BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Ion District - ECPv6.17.0//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Ion District
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://iondistrict.com
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ion District
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Chicago
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20250309T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20251102T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20260308T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20261101T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20270314T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20271107T070000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260731T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260731T120000
DTSTAMP:20260721T181006Z
CREATED:20260721T181006Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260721T181006Z
UID:10005206-1785492000-1785499200@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:NASA Office Hours
DESCRIPTION:NASA is bringing its expertise to Houston’s innovation hub! Every other Friday\, join us for NASA’s office hours\, designed to bridge the gap between Houston’s innovators\, entrepreneurs\, and startups with NASA’s elite experts\, capabilities\, and technology.  \n\nLicense the Future: Discover how to utilize NASA-developed technologies and intellectual property for your own projects.\nPartner for Growth: Explore how to grow your own goals and NASA’s mission together by leveraging unique human spaceflight capabilities and expertise from NASA Johnson Space Center.\nBuild the Sector: Help us grow Houston’s commercial space ecosystem.\n\nCome with a vision\, leave with a partnership. \nJust come walk up and say hello\, or sign up in advance here.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/nasa-office-hours-18/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/32-Image-Placeholder.png?ver=1777486289
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260731T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260731T113000
DTSTAMP:20260723T061054Z
CREATED:20260721T155243Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260723T061054Z
UID:10005200-1785493800-1785497400@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Startup Circle Houston 💫
DESCRIPTION:Startup Circle Houston 💫 brings together founders\, teammates\, experts and newbies of startups in Greater Houston! Past topics include: \nTraction + Funding Stage Identification – What stage are you really at?\nICP – Seeking your beachhead market\nProblem Identification – Love the problem\, not the solution\nBootstrapping – Knowing your runway and not putting money on fire. 🔥\nFounder capacity\, 10xing and recruiting for your weaknesses. 🚀\n\nLinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/16537030/
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/startup-circle-houston-%f0%9f%92%ab-11/
LOCATION:Ion – Lobby\, 4201 Main St.\, Houston\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:3rd Party Registration,Academic Network,Community Event,Corporate Innovators,Founders & Startups,General Community,Investors & Capital,Networking,Office Hours,Start Here
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Startup-Circle-Houston.jpeg?ver=1769451396
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260805T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260805T180000
DTSTAMP:20260715T160758Z
CREATED:20260713T205415Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260715T160758Z
UID:10005180-1785943800-1785952800@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Summer Venture Studio Preview Day @ Ion District
DESCRIPTION:Register here: https://luma.com/6jbyeu9f \nCheck-in begins at 3:30 PM. Event begins at 4:00 PM. \nBe among the first to see what’s next 👀\n​Join us for the inaugural Summer Venture Studio Preview Day\, where this year’s cohort of ambitious student founders will pitch the ventures they’ve spent the summer building.\n​Hosted by the Ion District and in partnership with Rice Alliance\, SVS Preview Day is both a showcase and a celebration of Houston’s innovation community. \n​Meet founders\, connect with fellow entrepreneurs\, investors\, mentors\, and supporters\, and help us celebrate the next generation of student innovators at Rice. \n​Meet the 2026 SVS Cohort!\n​Actile Technologies\n​Founder: Barclay Jumet \n​Actile develops wearable smart fabrics that communicate critical information through the language of touch\, helping operators’ eyes and ears stay focused on their environment in national defense and other demanding settings. \n​DHI Tech\n​Founders: Dev Sanghvi\, Madhuvani Thatiparti\, Aneesh Thatiparti \n​DHI Tech is developing a plug-and-play edge AI layer for surveillance networks that makes every camera a smart device\, covering 25-plus safety\, compliance and security use cases out of the box. \n​Kairos Health\n​Founders: Adhira Tippur\, Sanjana Kavula\, Tanush Chintala\, Aditya Jain \n​Kairos have developed an AI-powered patient intake platform built specifically for independent dental practices. \n​Lucero Health\n​Founders: Halbert Kim\, Rohan Dharia \n​Lucero connect patients to supplemental resources\, turning non-medical needs into actionable care beyond the clinic via a digital platform. \n​MedIQ Health\n​Founders: Suran Somawardana\, Jacob Lei\, Patrick Bednarz \n​MedIQ is developing hardware and software solutions that help asthma patients and their doctors better manage their condition. \n​Codene\n​Founders: Adam Towner\, Saul Brauns \n​Codene are building the AI platform for go-to-market engineering. They Codene discovers ideal customers\, executes