenges, from climate resilience to education to good health and wellbeing.
  • Enhance programming and events that equip purpose-driven entrepreneurs with the knowledge, networks, and funding they need to scale their impact ventures.
  • Increase accessibility by being in a highly visible central hub with parking, public transportation, and digital infrastructure to bridge Houston’s innovation ecosystem with the drivers and influencers of the region’s economy.

Open Invitation to Entrepreneurs and Ecosystem Builders to Advance Impact Innovation

Impact Hub Houston invites innovators, entrepreneurs, business owners and leaders, investors, experts, and community members to engage with our programs and events at the Ion. Whether through learning opportunities, mentorship, funding, or strategic partnerships, there are many ways to contribute to the growth and success of Houston’s impact entrepreneurs.

For more information on Impact Hub Houston’s upcoming initiatives, partnerships, and opportunities to get involved, visit https://houston.impacthub.net.

For more information about Impact Hub Houston’s programs and upcoming events at The Ion, visit http://iondistrict.com/events/.

For media inquiries, please contact: Grace Rodriguez, Executive Director, Impact Hub Houston: grace.rodriguez@impacthub.net

###

About Impact Hub Houston

Impact Hub Houston is a locally rooted, globally connected nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring, connecting, and empowering impact innovators, leaders, and supporters. We work alongside 120+ Impact Hubs in 68 countries around the world to connect, support, and accelerate businesses that tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. Through a vibrant community, collaborative partnerships, inspiring events and transformative programs, we empower changemakers to turn their ideas into scalable solutions for a more just and sustainable world. Website: https://houston.impacthub.net/

About The Ion

Located in Ion District, the Ion building is the transformative centerpiece of Houston’s innovation corridor, powered by Rice University. Designed to bring our city’s entrepreneurial, corporate, and academic communities into collaborative spaces and programs, the sunlit structure of steel and glass is a home for advancing diverse knowledge, teams, technologies, and products that propel our world forward.

For more information about the Ion, visit IonDistrict.com or email: start@ionhouston.com.

Rice opens the Rice Nexus, an innovation factory in the Ion focused on AI

Posted on by Torey Brown

Read the article originally published through Rice University News here.

Aims to accelerate commercialization of breakthrough technologies

Rice University today celebrated the grand opening of the Rice Nexus, its flagship innovation hub in the Ion District designed to help faculty, students and alumni founders turn breakthrough research into high-impact startups. Spanning 10,000 square feet across two floors of the Ion building, the state-of-the-art facility provides the space, resources and industry connections needed to scale new ventures, with artificial intelligence (AI) as a central pillar of its innovation strategy.

Under the leadership of Sanjoy Paul, an AI expert and entrepreneur, the Nexus aims to be a key driver for innovation across multiple industries, including biotech, energy, climate and health care.

“The Nexus represents Rice’s commitment to transforming groundbreaking research into real-world solutions,” said Rice President Reginald DesRoches. “By embedding AI expertise, fostering collaboration and equipping our entrepreneurs with the resources to succeed, we are positioning Houston as a global hub for innovation and technology commercialization.”

The Nexus is already home to several innovative deep tech and AI-powered startups. Among them is Solidec, a climate-tech company co-founded by Rice professor Haotian Wang, research scientist Ryan DuChanois and alumnus Yang Xia. Another standout is Coflux Purification, co-founded by Rice students Alec Ajnsztajn, Jeremy Daum and Dana Vazquez with collaboration from professors Rafael Verduzco and Pulickel Ajayan.

In addition, BeOne Sports, founded by Rice alumni, is advancing sports performance technology, while Voythos is battling complex cardiovascular disease by making accurate predictions on the future health of patients using AI.

These ventures and others benefit from the Nexus’ robust suite of resources, which includes mentorship, commercialization support and access to a network of investors and corporate partners.

“We created the Rice Nexus in the Ion for Rice faculty, students and alumni to transform their breakthrough ideas into venture-ready startups,” said Paul Cherukuri, Rice’s chief innovation officer and vice president for innovation. “With Sanjoy Paul at the helm, we are not only integrating AI into the core of our innovation efforts but also ensuring that Rice founders have the leadership, expertise and support they need to rapidly build and scale transformative companies.”

