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Category: News

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 https://iondistrict.com/events/.

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

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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.

Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week Announces 2025 Dates

Posted on by roslynn

The second annual conference returns September 15-19, 2025, to accelerate the development and scaling of real solutions for the dual challenge.

(Houston, Texas) Building on the success of its inaugural year, Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week will return September 15-19, 2025, bringing together thousands of startups, investors, and industry leaders from around the world.

“Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week was created to answer a fundamental question: Can we achieve more by working together than we can alone?” said Jane Stricker, Senior Vice President, Greater Houston Partnership and Executive Director, Houston Energy Transition Initiative. “By joining forces, we’re strengthening Houston’s role as a global leader in energy innovation, uniting top talent to turn bold ideas into real solutions. In 2024, we set out to build something with lasting impact—rooted in the ingenuity of Houston’s technologists and founders. Thanks to a collaborative effort across industry, academia, and startups, we’ve only just begun to showcase Houston’s strengths and invite others to be part of this movement. We can’t wait to see the city rise to the occasion again in 2025.”

Founded by Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship, Halliburton Labs, Greentown Labs, Houston Energy Transition Initiative (HETI), Digital Wildcatters and Activate, this city-wide initiative was launched to showcase Houston is developing and scaling real solutions for the dual challenge—meeting growing global energy demand while reducing carbon emissions. The event’s inaugural year in 2024 demonstrated the power of this collaboration, drawing more than 2,000 attendees across 30+ events, featuring 100+ speakers and 125+ startups.

Anchor Events for 2025 Include:

  • Monday, September 15
    • Official Kickoff Event at the Ion, hosted by HETI
  • Tuesday, September 16
    • Activate Meet the Cohort
  • Wednesday, September 17
    • Rice Alliance Energy Tech Venture Forum (Invite-only Startup/Investor Office Hours)
  • Thursday, September 18
    • Rice Alliance Energy Tech Venture Forum at Rice University
    • Greentown Labs ACCEL Showcase
  • Friday, September 19
    • Halliburton Labs Pitch Day at the Ion

In addition to these marquee events, returning programming from New Climate Ventures, Digital Wildcatters, and Global Corporate Venturing are already confirmed. New partners, including Decarbonization Partners and Avatar Innovations, are also joining the lineup. With the date announced, the founding partners invite 2024 hosts and others, to begin planning their events and programs. Calendar submissions will be opened in May.

Programming will take place across Houston, with the Ion District, powered by Rice University, serving as a key hub.

For more information and to get involved, visit houstonenergyclimatestartupweek.com

About Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week
Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week is a collaborative, city-wide initiative dedicated to advancing solutions for the energy transition. Launched by Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship, Halliburton Labs, Greentown Labs, Houston Energy Transition Initiative (HETI), Digital Wildcatters and Activate, the annual activation brings together startups, investors, and industry leaders to showcase innovation and drive meaningful impact. Events are hosted by many organizations across the city.

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.

Ion Announces New Coworking Partnership

Posted on by roslynn

New flexible workspace partner, Industrious, offers enhanced hospitality experience


HOUSTON – JANUARY 22, 2025 – Rice Real Estate Company today announced Industrious as the new operator of the Ion’s coworking community. The partnership seeks to deliver a new hospitality-focused member experience for the Ion’s innovation community.

“The Ion’s coworking space is vital for our startups, small businesses and innovation partners. It’s more than just a physical location to work, the dynamic environment fosters organic idea exchange and collaboration that is flexible to scale with a company’s needs as they grow. Partnering with Industrious enhances the Ion’s hospitality offerings in this way,” said Ken Jett, President of Rice Real Estate Company. “Their unparalleled expertise in delivering quality, hospitality-driven workspaces complements our vision of creating a world-class ecosystem where entrepreneurs, corporations, and academia converge to drive innovation forward.”