personalized outreach and accelerates the journey from launch to revenue. \n​Vantage\n​Founders: Gavin Firestone\, Nolan Connolly \n​Vantage have developed an AI motion coach that uses computer vision to deliver instant\, actionable feedback on exercise technique and programming. \n​Magma Health\n​Founder: Ramtin Shahzanian \n​Magma clones real companies into high-fidelity RL environments. \n​Coop\n​Founders Adithiya Balaguru\, Arnav Bhalla \n​Coop are building an early respiratory disease detection system for poultry farms using AI to analyze audio feeds collected from poultry houses. \n​Learn more \n​About Summer Venture Studio\n​Summer Venture Studio (SVS) provides an immersive three-month experience where Rice student entrepreneurs receive $15\,000 in non-dilutive funding\, individualized mentorship\, workspace and access to an extensive network of experienced founders\, investors\, and industry experts. \n​Since launching in 2023\, SVS has become one of Rice’s premier pathways for translating student innovation into high-growth companies. More than half of participating ventures have gone on to raise pre-seed or seed financing\, while alumni companies have earned acceptance into some of the world’s most competitive accelerators programs\, including Y Combinator and Tech Stars. \n​For more information\, visit Lilie Summer Venture Studio! \n​About Liu Idea Lab for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (Lilie)\n​The Liu Idea Lab for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Lilie) is the home for entrepreneurship and innovation at Rice University. As the center for entrepreneurship on campus\, Lilie runs courses and co-curricular programs to help develop students\, researchers\, faculty\, and alums into entrepreneurs for life.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/summer-venture-studio-preview-day-ion-district/
LOCATION:Ion – Forum Stairs\, 4201 Main St.\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Founders & Startups,General Community,Networking,Start Here
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/SVS-2026.png?ver=1784063902
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260805T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260805T183000
DTSTAMP:20260615T183943Z
CREATED:20260126T191924Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260615T183943Z
UID:10004773-1785951000-1785954600@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Angel Investing 101
DESCRIPTION:In a world where only the very wealthy\, well connected\, and major institutions have access to premium investment opportunities\, which have created massive wealth for a small portion of the population\, the Innovation Center for Urban Entrepreneurship team believes the key to closing income and wealth gaps globally is to democratize access to opportunities across the investment ecosystem. \nJoin the Innovation Center for Urban Entrepreneurship team for an evening of learning\, discussion and possibilities as we explore the basics of angel investing and the role it plays in bringing new products and services to market and the impact it has on wealth and job creation.. At this event\, you’ll learn the key components to successfully navigate the critical-path of investing in private\, early-stage companies. \nThis session is ideal for the following investment related stakeholders: \n\nProspective Angel Investors who want to learn more about the world of Angel Investing\nInvestment Advisors (RIA/FA) who are looking for alternative investments for their clients\nEntrepreneurs who want to learn more about what Angels are looking for in their deals\nEntrepreneurs who want to meet/network with Angel Investors\n\nIon District Investor Activation Program: \nThe Houston Ion District Investor Activation Program along with Urban Capital Network is helping build an equitable climatetech industry capable of rapid deployment by addressing a fundamental challenge: the region’s lack of funding for early-stage climatetech startups\, and especially for those led by underrepresented founders. \nThis program from Greentown Labs and the Ion brings early-stage investors from Greater Houston—a region playing a pivotal role in the energy transition—into the fold\, offering education on climatetech investing\, channeling a pool of capital to young startups\, and catalyzing a thriving climatetech investment ecosystem that prioritizes diversity\, equity\, and inclusion. \nIf you would like to join the program\, please fill out this form\, and if you have additional questions\, please contact Juliana Bernal Martinez at jbernal@greentownlabs.com.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/angel-investing-101-9/
LOCATION:Ion – Conference Room 029 – 030\, 4201 Main St\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Founders & Startups,Investors & Capital,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC_0268-scaled.jpg?ver=1765821642
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260807T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260807T113000
DTSTAMP:20260723T060740Z
CREATED:20260723T060708Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260723T060740Z
UID:10005210-1786098600-1786102200@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Startup Circle Houston 💫
DESCRIPTION:Startup Circle Houston 💫 brings together founders\, teammates\, experts and newbies of startups in Greater Houston! Past topics include: \nTraction + Funding Stage Identification – What stage are you really at?\nICP – Seeking your beachhead market\nProblem Identification – Love the problem\, not the solution\nBootstrapping – Knowing your runway and not putting money on fire. 🔥\nFounder capacity\, 10xing and recruiting for your weaknesses. 🚀\n\nLinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/16537030/