In addition to supporting a diverse range of startups, the Nexus will house a dedicated AI venture accelerator, identifying and nurturing AI-driven startups that have the potential to transform industries. This aligns with Rice’s broader strategic plan, Momentous, which prioritizes leadership in responsible AI, computing and disruptive technologies.

“The Nexus is the bridge between Rice’s world-class research on campus and the investment and industry partners that can help bring these technologies to market through the Ion,” said Paul, executive director of the Nexus. “With AI as a core focus, we’re creating a launchpad for Rice-affiliated founders to build transformative companies that will lead the future of innovation.”

Rice Innovation recently made other investments in Houston’s startup ecosystem, launching RBL LLC, a biotech venture studio to rapidly commercialize lifesaving medical technologies from the Rice Biotech Launch Pad. Rice also partnered with Greentown Labs, North America’s largest climate tech incubator, to support climate solutions in the Ion District.

“With its doors now officially open, the Rice Nexus cements its role as the home for Rice founders within the Ion District, integrating AI expertise to fuel the next wave of breakthrough companies that will transform industries and change the world,” said Cherukuri.

Software Day at the Ion is Back in 2025!

Posted on by Torey Brown

The Ion and Mercury are back with Software Day, a monthly program series designed to empower software startups on their journey toward rapid, sustainable growth. Whether you’re looking to gain actionable advice, expand your network, or showcase your startup, Software Day is the place to be in 2025.

What is Software Day?

This monthly series, comprising mentor office hours, fireside chats, and networking, establishes a critical axis for the software innovation community to rally around at the Ion. It brings together leading mentors, promising early-stage startups, and like-minded Houstonians focused on building transformative software innovations.

Prior to a fireside chat, a select group of seed-stage software startups will participate in mentor office hours. Over the course of 2 hours, startup entrepreneurs looking for guidance and seasoned founders needing help tackling tough challenges will have access to a group of curated mentors from the Mercury network. The ideal profile of a company for this mentorship program is a pre-Series A software startup that is in the early stages of revenue generation. Interested startups are encouraged to submit their applications here. Each month, startups will be selected to participate in the mentor office hours.

2025 Software Day Schedule
Mark your calendars for the upcoming Software Days at the Ion:

  • February 4, 2025
  • March 25, 2025
  • May 20, 2025
  • June 24, 2025
  • August 26, 2025
  • October 14, 2025

Applications for February 4 Are Open!
Are you a pre-Series A software startup in the early stages of revenue generation? Don’t miss the chance to participate in curated office hours, where you’ll receive guidance from mentors with expertise in high-growth software innovations.

Submit your application now to secure your spot for February’s Software Day.

Visit our new Software Day page for details about the program, see past topics, upcoming date, and opportunities to get involved.

–

About Ion: Located in Ion District, the namesake building is the transformative centerpiece of Houston’s innovation corridor, powered by Rice University. Designed to bring our city’s entrepreneurial, corporate, and academic communities into collaborative spaces and programs, the sunlit structure of steel and glass is a home for advancing diverse knowledge, teams, technologies, and products that propel our world forward.
From Fortune 500s seeking flexible office space to first-time startups looking for the funding to design a prototype, the Ion provides wide-reaching space and support—welcoming individuals and teams of all kinds to a place to build a better way. The Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship leads programming at the Ion.

About Mercury: Mercury is an early-stage venture capital firm focused on software startups outside the coasts. Mercury’s investment themes target B2B and B2B2C SaaS and data platforms enabling the digital transformation of markets, industries, and customer relationships. To date, Mercury has created over $9 billion of value with an operationally focused investment strategy helping startups achieve rapid, sustainable growth. Mercury is headquartered in Houston with offices in Austin, Chicago, and Detroit. To learn more, visit mercuryfund.com.

Community Artists’ Collective Announces New Location in the Ion District

Posted on by Torey Brown

Press release originally distributed by Community Artist Collective.

The Community Artists’ Collective, (CAC), is thrilled to announce its new home within the Ion District. The new location allows CAC opportunities to expand its impact by offering a spacious gallery, classroom, and retail space that helps CAC reintroduce their robust arts programming. This move marks a significant milestone in CAC’s ongoing mission to foster cultural enrichment and artistic expression within the community.