Industrious, renowned for its community-minded, hospitality-driven approach to coworking, will take over the management of the Ion’s existing 86,000-square-foot coworking space. This expansive area features a diverse range of workspaces including private suites and offices, dedicated desks, phone booths, and conference rooms of varying sizes. Under Industrious’ management, members will continue to enjoy the Ion’s exceptional workspace while benefiting from enhanced, all-inclusive amenities. Members can expect an elevated workplace experience, delivered by experienced staff trained in Industrious’ signature hospitality-oriented service model, which emphasizes comfort, design, and connection. Industrious will also offer new, curated networking events, and a host of complimentary and enhanced services including robust snack and coffee service. These offerings are designed to make our members feel welcomed, empowered to do their best work, and delighted to show up to the office.

“The Ion plays a valuable role in the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Houston. We’re thrilled to add our expertise in running engaging spaces and join forces with The Rice Real Estate Company to continue to position the Ion as an invaluable contributor to the growth of Houston’s innovation community,” said Natalie Levine, Senior Manager of Real Estate at Industrious.

In addition to the hospitality offerings managed by Industrious, the Ion boasts three chef-driven restaurants, a tap room, and recently launched “Ion District Eats To Go”, powered by DoorDash. This ordering and pickup service aggregates menus from Ion District restaurants into a single, convenient digital platform. Users can order from various eateries on one ticket, making it ideal for team lunches or individual meals. These offerings are open to tenants and visitors alike. The recent hospitality upgrades along with the Ion’s collection of state-of-the-art amenities—a 250-seat public forum space, a 6,500-square-foot prototyping lab, Investor Studio, fitness center and expansive meeting and event spaces—will continue to make the Ion the premiere destination for startups and corporate innovation.

The Ion, located at 4201 Main Street, is a 266,000-square-foot, Class AA office building and innovation hub at the heart of the 16-acre Ion District. As the transformative centerpiece of Houston’s innovation corridor, the Ion brings together entrepreneurial, corporate, and academic communities to foster collaboration and growth. The building boasts LEED Gold, WiredScore Platinum, and WELL Silver certifications, setting a new benchmark for office environments in Houston.

This partnership marks Industrious’ second location in Houston, reflecting the company’s expanding presence in key markets nationwide. For more information about Industrious coworking memberships at The Ion, visit industriousoffice.com.

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.

About Rice Real Estate Company:
Rice Real Estate Company, a subsidiary of Rice University, strategically acquires and manages properties to support the university’s growth and financial sustainability. The company’s portfolio includes iconic holdings such as Rice Village and Ion District, which extend beyond the main campus boundaries. By leveraging market trends and diversifying assets, Rice Real Estate Company focuses on creating long-term value for the university, generating income to sustain operations and fund scholarships, research grants, and other initiatives that enrich the educational experience at Rice University. The company’s efforts contribute to the academic community and the broader public, ensuring a strong foundation for Rice University’s future. For more information, visit https://realestate.rice.edu/.

About Industrious
Industrious delivers the world’s best workplaces by making the office a welcoming, empowering, and delightful experience. From private offices to suites, meeting rooms, and desks, we make it easy to find a workspace that works for you – whether you come in just a few days a week, want the flexibility to work from more than one location, or need an HQ just for a day. Founded in 2012 and recognized as one of America’s 500 fastest-growing companies by Inc. Magazine, Industrious offers flexible workplaces at more than 200 locations in over 65 cities globally. For more information, visit industriousoffice.com.

 

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CONTACT:

Laura Jones, ljones@dpwpr.com

Dancie Perugini Ware Public Relations

713-224-9115

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.

Rice partners with Greentown Labs to accelerate innovation in Houston’s Ion District

Posted on by roslynn

(Originally distributed by Rice University News & Media Relations)

Rice University is partnering with key stakeholders to bolster Houston’s role as a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship, with a focus on addressing the dual challenge of an energy-abundant and low-carbon future. The university is joining a new partnership to support climate tech solutions through Greentown Labs, North America’s largest climate tech incubator with locations in Houston’s Ion District and Somerville, Massachusetts, near Boston.

Greentown Labs
Greentown Labs, Houston

Rice, a joint partnership between David Baldwin and Bobby Tudor, MassDevelopment, Massachusetts’ development finance agency and land bank, and the city of Somerville are making a $4 million investment to bolster the nonprofit incubator and allow it to support even more climate and energy transition entrepreneurs.