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/startup-circle-houston-%f0%9f%92%ab-18/
LOCATION:Ion – Lobby\, 4201 Main St.\, Houston\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:3rd Party Registration,Academic Network,Community Event,Corporate Innovators,Founders & Startups,General Community,Investors & Capital,Networking,Office Hours,Start Here
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Startup-Circle-Houston.jpeg?ver=1769451396
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260811T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260811T190000
DTSTAMP:20260105T194055Z
CREATED:20260105T194055Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T194055Z
UID:10004425-1786462200-1786474800@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Mercury Fund Day at the Ion
DESCRIPTION:Welcome to “Mercury Fund Day at the Ion” – a program series hosted by the Ion and Mercury\, where software founders can connect with mentorship at Houston’s HQ for innovation.  \nWhat is it: Mercury Fund Day\, previously known as Software Day\, is a monthly series driving the support\, inspiration\, and connections needed to help startups on their path to rapid\, sustainable growth. Each month\, Mercury Fund Day will include office hours (by application)\, a keynote session\, and networking. \nEach month will include a new speaker and topic covering the latest trends and breakthroughs in software technology and practical advice for founders. From AI to blockchain and guidance on fundraising\, explore topics that are relevant for your company’s journey.\n \nAfterward\, join us for a networking happy hour at Second Draught\, brought to you by Gunderson Dettmer\, where you can connect with fellow entrepreneurs\, investors\, and industry professionals\, forging connections that could shape the future of your venture. \n Apply for Office Hours: \nPrior to the fireside chat\, a select group of early-stage software startups will participate in office hours. Over the course of 2-hours\, first-time entrepreneurs looking for guidance or seasoned founders needing help tackling tough challenges will have access to a group of curated mentors from the Mercury network and gain insights and guidance tailored to their needs. Startups are invited to apply to participate here.\n\n“Mercury Fund Day at the Ion” isn’t just an event – it’s a catalyst for growth and collaboration. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of Houston’s thriving tech ecosystem. Join us as we bring together leading mentors\, promising startups\, and like-minded Houstonians focused on transformative software innovations. \n  \n \n 
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/mercury-fund-day-at-the-ion-2/
LOCATION:Ion – Forum Stairs\, 4201 Main St.\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Founders & Startups,Investors & Capital,Keynote,Mentorship,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/260105-Generic-Website.jpg?ver=1767641140
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260814T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260814T120000
DTSTAMP:20260610T202506Z
CREATED:20260610T202506Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260610T202506Z
UID:10005119-1786701600-1786708800@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:NASA Office Hours
DESCRIPTION:NASA is bringing its expertise to Houston’s innovation hub! Every other Friday\, join us for NASA’s office hours\, designed to bridge the gap between Houston’s innovators\, entrepreneurs\, and startups with NASA’s elite experts\, capabilities\, and technology.  \n\nLicense the Future: Discover how to utilize NASA-developed technologies and intellectual property for your own projects.\nPartner for Growth: Explore how to grow your own goals and NASA’s mission together by leveraging unique human spaceflight capabilities and expertise from NASA Johnson Space Center.\nBuild the Sector: Help us grow Houston’s commercial space ecosystem.\n\nCome with a vision\, leave with a partnership. \nJust come walk up and say hello\, or sign up in advance here.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/nasa-office-hours-15/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/32-Image-Placeholder.png?ver=1777486289
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260814T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260814T120000
DTSTAMP:20260616T201435Z
CREATED:20260616T201435Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260616T201435Z
UID:10005135-1786701600-1786708800@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:NASA Office Hours
DESCRIPTION:NASA is bringing its expertise to Houston’s innovation hub! Every other Friday\, join us for NASA’s office hours\, designed to bridge the gap between Houston’s innovators\, entrepreneurs\, and startups with NASA’s elite experts\, capabilities\, and technology.  \n\nLicense the Future: Discover how to utilize NASA-developed technologies and intellectual property for your own projects.\nPartner for Growth: Explore how to grow your own goals and NASA’s mission together by leveraging unique human spaceflight capabilities and expertise from NASA Johnson Space Center.\nBuild the Sector: Help us grow Houston’s commercial space ecosystem.\n\nCome with a vision\, leave with a partnership. \nJust come walk up and say hello\, or sign up in advance here.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/nasa-office-hours-16/2026-08-14/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:3rd Party Registration,Aerospace,Founders & Startups,General Community,Networking,Office Hours,Start Here