“We are excited about the opportunities this move presents,” said April M. Frazier, Assistant Director of the Community Artists’ Collective. “Our new location at the Ion District, in partnership with Rice Real Estate Company and Rice University, will allow us to reach new heights in our mission to support and celebrate the arts in Houston.” Co-Founder and Executive Director Michelle Barnes adds, “Since its inception, we have dreamed and planned for growth and enhanced reach in the community, we believe this partnership positions us to continue our mission to provide the link to arts and culture to inspire unlimited creativity.”

The new location in the Ion District was facilitated through a strategic relationship with Rice Real Estate Company, a division of Rice University, and underscores a shared commitment to supporting the arts and supporting a vibrant cultural landscape in Houston. “We’re proud to support the Community Artists’ Collective in this new chapter,” said Sam Dike, Investment Manager of Strategic Investments. “The arts are a vital part of our community, and this partnership reflects our dedication to fostering a rich cultural environment.”

Cultural Significance of the Community Artists’ Collective

For over three decades, the Community Artists’ Collective has been a cornerstone of Houston’s cultural and artistic community. CAC’s programs and initiatives have empowered countless artists, provided vital arts education, and enriched the cultural fabric of the city. The move to the Ion represents a new chapter in CAC’s storied history, offering a state-of-the-art space that will enable the organization to continue its mission with renewed vigor.

The Collective invites the community to experience the new space during the Ashe` Holiday Market, December 12th through December 21st.

Open Hours: Thursday – Saturday 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

4111 Fannin Street, Suite 100

Houston, TX 77004

Contact Information

For more information, please contact: Community Artists’ Collective | 713-523-1616 info@thecollective.org | www.thecollective.org

Comfort Food with a Cause: Chef Lena’s Asian Kitchen Brings a New Taste to Cafe Ion

Posted on by Torey Brown

Chef Lena, former Chopped winner and founder of Lena’s Asian Kitchen, is making waves beyond the television screen with her commitment to authentic Asian comfort food and a mission-driven business model. Now in partnership with Cafe Ion, Lena is set to introduce a range of grab-and-go meal options to Houston’s innovation hub. Her company, which provides employment and culinary training for domestic violence survivors, has roots in both her passion for cooking and her dedication to empowering others. To celebrate this new venture, Cafe Ion hosted a sample tasting and meet-and-greet with Chef Lena herself, where visitors discovered Lena’s Asian Kitchen’s unique flavors.

Growing up in Vietnam, Chef Lena’s love for food came from eating delicious meals. “I was always a happy child when my parents took me out to eat,” she laughs. It wasn’t until she moved to Houston in 2015 that she found herself in the kitchen, missing the comfort of homemade Asian dishes. By 2017, she enrolled in culinary school, driven by two things: a craving to bring authentic Asian comfort food to Houston, and a desire to help survivors of domestic violence—a mission born from her time volunteering at local shelters.

“When I worked at shelters, I saw survivors struggle to hold down jobs because of their trauma,” Lena shares. That realization led to Lena’s Asian Kitchen, a business that not only serves food but offers training and employment to those overcoming hardship. Winning Chopped brought new opportunities, but for Lena, the real victory is making an impact through her food and her team.

Now, she’s introducing her grab-and-go meals to Cafe Ion, bringing flavors inspired by her heritage and community-focused mission to the Ion. “I want to share our culture with everyone, and what better way than with healthy, delicious food?” she says. The grab-and-go meals are healthy options for busy patrons at the Ion—flavorful, nourishing and a little piece of home in each bite. Lena’s Asian Kitchen is 100% dairy free, nut free, gluten free and keto. Customers can pre-order on their website and pickup at Cafe Ion.

Through each meal, Lena is sparking awareness around domestic violence and creating a platform for positive change. “Giving back is my number one purpose,” she says. “Our food will light up your day and keep you going—our goal is to do that for everyone here at the Ion.”

Learn more about Lena’s Asian Kitchen and Lena’s Foundation.