“Greentown Labs has played an important role in jumpstarting the energy transition in Houston, and we want to contribute to making it bigger and better,” said Tudor, a Rice alumnus and trustee emeritus, and founder and CEO of Artemis Energy Partners. “As we continue to grow the Ion District and Rice increases its commitment to innovation, this partnership between Houston and Massachusetts will boost our shared commitment to accelerating the energy transition. We are collectively making a greater investment because we see the importance and promise of this ecosystem.”

At Rice, generating sustainable futures is a key driver of the university’s recently launched strategic plan, Momentous: Personalized Scale for Global Impact. The plan outlines a roadmap for Rice to be the most innovative institution accelerating long-lasting advances and discoveries aimed at developing sustainable solutions that address challenges to energy, climate and the environment.

“The collaboration between industry, investment and academic institutions is central to the solutions we urgently need for innovation in the energy transition,” Rice President Reginald DesRoches said. “It’s part of Rice’s leadership in entrepreneurship and climate tech. We invite our higher education and research peers in Texas and Massachusetts to join us in this mission.”

In addition to a search for a new CEO for Greentown Labs, a new board of directors has been appointed to provide strategic guidance and expertise, amplifying Greentown’s mission to accelerate climate tech innovation and commercialization by empowering entrepreneurs and enabling collaboration. Tudor will serve as chairman of the new board.

Ion District
Ion District, Houston, Texas. 

Greentown Labs Board of Directors:

  • Bill Aulet, Ethernet Inventors Professor of the Practice of Entrepreneurship (MIT Sloan) and managing director of the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship
  • David Baldwin, founder and board chair of TEX-E
  • Georgina Campbell Flatter, co-founder and executive director of TomorrowNow
  • Jason Hanna, co-founder of Greentown Labs; head of product, AI Solutions Group at Analog Devices
  • Bob Harvey, former president and CEO of Greater Houston Partnership, board member of TEX-E
  • John Hitt, general counsel at Massachusetts Clean Energy Center
  • Juan Carlos Morales, founder and managing director of Surfside Capital Advisors; board member of MassDevelopment
  • Pam Reeve, former CEO of Lightbridge; active public, private and nonprofit board member
  • Jane Stricker, senior vice president, energy transition and executive director of the Houston Energy Transition Initiative at the Greater Houston Partnership
  • Bobby Tudor, Greentown Labs board chair, founder and board chair of the Houston Energy Transition Initiative at the Greater Houston Partnership

“In 2021, Greentown Labs expanded to Houston, setting the stage for a thriving energy transition innovation ecosystem,” said Steve Kean, president and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership. “Since then, Houston has continued to attract climate tech companies from around the world, with over 260 startups now calling the region home. Greentown’s mission aligns closely with the Houston Energy Transition Initiative’s goal of accelerating global solutions to meet the dual challenge of meeting growing energy demand globally while also significantly reducing CO2 emissions. The addition of Tudor and HETI Executive Director Jane Stricker to Greentown’s board of directors will enhance collaboration across the energy and climate ecosystem and advance the work of both organizations.”

“With this new funding, Greentown is poised to expand its impact across its existing ecosystems and support even more climate tech startups,” said Greentown Labs Interim CEO Kevin Dutt. “We believe in the essential role entrepreneurship will play in the energy transition and we’re grateful for the support of our partners who share in that belief and our collective commitment to commercializing these technologies as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

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.

Race to Innovate: Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Takes Over the Ion Ahead of the U.S. Grand Prix

Posted on by roslynn

The Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1® team brought the excitement of motorsport to Houston with a demonstration run of the AMR22 at the Ion. Ahead of the 2024 U.S. Grand Prix in Austin, attendees got an up-close look at the racecar and met 19-year-old driver, Jak Crawford.