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/6H1A1559-HDR-Edit-scaled.jpg?ver=1715034396
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260814T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260814T120000
DTSTAMP:20260721T181022Z
CREATED:20260721T181022Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260721T181022Z
UID:10005207-1786701600-1786708800@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:NASA Office Hours
DESCRIPTION:NASA is bringing its expertise to Houston’s innovation hub! Every other Friday\, join us for NASA’s office hours\, designed to bridge the gap between Houston’s innovators\, entrepreneurs\, and startups with NASA’s elite experts\, capabilities\, and technology.  \n\nLicense the Future: Discover how to utilize NASA-developed technologies and intellectual property for your own projects.\nPartner for Growth: Explore how to grow your own goals and NASA’s mission together by leveraging unique human spaceflight capabilities and expertise from NASA Johnson Space Center.\nBuild the Sector: Help us grow Houston’s commercial space ecosystem.\n\nCome with a vision\, leave with a partnership. \nJust come walk up and say hello\, or sign up in advance here.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/nasa-office-hours-19/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/32-Image-Placeholder.png?ver=1777486289
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260814T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260814T113000
DTSTAMP:20260723T061127Z
CREATED:20260721T155322Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260723T061127Z
UID:10005202-1786703400-1786707000@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Startup Circle Houston 💫
DESCRIPTION:Startup Circle Houston 💫 brings together founders\, teammates\, experts and newbies of startups in Greater Houston! Past topics include: \nTraction + Funding Stage Identification – What stage are you really at?\nICP – Seeking your beachhead market\nProblem Identification – Love the problem\, not the solution\nBootstrapping – Knowing your runway and not putting money on fire. 🔥\nFounder capacity\, 10xing and recruiting for your weaknesses. 🚀\n\nLinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/16537030/
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/startup-circle-houston-%f0%9f%92%ab-13/
LOCATION:Ion – Lobby\, 4201 Main St.\, Houston\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:3rd Party Registration,Academic Network,Community Event,Corporate Innovators,Founders & Startups,General Community,Investors & Capital,Networking,Office Hours,Start Here
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Startup-Circle-Houston.jpeg?ver=1769451396
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260819T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260819T190000
DTSTAMP:20260114T172305Z
CREATED:20260113T213714Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260114T172305Z
UID:10004450-1787158800-1787166000@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:How to Start a Startup
DESCRIPTION:You have an idea…now what?  \nBefore you start looking for funding\, it’s important to ensure that your idea is both viable and valuable — if it doesn’t have a sound model and a market willing to pay for it\, investors won’t be interested anyway. \nJoin us after the session\, hosted by Heath Butler\, for a networking happy hour! \nTarget Audience: \n\nStartups and Entrepreneurs: early-stage entrepreneurs\, entrepreneurs testing ideas for a pivot\nCommunity Members: people with an idea for a startup but unsure what to do next\, small business owners\nCorporate Innovators: intrapreneurs\, decision-makers tasked with creating and leading sustainable change\nAcademic Partners: students or faculty with an idea for a startup\n\nAbout the Speakers:\nHeath Butler\, Mercury Fund \nHeath focuses on B2B SaaS and B2B2C Marketplace investments in future-of-work and fin-tech themes. Heath also manages the organization’s venture studio and network platform\, including corporate\, service provider\, and startup community relationships. \nPrior to joining Mercury\, Heath co-founded Gestalt Theory Venture Partners\, a venture studio and angel investing group. Prior to Gestalt\, Heath held leadership roles as a seasoned go-to-market and corporate development executive at Insperity (NYSE: NSP)\, the nation’s leading HR outsourcing services provider. Prior to Insperity\, Heath led business development for EnergyWorkspace.com\, founded a fin-tech startup\, and developed his foundational management skills at UPS. \nOutside of Mercury\, Heath is an active angel investor and advocates for democratizing access to private equity opportunities for all investors. He is an active startup in the Houston innovation community\, a mentor\, and a regular speaker/mentor within The Ion. Heath enjoys traveling with family and likes to read\, golf\, cycle\, and is an avid poker player. \n 
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/how-to-start-a-startup-8/
LOCATION:Ion – Forum Stairs\, 4201 Main St.\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Academic Network,Corporate Innovators,Founders & Startups,General Community,Investors & Capital,Networking,Start Here
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_1515-scaled.jpeg?ver=1736366132
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260820T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260820T190000
DTSTAMP:20260723T062551Z
CREATED:20260723T062525Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260723T062551Z
UID:10005208-1787247000-1787252400@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Tech Transfer Thursdays