The Ion adds new partners Oxy, Fathom Fund and Activate

Posted on by Torey Brown

Rice University and the Rice Real Estate Company are proud to announce new partnerships with Houston-based Occidental (Oxy), Fathom Fund and Activate, marking a major milestone as the Ion is now 90% leased. These new leases highlight the Ion’s growing role as a premier destination for partners dedicated to empowering startups and fostering technological innovation in Houston’s thriving Midtown district.

“As the Ion continues to attract leading companies and organizations across industries, it’s clear that our vision of creating a dynamic and collaborative environment for innovation is resonating,” said Ken Jett, president of the Rice Real Estate Company and vice president of facilities and capital construction at Rice. “We are proud to set the standard for how the workplace can evolve to foster the commercialization and growth of transformative technologies that enhance quality of life in our community and beyond.”

Partners fueling Houston’s startup ecosystem

Oxy, Activate and Fathom Fund are playing key roles in nurturing the growth of Houston’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Beyond their leases, these partners contributed significantly to high-impact programming such as the inaugural Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week last month and key partners in bringing venture capitalists, startups and innovators to highlight Houston’s leadership in the energy transition. Notably, Oxy President and CEO Vicki Hollub was featured recently in a live podcast recording with “My Climate Journey,” and Activate recently hosted its first “Meet the Cohort” event showcasing breakthrough technologies from its entrepreneurial fellows.

Collaborative space for startups

Oxy, which seeks to engage with innovators who are aligned with its initiatives to address atomospheric emissions and develop lower carbon products, has secured a prime location spanning nearly 6,500 square feet on the fourth floor of the Ion. Joining Oxy are two innovation powerhouses that are shaping the future: Fathom Fund and Activate. Fathom Fund, a Houston-based deep-tech venture capital firm, stands apart from most VC funds with its unique ability to dive deep into emerging technologies, backing visionary founders and high-risk, high-reward innovations that have the potential to redefine entire industries.

Activate, a national leader in translating cutting-edge science into marketable technologies, has established locations in Berkeley, California, New York and Boston. With the Ion as its only Texas location, Activate is expanding its renowned fellowship model to Houston and the Midwest, providing not just funding but also unparalleled mentorship, resources and strategic networks to bring breakthrough discoveries to market. With Fathom Fund and Activate already utilizing their new spaces, their presence solidifies the Ion as a premier hub for innovation, collaboration and technological advancement.

Oxy’s office design and construction are slated for completion by early 2025, creating a dynamic environment where industry leaders, technologists and entrepreneurs can come together to shape the future of energy and technology.

The Ion’s leasing momentum follows other notable additions, including Kongsberg Digital, Artemis Energy Partners, CES Renewables and Eleox, which have also contributed to the Ion’s vibrant community of forward-thinking companies.

“The partnerships we’ve forged are vital to shaping the Ion into a vibrant ecosystem for startups, where collaborative innovation is not only driving local economic growth but also positioning Houston as a global leader in the energy transition,” said Paul Cherukuri, chief innovation officer at Rice. “With our team leading the programming and activation across the Ion District, we are creating companies that harness cutting-edge technology for the benefit of society — advancing solutions that contribute to social good while addressing the most pressing challenges of our time. This powerful network is redefining Houston’s role in the future of energy, technology and social impact.”

Hub for innovation and collaboration

The Ion, designed to set a new standard for workplace innovation, boasts LEED Gold, Wired Score Platinum and WELL Silver certifications. The state-of-the-art facility offers flexible spaces designed to meet the needs of startups at every stage, while also providing access to community programming, networking events and unique amenities like dining options, a fitness center, coworking spaces and a prototyping lab.

Located at the heart of the 16-acre Ion District, the Ion serves as a catalyst for the commercialization of technologies developed at Rice and beyond. Its strategic partnerships with organizations like Chevron, Microsoft, Aramco, Baker Botts, ExxonMobil, Woodside Energy and others ensure that it remains a leading hub for technological innovation and entrepreneurship

The Ion building is the transformative centerpiece of Houston’s innovation corridor, powered by Rice. Designed to bring the city’s entrepreneurial, corporate and academic communities into collaborative spaces and programs, the sunlit structure of steel and glass is a home for advancing diverse knowledge, teams, technologies and products that propel our world forward.