The event included interactive activities and a panel discussion here at the Ion on the culture of innovation fostered by the partnership with Aramco, an Ion founding partner. Bringing together the Houston innovation community, we celebrated the launch of the Aston Martin Aramco F1 Generation 3 campaign, which aims to leverage cutting-edge technologies for real-world impact and inspire the next generation. Their teams showcased how to drive progress in global mobility through technical advancements on-track, and prepare the next generation of STEM leaders to tackle these challenges for years to come

Ahead of the AMR22 drive in the Ion District, attendees gathered on the Ion Forum Stairs to hear from leaders at Aramco during a panel discussion. Jak Crawford, who grew up in Houston, shared about his personal experiences on the track. Followed by a innovation discussion with Rania Biltagi – Aramco, Global Head of Aramco Partnership and Sponsorship; Jim Sledzik – Aramco Ventures, Managing Director; Claudio Santoni – Aston Martin Performance Technologies, Engineering Director. The discussion was moderated by Paul Cherukuri – Chief Innovation Officer, Rice University.

Houston Mayor Whitmire highlighted the significance of the day, emphasizing that, “Institutions like Rice University and the Ion make Houston great. This is really a great day for Houston and all of the attendees here.” It is an honor to work with these phenomenal innovators and partners who are the heartbeat of the Ion District.

The culminating final demo run in the Ion District was preceded by an exciting day driving around Houston, including when Aramco Americas and Motiva employees witnessed this experience as the car drove by Aramco Americas headquarters in downtown.

As homebase for the activities, the AMF22 wearing this demo run special Generation 3 livery including inspirational quotes from Rice University students, was assembled in the Ion garage.

As corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators and students come together in the Ion, Houston continues to become a home base for technological breakthroughs that impact industries worldwide.

Introducing Ion District Eats To-Go: A Seamless Way to Order from Your Favorite Spots

Posted on by Torey Brown

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Ion District Eats To-Go, an exciting new online ordering platform that allows you to place orders from multiple restaurants within Ion District—all in one go! Whether you’re planning a group order or just grabbing a quick bite for yourself, Ion District Eats To-Go offers the ultimate convenience.

With easy online access, you can now order from popular spots like Late August, The Lymbar, Second Draught, Cafe Ion, and Stuff’d Wings. Simply visit the platform, place your order, and receive a notification when your meal is ready for pick-up.

Though delivery is not available at this time, we’re committed to making your dining experience seamless and enjoyable. Plus, keep an eye out for new and exclusive menu items only available through Ion District Eats To-Go!

Ready to enjoy hassle-free dining? Visit iondistrict.menu and discover how easy it is to order from your favorite eateries at once. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to expand our offerings and improve your dining experience.

Additionally, enjoy exclusive bar bites available for order at Second Draught and Pickle Lab!

Don’t miss out—grab your next meal with Ion District Eats To-Go!

Receive Mentorship from the Mercury Network at Software Day at the Ion

Posted on by roslynn

Mercury and Ion team up to launch Inaugural Software Day at the Ion to support the growth of Houston software startups.

The Ion, in partnership with Mercury, has announced the inaugural “Software Day at the Ion,” a monthly series aimed at nurturing software innovation and supporting startups on their path to rapid, sustainable growth.

Key Links and Details: 

This monthly series, comprising mentor office hours, keynote sessions, 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.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Rice Alliance to launch Software Day at the Ion. While Houston has thriving innovation ecosystems around energy and life sciences, there are still hundreds of software startups outside these key verticals that need nurturing and assistance. Our goal is to come together as a tech community to cultivate the next generation of software startups, so that we launch more companies like Brassica, Cart.com, RepeatMD, and many others,” said Mercury Managing Director Blair Garrou. “We have a remarkable community of mentors and industry professionals in the Houston ecosystem coming together to support local founders. Our team is looking forward to working with more local entrepreneurs as they amplify their startup’s growth journey.”

Software Day at the Ion kicked off on Tuesday, May 14 with a fireside chat on “Raising Seed Capital in Uncertain Times” followed by a networking happy hour at Second Draught where founders can connect with fellow software entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals, fostering connections that could shape the future of a company.

Prior to the 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.

Software Day at the Ion isn’t just an event series- it’s a catalyst for growth and collaboration. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of Houston’s thriving tech ecosystem.