DESCRIPTION:Register here: https://mailchi.mp/rice/aug-20th-ion-event-landing-page \nUniversities and research institutions produce some of the most valuable discoveries in the world\, yet navigating the path to commercialize them is not always clear or well known. Houston’s universities and research institutions are partnering to to simplify the commercialization process. \nMark your calendars for Thursday\, August 20th for the launch of Tech Transfer Thursdays at The Ion District! \nI’m thrilled that the Rice University Office of Technology Transfer is teaming up with the tech transfer offices at Baylor College of Medicine and Houston Methodist for our first event in this monthly series. Together\, we are partnering to spotlight the breakthrough innovations and technologies developed across our respective institutions\, and show you exactly how to leverage this intellectual property (IP) to launch new ventures or create strategic growth opportunities for your business. \nEach month will feature a different domain focus\, and we are kicking off August with Digital Health! \nWho Should Attend?\n💡 Founders & Operators: Looking for breakthrough technology to serve as the foundation for your next venture or strengthen your IP moat. \n🏢 Corporate Innovators: Seeking external research to bridge technical gaps\, accelerate roadmaps\, or unlock new business models. \n📈 Investors & VCs: Searching for vetted\, high-barrier-to-entry university spinouts and deep-tech startups. \nEvent Snapshot:\n5:30 PM: Open Networking & TTO Booths\n6:00 PM: TTO Panel on the licensing & commercialization roadmap\n6:40 PM: University Startup Pitch Spotlight\n7:00 PM: Free Networking
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/tech-transfer-thursdays/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Tech-Transfer-Thursdays-Flyer-2.png?ver=1784747442
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260821T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260821T113000
DTSTAMP:20260723T061424Z
CREATED:20260721T155337Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260723T061424Z
UID:10005203-1787308200-1787311800@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Startup Circle Houston 💫
DESCRIPTION:Startup Circle Houston 💫 brings together founders\, teammates\, experts and newbies of startups in Greater Houston! Past topics include: \nTraction + Funding Stage Identification – What stage are you really at?\nICP – Seeking your beachhead market\nProblem Identification – Love the problem\, not the solution\nBootstrapping – Knowing your runway and not putting money on fire. 🔥\nFounder capacity\, 10xing and recruiting for your weaknesses. 🚀\n\nLinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/16537030/
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/startup-circle-houston-%f0%9f%92%ab-14/
LOCATION:Ion – Lobby\, 4201 Main St.\, Houston\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:3rd Party Registration,Academic Network,Community Event,Corporate Innovators,Founders & Startups,General Community,Investors & Capital,Networking,Office Hours,Start Here
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Startup-Circle-Houston.jpeg?ver=1769451396
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260827T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260827T180000
DTSTAMP:20260723T062808Z
CREATED:20260723T062808Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260723T062808Z
UID:10005211-1787819400-1787853600@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Illuminate: The Official Launch Experience
DESCRIPTION:Register here: https://luma.com/LaunchExperience \n​Illuminate is the official public launch experience for Lumino. Join founders\, merchants\, creators\, investors\, and community leaders for a full day of keynotes\, industry breakout sessions\, and networking as we unveil the Lumino ecosystem and the future of Local Conscious Commerce. \n​The day moves through three keynote acts — Past\, Present\, and Future — tracing Lumino’s founding story\, what’s live today\, and where the platform is headed. From there\, guests choose an industry-specific breakout session\, hear from a lineup of champion speakers\, and close the day at a happy hour with our first-floor restaurant partners. \n​Agenda \n​8:30 AM Guest arrival \n​9:00–10:00 AM Past — Lumino State of the Union \n​10:00–11:00 AM Present — The Lumino Launch Keynote \n​11:00 AM–11:30 AM Future — The Future of Lumino & Global Conscious Commerce \n​11:30–12:30 PM Lunch\, served in Lower Lobby \n​12:30–1:30 PM Breakout sessions: Non-Profit\, Hospitality\, Online Coaching\, Startup\, Payment Processing \n​2:00–2:30 PM Eric Rock – Mission Project \n​2:30— 3:00 PM Champion Keynote (Coming Soon) \n​3:00–4:00 PM Micro keynotes (15 min each) \n​4:00–6:00 PM Happy hour — 1st floor restaurant partners
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/illuminate-the-official-launch-experience/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:3rd Party Registration
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/avif:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Lumino-Event-1.avif?ver=1784788046
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260828T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260828T113000
DTSTAMP:20260723T061428Z
CREATED:20260721T155358Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260723T061428Z
UID:10005204-1787913000-1787916600@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Startup Circle Houston 💫
DESCRIPTION:Startup Circle Houston 💫 brings together founders\, teammates\, experts and newbies of startups in Greater Houston! Past topics include: \nTraction + Funding Stage Identification – What stage are you really at?\nICP – Seeking your beachhead market\nProblem Identification – Love the problem\, not the solution\nBootstrapping – Knowing your runway and not putting money on fire. 🔥\nFounder capacity\, 10xing and recruiting for your weaknesses. 🚀\n\nLinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/16537030/
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/startup-circle-houston-%f0%9f%92%ab-15/
LOCATION:Ion – Lobby\, 4201 Main St.\, Houston\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:3rd Party Registration,Academic Network,Community Event,Corporate Innovators,Founders & Startups,General Community,Investors & Capital,Networking,Office Hours,Start Here
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Startup-Circle-Houston.jpeg?ver=1769451396
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260915T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260915T183000
DTSTAMP:20260615T184057Z
CREATED:20260126T191945Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260615T184057Z
UID:10004774-1789493400-1789497000@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Angel Investing 101
DESCRIPTION:In a world where only the very wealthy\, well connected\, and major institutions have access to premium investment opportunities\, which have created massive wealth for a small portion of the population\, the Innovation Center for Urban Entrepreneurship team believes the key to closing income and wealth gaps globally is to democratize access to opportunities across the investment ecosystem. \nJoin the Innovation Center for Urban Entrepreneurship team for an evening of learning\, discussion and possibilities as we explore the basics of angel investing and the role it plays in bringing new products and services to market and the impact it has on wealth and job creation.. At this event\, you’ll learn the key components to successfully navigate the critical-path of investing in private\, early-stage companies. \nThis session is ideal for the following investment related stakeholders: \n\nProspective Angel Investors who want to learn more about the world of Angel Investing\nInvestment Advisors (RIA/FA) who are looking for alternative investments for their clients\nEntrepreneurs who want to learn more about what Angels are looking for in their deals\nEntrepreneurs who want to meet/network with Angel Investors\n\nIon District Investor Activation Program: \nThe Houston Ion District Investor Activation Program along with Urban Capital Network is helping build an equitable climatetech industry capable of rapid deployment by addressing a fundamental challenge: the region’s lack of funding for early-stage climatetech startups\, and especially for those led by underrepresented founders. \nThis program from Greentown Labs and the Ion brings early-stage investors from Greater Houston—a region playing a pivotal role in the energy transition—into the fold\, offering education on climatetech investing\, channeling a pool of capital to young startups\, and catalyzing a thriving climatetech investment ecosystem that prioritizes diversity\, equity\, and inclusion. \nIf you would like to join the program\, please fill out this form\, and if you have additional questions\, please contact Juliana Bernal Martinez at jbernal@greentownlabs.com.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/angel-investing-101-10/
LOCATION:Ion – Conference Room 029 – 030\, 4201 Main St\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Founders & Startups,Investors & Capital,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC_0268-scaled.jpg?ver=1765821642
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261013T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261013T190000
DTSTAMP:20260105T194236Z
CREATED:20260105T194221Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T194236Z
UID:10004426-1791905400-1791918000@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Mercury Fund Day at the Ion
DESCRIPTION:Welcome to “Mercury Fund Day at the Ion” – a program series hosted by the Ion and Mercury\, where software founders can connect with mentorship at Houston’s HQ for innovation.  \nWhat is it: Mercury Fund Day\, previously known as Software Day\, is a monthly series driving the support\, inspiration\, and connections needed to help startups on their path to rapid\, sustainable growth. Each month\, Mercury Fund Day will include office hours (by application)\, a keynote session\, and networking. \nEach month will include a new speaker and topic covering the latest trends and breakthroughs in software technology and practical advice for founders. From AI to blockchain and guidance on fundraising\, explore topics that are relevant for your company’s journey.\n \nAfterward\, join us for a networking happy hour at Second Draught\, brought to you by Gunderson Dettmer\, where you can connect with fellow entrepreneurs\, investors\, and industry professionals\, forging connections that could shape the future of your venture. \n Apply for Office Hours: \nPrior to the fireside chat\, a select group of early-stage software startups will participate in office hours. Over the course of 2-hours\, first-time entrepreneurs looking for guidance or seasoned founders needing help tackling tough challenges will have access to a group of curated mentors from the Mercury network and gain insights and guidance tailored to their needs. Startups are invited to apply to participate here.\n\n“Mercury Fund Day at the Ion” isn’t just an event – it’s a catalyst for growth and collaboration. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of Houston’s thriving tech ecosystem. Join us as we bring together leading mentors\, promising startups\, and like-minded Houstonians focused on transformative software innovations. \n  \n \n 