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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.

Bayou Startup Showcase Highlights University-affiliated Student Ventures at the Ion

Posted on by Torey Brown

The annual Bayou Startup Showcase presented by Rice University’s OwlSpark and the University of Houston’s RED Labs took place Aug. 1 at the Ion – Houston’s innovation hub powered by Rice.

OwlSpark, created and ran by the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship, and RED Labs have partnered on this showcase for eleven years to create an environment that cultivates entrepreneurs and early-stage startup teams, enabling founders to share ideas, experience the value of collaboration, and surround themselves with the best people and resources. The two universities are both ranked No. 1 in the country for entrepreneurship programs.

“This partnership has seen 401 founders across 181 ventures collectively raise more than $110M,” said Jessica Fleenor, managing director of OwlSpark. “Our alumni are living proof that collaboration works. Our 11-year partnership leverages the community to provide a springboard for emerging founders, demonstrating that Houston is the place for entrepreneurship.”

RED Labs and OwlSpark each provide a 12-week program designed to help the universities’ respective students, faculty, staff and recent alumni accelerate their business or business idea with hands-on entrepreneurship experiences and a roadmap from innovation to commercialization. These accelerators are then celebrated each year with the Bayou Startup Showcase with opportunities to make connections with customers and investors.

This year’s event kicked off with the 18 teams pitching their businesses to a large, standing-room-only audience before the showcase was then opened for the audience to view and interact with the pitched products and services as well as engage with the founders and discover ways to support and grow these businesses.

Ventures ranged from hair care to health care, highlighting the vast array of expertise and experience that comes from Houston’s entrepreneurship ecosystem that Rice and UH have spearheaded.

“I can do anything in a laboratory, but once you hit the real world and the business part about it, it’s really important to find mentors and get a comprehensive sense of what that ecosystem looks like,” said Jonathan Stein, founder of Euvivo Biosciences. “The program has been amazing.”

“The day is a celebration of entrepreneurship, spotlighting the newest startups and small businesses,” said Brad Burke, associate vice president for industry and new ventures at Rice’s  Office of Innovation and executive director of Rice Alliance.

“We want to celebrate the spirit of Houston by supporting our two great hometown universities, these innovative founders and the vibrant entrepreneurial community that makes the Bayou City so special,” he said.

Learn more about all 18 teams here.

University of Houston and Rice University Announce 11th Cohort in Ongoing Acceleration Partnership

Posted on by roslynn

The University of Houston and Rice University continue their 11-year collaboration to support Houston entrepreneurship by announcing the latest cohort of their respective startup and small business accelerators, RED Labs and OwlSpark. This summer the accelerators will host their ventures at the Ion, the heart of the Houston innovation corridor in Midtown. This summer the accelerators will host their ventures at the Ion, the heart of the Houston innovation corridor in Midtown.

Over the course of 11 weeks, 18 startup and small business teams will engage in an immersive experience that blends supportive founders, industry leaders, investors and mentors, entrepreneurial training and an invitation to Houston’s innovation ecosystem.

By uniting forces, the University of Houston and Rice provide tailored support to emerging startups and small businesses, further solidifying Houston’s position as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. This partnership creates an environment that cultivates entrepreneurs and early-stage startup teams, enabling founders to share ideas, experience the value of collaboration and surround themselves with the best people and resources.

Hosting the cohort at the Ion reflects a commitment to providing participants with access to Houston’s thriving startup ecosystem. The Ion offers collaborative spaces and community where ideas go to grow. Through the accelerator, teams will access top-tier mentors, training, and coworking space, making it the ideal location to foster innovation and collaboration among aspiring entrepreneurs.

The cohort encompasses a diverse range of sectors, reflecting the dynamic landscape of Houston’s economy.