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/mercury-fund-day-at-the-ion-4/
LOCATION:Ion – Forum Stairs\, 4201 Main St.\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Founders & Startups,Investors & Capital,Keynote,Mentorship,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/260105-Generic-Website.jpg?ver=1767641140
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261020T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261020T183000
DTSTAMP:20260615T184344Z
CREATED:20260126T192001Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260615T184344Z
UID:10004775-1792517400-1792521000@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Angel Investing 101
DESCRIPTION:In a world where only the very wealthy\, well connected\, and major institutions have access to premium investment opportunities\, which have created massive wealth for a small portion of the population\, the Innovation Center for Urban Entrepreneurship team believes the key to closing income and wealth gaps globally is to democratize access to opportunities across the investment ecosystem. \nJoin the Innovation Center for Urban Entrepreneurship team for an evening of learning\, discussion and possibilities as we explore the basics of angel investing and the role it plays in bringing new products and services to market and the impact it has on wealth and job creation.. At this event\, you’ll learn the key components to successfully navigate the critical-path of investing in private\, early-stage companies. \nThis session is ideal for the following investment related stakeholders: \n\nProspective Angel Investors who want to learn more about the world of Angel Investing\nInvestment Advisors (RIA/FA) who are looking for alternative investments for their clients\nEntrepreneurs who want to learn more about what Angels are looking for in their deals\nEntrepreneurs who want to meet/network with Angel Investors\n\nIon District Investor Activation Program: \nThe Houston Ion District Investor Activation Program along with Urban Capital Network is helping build an equitable climatetech industry capable of rapid deployment by addressing a fundamental challenge: the region’s lack of funding for early-stage climatetech startups\, and especially for those led by underrepresented founders. \nThis program from Greentown Labs and the Ion brings early-stage investors from Greater Houston—a region playing a pivotal role in the energy transition—into the fold\, offering education on climatetech investing\, channeling a pool of capital to young startups\, and catalyzing a thriving climatetech investment ecosystem that prioritizes diversity\, equity\, and inclusion. \nIf you would like to join the program\, please fill out this form\, and if you have additional questions\, please contact Juliana Bernal Martinez at jbernal@greentownlabs.com.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/angel-investing-101-11/
LOCATION:Ion – Conference Room 029 – 030\, 4201 Main St\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Founders & Startups,Investors & Capital,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC_0268-scaled.jpg?ver=1765821642
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261117T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261117T183000
DTSTAMP:20260615T184349Z
CREATED:20260126T192020Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260615T184349Z
UID:10004776-1794936600-1794940200@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Angel Investing 101
DESCRIPTION:In a world where only the very wealthy\, well connected\, and major institutions have access to premium investment opportunities\, which have created massive wealth for a small portion of the population\, the Innovation Center for Urban Entrepreneurship team believes the key to closing income and wealth gaps globally is to democratize access to opportunities across the investment ecosystem. \nJoin the Innovation Center for Urban Entrepreneurship team for an evening of learning\, discussion and possibilities as we explore the basics of angel investing and the role it plays in bringing new products and services to market and the impact it has on wealth and job creation.. At this event\, you’ll learn the key components to successfully navigate the critical-path of investing in private\, early-stage companies. \nThis session is ideal for the following investment related stakeholders: \n\nProspective Angel Investors who want to learn more about the world of Angel Investing\nInvestment Advisors (RIA/FA) who are looking for alternative investments for their clients\nEntrepreneurs who want to learn more about what Angels are looking for in their deals\nEntrepreneurs who want to meet/network with Angel Investors\n\nIon District Investor Activation Program: \nThe Houston Ion District Investor Activation Program along with Urban Capital Network is helping build an equitable climatetech industry capable of rapid deployment by addressing a fundamental challenge: the region’s lack of funding for early-stage climatetech startups\, and especially for those led by underrepresented founders. \nThis program from Greentown Labs and the Ion brings early-stage investors from Greater Houston—a region playing a pivotal role in the energy transition—into the fold\, offering education on climatetech investing\, channeling a pool of capital to young startups\, and catalyzing a thriving climatetech investment ecosystem that prioritizes diversity\, equity\, and inclusion. \nIf you would like to join the program\, please fill out this form\, and if you have additional questions\, please contact Juliana Bernal Martinez at jbernal@greentownlabs.com.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/angel-investing-101-12/