University of Houston RED Labs Class 12

  • Root Planters develops smart indoor plant care devices designed to prevent plant death by providing automatic watering, tailored for busy individuals and gardeners looking to maintain plant health with minimal effort.
  • Burb Groceries is an online grocery retailer for people with chronic health conditions.
  • That Dude’s Bakehouse offers premium, half-pound cookies, combining choice ingredients and craftsmanship with the mission of being the best part of somebody’s day
  • Mulligan Bandit aims to redefine golf fashion, offering affordable yet high-quality clothing that seamlessly transitions from the fairway to the streets, reflecting personal style while ensuring durability and comfort.
  • Surreal Vision offers immersive Mixed Reality (MR) solutions that provide dynamic visualization experiences to enhance design collaboration and client presentations.
  • Agave Catering is a catering company focused on providing high-quality, gourmet boxed lunches for professionals on the go.
  • Digitally Marie is a purposeful creative agency dedicated to reducing the opportunity gap for female entrepreneurs. Through our heart-driven approach, we elevate content production embodying their brand perception with unapologetic authenticity.
  • Unison is a personal contact relationship management tool that alleviates the risk of data loss and helps to build more meaningful professional and personal relationships.
  • Brain-eNet is a platform that provides hardware and software tools to enable the development of braincontrolled Internet of Things applications.
  • Pasha Blend Collection specializes in creating modern skincare products that embodies purity, authenticity and inclusivity.
  • Arresting Motion is a brand strategy design consultancy and marketing agency that transforms Houston’s top real estate firms into the brands they deserve.
  • CalliDanna is a consulting company that coaches girls 12 to 18 to help improve their lives professionally and personally.

Rice University OwlSpark Class 12

  • EcoFleet Solutions offers rechargeable electric power units for semi-trucks, powering air conditioning and cabin functions during stops without engine idling, cutting fuel costs, maintenance, and emissions.
  • Houston Community Print Shop offers printmaking classes and equipment access, focusing on community building and supporting underserved areas.
  • KOQ Agency curates and organizes global tours and live entertainment opportunities for Queer and Ally artists in drag, music, and entertainment.
  • Euvivo Diagnostics is developing a direct-to-consumer test that analyzes cell aging by examining mitochondrial performance and new aging markers, tailored for individuals with mitochondrial disorders.
  • Hair Hub provides a compilation of styling tutorials, educational content, planning tools and a comprehensive database of products tailored for Black hair to provide resources for users to perform cost-efficient DIY haircare.
  • xMAD.ai is a compression-as-a-service platform that democratizes access to LLMs (Large Language Models) by making them faster, more private, cost-effective and accessible to businesses of all sizes.

“The collaboration the University of Houston has with Rice University gives founders in RED Labs and OwlSpark a unique opportunity to grow along their peers in the larger Houston community and really exemplifies the spirit of collaboration that the Houston business ecosystem is known for,” said Managing Director of RED Labs Liana Gonzalez-Schulenberg. “It never fails to surprise me at the end of the summer the relationships built, the support systems created and collaborations produced across our universities. By working together, we empower the next generation of entrepreneurs to work together as they turn their visions into reality and drive positive change in the community.”

“We’re celebrating more than just an 11-year partnership; we’re recognizing a dynamic alliance that has been instrumental in fostering entrepreneurship and propelling Houston to the forefront of innovation,” said Managing Director of OwlSpark Jessica Fleenor. “This partnership exemplifies our dedication to cultivating a thriving environment where entrepreneurs can connect, grow and succeed surrounded by unparalleled resources and support. We are incredibly excited to see these new ventures grow as they join our growing network and are thrilled to host our cohorts at the Ion, positioning us at the core of our city’s vibrant innovation landscape.”

OwlSpark and RED Labs, founded in 2013, are renowned for their commitment to supporting founders and fostering innovation at UH and Rice. OwlSpark, Rice’s startup and small business accelerator supporting students, faculty and alumni, has supported 97 ventures which have raised nearly $106 million in funding. RED Labs, housed within the C. T. Bauer College of Business, is UH’s startup accelerator program and has been instrumental in helping students, faculty and recent alumni accelerate their business ideas.

The accelerator programs conclude with the Bayou Startup Showcase on August 1, where participants will showcase their ventures to the Greater Houston community. For those interested in attending, sign up here and details will be shared as they become available.

For more information about the accelerator programs, please visit RED Labs and OwlSpark.

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