LOCATION:Ion – Conference Room 029 – 030\, 4201 Main St\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Founders & Startups,Investors & Capital,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC_0268-scaled.jpg?ver=1765821642
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261118T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261118T190000
DTSTAMP:20260114T172310Z
CREATED:20260113T213748Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260114T172310Z
UID:10004451-1795021200-1795028400@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:How to Start a Startup
DESCRIPTION:You have an idea…now what?  \nBefore you start looking for funding\, it’s important to ensure that your idea is both viable and valuable — if it doesn’t have a sound model and a market willing to pay for it\, investors won’t be interested anyway. \nJoin us after the session\, hosted by Heath Butler\, for a networking happy hour! \nTarget Audience: \n\nStartups and Entrepreneurs: early-stage entrepreneurs\, entrepreneurs testing ideas for a pivot\nCommunity Members: people with an idea for a startup but unsure what to do next\, small business owners\nCorporate Innovators: intrapreneurs\, decision-makers tasked with creating and leading sustainable change\nAcademic Partners: students or faculty with an idea for a startup\n\nAbout the Speakers:\nHeath Butler\, Mercury Fund \nHeath focuses on B2B SaaS and B2B2C Marketplace investments in future-of-work and fin-tech themes. Heath also manages the organization’s venture studio and network platform\, including corporate\, service provider\, and startup community relationships. \nPrior to joining Mercury\, Heath co-founded Gestalt Theory Venture Partners\, a venture studio and angel investing group. Prior to Gestalt\, Heath held leadership roles as a seasoned go-to-market and corporate development executive at Insperity (NYSE: NSP)\, the nation’s leading HR outsourcing services provider. Prior to Insperity\, Heath led business development for EnergyWorkspace.com\, founded a fin-tech startup\, and developed his foundational management skills at UPS. \nOutside of Mercury\, Heath is an active angel investor and advocates for democratizing access to private equity opportunities for all investors. He is an active startup in the Houston innovation community\, a mentor\, and a regular speaker/mentor within The Ion. Heath enjoys traveling with family and likes to read\, golf\, cycle\, and is an avid poker player. \n 
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/how-to-start-a-startup-9/
LOCATION:Ion – Forum Stairs\, 4201 Main St.\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Academic Network,Corporate Innovators,Founders & Startups,General Community,Investors & Capital,Networking,Start Here
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_1515-scaled.jpeg?ver=1736366132
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261215T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261215T183000
DTSTAMP:20260615T184335Z
CREATED:20260126T192036Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260615T184335Z
UID:10004777-1797355800-1797359400@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Angel Investing 101
DESCRIPTION:In a world where only the very wealthy\, well connected\, and major institutions have access to premium investment opportunities\, which have created massive wealth for a small portion of the population\, the Innovation Center for Urban Entrepreneurship team believes the key to closing income and wealth gaps globally is to democratize access to opportunities across the investment ecosystem. \nJoin the Innovation Center for Urban Entrepreneurship team for an evening of learning\, discussion and possibilities as we explore the basics of angel investing and the role it plays in bringing new products and services to market and the impact it has on wealth and job creation.. At this event\, you’ll learn the key components to successfully navigate the critical-path of investing in private\, early-stage companies. \nThis session is ideal for the following investment related stakeholders: \n\nProspective Angel Investors who want to learn more about the world of Angel Investing\nInvestment Advisors (RIA/FA) who are looking for alternative investments for their clients\nEntrepreneurs who want to learn more about what Angels are looking for in their deals\nEntrepreneurs who want to meet/network with Angel Investors\n\nIon District Investor Activation Program: \nThe Houston Ion District Investor Activation Program along with Urban Capital Network is helping build an equitable climatetech industry capable of rapid deployment by addressing a fundamental challenge: the region’s lack of funding for early-stage climatetech startups\, and especially for those led by underrepresented founders. \nThis program from Greentown Labs and the Ion brings early-stage investors from Greater Houston—a region playing a pivotal role in the energy transition—into the fold\, offering education on climatetech investing\, channeling a pool of capital to young startups\, and catalyzing a thriving climatetech investment ecosystem that prioritizes diversity\, equity\, and inclusion. \nIf you would like to join the program\, please fill out this form\, and if you have additional questions\, please contact Juliana Bernal Martinez at jbernal@greentownlabs.com.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/angel-investing-101-13/
LOCATION:Ion – Conference Room 029 – 030\, 4201 Main St\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Founders & Startups,Investors & Capital,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC_0268-scaled.jpg?ver=1765821642
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR