Houston Methodist Office Hours
2024-05-17 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Ion – Lower Level, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Meet the Houston Methodist Center for Innovation team on select Friday mornings for 1-1 Office Hours.
Do you have an idea for an innovative healthcare solution? Do you work on technology in another industry that could be applicable to healthcare? Do you want to learn more about how hospital systems work with innovators? Come meet with us!
NOTE: Due to limited availability, please sign up for only one session. Each time slot is assigned, so please respect your specific timed session. If you are on the waitlist, we will inform you before the session if a spot is available.

Thank you for your understanding.

Ion Prototyping Lab Office Hours
2024-05-17 10:00 - 14:00, 2024-05-24 10:00 - 14:00, 2024-05-31 10:00 - 14:00, 2024-06-07 10:00 - 14:00 | Ion Prototyping Lab, 4201 Main St., Suite 170, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
What is the Ion Prototyping Lab (IPL)?
The Ion Prototyping Lab is where your ideas meet the designers, engineers, and fabricators that can make them a reality. Located at The Ion, the intersection of Houston’s culture, creativity, and innovation. Our 6,500-square-foot site offers access to equipment, engineers, and technical training–a must for every inventor, innovator, and creator.
The Ion Prototyping Lab Office Hours offer entrepreneurs a chance to engage an expert one-on-one and explore options for building or producing their devices. Everyone from seasoned entrepreneurs to educators or “just a person with an idea” is welcome. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis.
The initial discussion is at no cost, but subsequent meetings may require a consultation fee.
For more information about the IPL – be sure to check out their website and sign up for their newsletter to stay connected! The IPL offers various classes/workshops throughout the month – be sure to check out their calendar to register.
Interested in signing up for a membership? Click here

Houston Robotics Group at Ion Prototyping Lab
2024-05-18 14:00 - 17:00, 2024-05-25 14:00 - 17:00, 2024-06-01 14:00 - 17:00 | Ion Prototyping Lab, 4201 Main St., Suite 170, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Innovate, Collaborate, and Learn: Weekly Meetings at Ion Prototyping Lab!
Join the Houston Robotics Group for an exciting exploration of a diverse range of projects! Whether you’re interested in software development, AI/Deep Learning, electronics, mechanics, drones, or automation, our group offers a welcoming and supportive community to pursue your passions.
Should you require assistance with your projects, fear not! The Houston Robotics Group is composed of highly skilled experts in various domains, including Arduino, Raspberry Pi, motor controls, 3D printing & design, coding, electronics, board assembly, and debugging.
Additionally, we’re well-versed in Jetson Nano, Deep Learning, and various cutting-edge technologies. Our passion for robotics and related fields drives us to continuously push boundaries and explore new possibilities together.
Join the Houston Robotics Group today and immerse yourself in a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to the world of robotics and beyond!

Ion Prototyping Lab Office Hours
2024-05-21 13:00 - 17:00, 2024-05-28 13:00 - 17:00, 2024-06-04 13:00 - 17:00 | Ion Prototyping Lab, 4201 Main St., Suite 170, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
What is the Ion Prototyping Lab (IPL)?
The Ion Prototyping Lab is where your ideas meet the designers, engineers, and fabricators that can make them a reality. Located at The Ion, the intersection of Houston’s culture, creativity, and innovation. Our 6,500-square-foot site offers access to equipment, engineers, and technical training–a must for every inventor, innovator, and creator.
The Ion Prototyping Lab Office Hours offer entrepreneurs a chance to engage an expert one-on-one and explore options for building or producing their devices. Everyone from seasoned entrepreneurs to educators or “just a person with an idea” is welcome. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis.
The initial discussion is free, but subsequent meetings may require a consultation fee.
For more information about the IPL – be sure to check out their website and sign up for their newsletter to stay connected! The IPL offers various classes/workshops throughout the month – be sure to check out their calendar to register.
Interested in signing up for a membership? Click here

Health & MedTech Mingle with Dr. Shawn Tittle
2024-05-21 16:30 - 18:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join us at the Houston Methodist Tech Hub at Ion for an enlightening presentation and discussion by Dr. Shawn Tittle. Physician leadership is important for driving forward innovation initiatives within our hospital system and beyond, leading to more physicians transitioning from purely clinical positions into executive roles. Dr. Tittle will speak about the leadership structure of hospitals & health systems and help us understand the physician transition as well as his journey to physician executive.
Featured Speaker:
Shawn Tittle, MD, is Houston Methodist’s first system chief quality officer. Prior to this role, he served as Chief Medical Officer and Chief Quality Officer at Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital. Dr. Tittle is a thoracic surgeon by training. He is currently pursuing his executive MBA at Rice University Jones Graduate School of Business.

IPL Maker Bootcamp: From Design to Fabrication
2024-05-21 17:30 - 20:30, 2024-05-28 17:30 - 20:30, 2024-06-04 17:30 - 20:30 | Ion Prototyping Lab, 4201 Main St., Suite 170, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Have you wanted to learn how to make your own 3D printed and/or laser cut designs, but thought it was too difficult? This 3 session program was designed for you! This hands-on program steps through all of the skills needed to design and build your own items, starting with CAD design and progressing into laser cutting and 3D printing. Each student will end up with a finished object of their own choosing.

This class has recommended software to use (including helper apps associated with the software), and will show you how to use the software, use the equipment and help you create and produce your first design. It will also recommend how to get ideas for new creative designs.

Class participants will be able to audit the class to reinforce / refresh their knowledge for 12 months after completing the class at no charge. In addition, they can come to Ion Prototype Lab during Office Hours for general assistance with their designs.
Note: The price of the bootcamp is $300 even though it says the ticket is free. If you are interested in attending please get a ticket and we will send you additional information on making the payment.

Texas Business Hall of Fame x Ion: Entrepreneurial X-Factor with Beaver Aplin
2024-05-22 08:00 - 10:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Do you ever wonder what sets successful entrepreneurs apart from the rest?
What is their secret to success? It’s more than just drive or determination—it’s that elusive “X-Factor” that propels them to greatness. Join us for a special edition of the Ion’s Speaker Series, in partnership with the Texas Business Hall of Fame (TBHF), to delve into the essence of success with two Texas entrepreneurial legends. Beaver Aplin, founder of Buc-ee’s, will recount his journey from launching his first Buc-ee’s in 1982 to what has become an unrivaled experience that Texans can’t resist, whether they’re on a quick local errand run or embarking on a cross-country road trip. Beaver will be interviewed by another Texas titan, Graham Weston, co-founder of Rackspace.
All are invited to attend, but space is limited.
We hope you’ll join us for this conversation, which promises to inspire and provide insights into building an unexpected brand and experience.
This event is co-hosted by the Texas Business Hall of Fame and is a special edition of their “Entrepreneurial X-Factor,” usually invite-only; we’re opening this up to the Ion community to hear from these two legends. The Texas Business Hall of Fame Foundation honors the accomplishments and contributions of outstanding business leaders in our state by celebrating their impact on both business and community. We tell their stories to inspire and instill the same sense of enterprise, community, and excellence in all generations of Texans.
The Texas Business Hall of Fame Foundation was created in 1982 by a small group of Texas businessmen and businesswomen to focus awareness on the positive achievements made by outstanding business leaders and to honor their contributions to their community and state. In addition to recognizing six transformational business leaders each year, the Texas Business Hall of Fame Foundation awards $15,000 prizes in both the higher education and veteran community to those who demonstrate exceptional entrepreneurial aspirations and excellence.

About the Speakers
Arch “Beaver” Aplin III, President of Texas-based Buc-ee’s stores, earned a Bachelor of Construction Science at Texas A&M in 1980. In the summer of 1982, he opened his first Buc-ee’s in Lake Jackson, Texas.
Over the last 40 years, he has built a chain of destination travel centers dedicated to providing an elevated experience for the driving public through service and selection. Passionate about community involvement, Aplin has a long history of being active at the local and state levels. He is currently Chairman of Texas Parks and Wildlife, a board member of The Association of Former Students at Texas A&M, and a member of the Lieutenant Governor’s Transportation Advisory Board as well as a member of the Governor appointed ERCOT board selection committee. He is the recipient of the M.B. Zale Visionary Merchant Award, the 2022 McLane Leadership Business Award, and most recently, the 2023 Friend of Wildlife Award. Previously, he was a 9-year board member of the Brazosport Independent School District, including a two-year tenure as board president.
Aplin and his wife, Joanie, reside in Texas and have five children.

A lifelong entrepreneur, Graham Weston launched his first business as a seventh grader, marketing organic pork. In high school, he developed a business taking photos at livestock shows to sell back to the animal’s owners.
He went on to attend Team A&M, where he launched a venture helping local property owners to appeal their tax bills. Transitioning into Real Estate, Weston bought and developed the Weston Centre, which quickly became a premiere location for businesses to headquarter. In 1998 he took a chance on an unusual business idea pitched to him by three young computer geeks and co-founded Rackspace Hosting (NYSE: RAX), serving as CEO until 2006 when he accepted the position of Chairman. In the same year, Weston was voted “Best Boss” by FORTUNE Small Business and regional “Entrepreneur of the Year” by Ernest & Young. Graham Weston is passionate about issues of urban development, information technology education, and entrepreneurship.
He is co-founder of Geekdom, a collaborative workspace and start-up accelerator, as well as the 80/20 Foundation, which seeks to further Weston’s goals through considerable charitable gifts and endowments.

Perfecting Your Pitch
2024-05-22 17:30 - 18:30 | Ion – Conference Room 028, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a visionary startup owner, or a tech aficionado, this event is tailor-made for you. Join us and discover the indispensable value of a compelling pitch deck.
About the Speakers
Dr. Doug Franklin
“Dr. Doug” is the CEO and Co-Founder of DeckLaunch and the COO of Fresh Tech Solutionz. He has fifteen years of management, marketing, and operations experience, including opportunities with iconic firms such as Coca-Cola, ExxonMobil, and RJ Reynolds. Dr. Franklin is also a leading scholar that has presented at more than a dozen conferences and has published in peer-reviewed journals such as The Leadership Quarterly and The Journal of the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators. Dr. Franklin graduated with a Doctoral Degree in Ethical Leadership from the University of St. Thomas Houston and currently teaches Quantitative and Mixed Research Methods at UST.
Derrell Noris
With more than ten years dedicated to developing business operations and software development, Noris is currently the Co-Founder and CTO of Deck Launch and the CEO of Fresh Tech Solutionz. Both successful startups provide services to growing businesses looking to mobilize their outreach further.
Nicholas Mbaezue-Daniel Jr.
Nick is the founder of Egis Project Management LLC, a project management firm dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses for projects in the industries of Construction, Technology, and Business Enterprise. He also serves as Director of Project Management for Fresh Tech Solutionz and as Chief Operations Officer at DeckLaunch LLC. Nicholas considers himself a servant of entrepreneurship because he sees entrepreneurship as a major vehicle to uplift the community.

NASA Tech Talks: From Space to Startup
2024-05-23 18:00 - 19:00 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
From Space to Startup: Leveraging NASA Technology and Innovation to Propel Your Growing Enterprise.
NASA’s Technology Transfer Program ensures that innovations developed for exploration and discovery are broadly available to the public. The Tech Transfer Expansion (T2X) Program augments that mission to include a focus on entrepreneurial innovation and creating partnerships to help accelerate commercialization. T2X envisions prosperous NASA-infused tech startup ecosystems across the U.S. Within specified geographic regions, T2X works to accelerate the commercialization of NASA-developed technology by reducing the risk of innovation and assisting new startups.
Walt will introduce you to the NASA Technology Transfer Program, which ensures that these revolutionary technologies, initially designed for space exploration and discovery, are accessible to the public. Discover hundreds of free software programs and over 1,200 patented technologies available for licensing through NASA’s portfolio. These vast technologies apply to various industries, including health, transportation, public safety, consumer goods, environmental resources, computer technology, and manufacturing.
A key highlight of this session will be introducing the ‘Startup NASA’ program, a unique initiative designed to help startups license NASA’s intellectual property for free for the first three years.

About the Speakers:

Walt Ugalde is an Economic Development and Industry Outreach Executive for NASA’s Technology Transfer & Commercialization Program. Based out of the Johnson Space Center in Houston Texas, Walt works with businesses, startups, co-founders, and Investors to help them leverage NASA developed technology for commercialization into proven products and services as well as mapping industry capabilities back into the NASA mission. Walt has served as the NASA Executive on Loan to the Houston Technology Center (HTC) connecting and advising many of the HTC client startup companies and continues to support technology innovation hubs in Texas and across the Nation.

Walt’s private industry experience includes work within the fields of Architecture, Urban Planning, Economic Development, Marketing, Advertising, Publishing, and the Motion Picture Industry. Currently, Walt leads the Technology Transfer Expansion (T2X) and the technology Transfer University (T2U) Programs for the Johnson Space Center.

For more infromation about Walt’s work, see below:

https://spinoff.nasa.gov/
https://technology.nasa.gov/

Montgomery B. Goforth has over 30 years of experience as both an Engineer and Manager in various highly technical space and defense-related efforts. He joined NASA in 1990 as part of the Mission Operations Directorate, working on planning systems and automated procedure execution tools for the International Space Station (ISS). He became Deputy Project Manager for the Portable Computer System, the laptop used for command and control of the ISS, in 1996. He became Chief of the Branch responsible for all laptops onboard the ISS and the Space Shuttle.

In 2002, he moved to the ISS Avionics and Software Office as Manager of the Flight Software Development Office and later served as Chief Engineer. In 2005, he spent several months at NASA Headquarters working in the Robotics Lunar Exploration Program. In 2006, he joined the Constellation Program as Chief of Avionics and Software Test and Verification and became Chief of the Software and Avionics Integration Office in 2007. In this role, he was responsible for leading a large nationwide Systems Engineering & Integration (SE&I) organization which provided program-level coordination, oversight, integration, and management of the system-of-systems avionics and software, including the coordination of integrated modeling and simulation and test activities across the Constellation program and the technical integration of Constellation’s Command, Control, Communications, and Information (C3I) architecture.

In 2011, he joined the Avionic Systems Division to support their Strategic Planning and Partnership efforts. In 2015, he moved on to Engineering Directorate Staff to support Strategic Pursuits and Partnerships. In this role, he put together a framework to focus better Engineering’s efforts toward Human Spaceflight technology and systems development consistent with JSC and Agency goals for exploration. This framework guides Engineering’s internal investments and external partnerships supporting Lunar and Mars Exploration. Mr. Goforth was born in East Texas, raised in Southern California and Arizona, and graduated from Rice University (BSME 1982, MSME 1987). Before coming to Johnson Space Center, he was employed by a small defense contractor specializing in anti-submarine warfare.

Cup of Joey
2024-05-24 08:30 - 10:30, 2024-05-31 08:30 - 10:30, 2024-06-07 08:30 - 10:30 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
What is the purpose of Cup of Joey? It is to create a connected culture of coffee shop-open networking across our region. Every Friday morning, you’ll have the opportunity to meet new and expand your current networks, talk about tech, inspire innovation, and create community.
So, what is the difference between a cup of joe and a Cup of Joe-Y? It is the WHY. It’s not what you do. It is why you do it!
At the Ion, these are questions that we want to explore with the tech and innovation community. So, show up, be friendly, and make new connections. Know your why, and we will get to the future together.
The future is only a cup away.

SCORE Office Hours
2024-05-24 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-05-31 10:00 - 11:30 | Ion – Academic Flex Space, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
SCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors. Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 11 million entrepreneurs start, grow or successfully exit a business. SCORE’s 10,000 volunteers provide free, expert mentoring, resources and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories.
Office Hours with SCORE take place each Friday morning. Additional partners will be on-site the second Friday of each month (excluding holidays)

Greater Houston Business Procurement Breakfast
2024-05-28 07:30 - 11:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Hear from Representatives of some of our more active Harris County Departments and System as they discuss upcoming Projects, Initiatives, and related Business Opportunities for Fiscal Year 2024.
No pre-registration is required – drop your business card at the registration table and enjoy!
Breakfast Served: 7:30AM- 9:00AM
Opening Announcements: Office of the County Judge, Precincts One, Two, Three, and Four – Officers of Economic Development, Special Projects and Community Involvement
Keynote Panelists:

Harris County Office of Economic Equity and Opportunity (DEEO)
Harris County Purchasing Department
Harris Health System
Harris County Community Services Department
Housing and Community Development
Harris County Community Services Department Office of Transit Services
Harris County Public Health
Harris Count Public Infrastructure Department (Engineering)
Harris County Flood Control District
Harris County Toll Road Authority

Join Us!

Ion Bike Club - Canceled Due to Weather
2024-05-29 18:00 - 19:00 | Ion Plaza, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Update: Do to weather we’ve had to cancel this month’s Bike Club. Please attend with us in June!
Join us for a 45-minute guided cruise led by Bike Houston around the expanding Ion District and Midtown neighborhoods.
We’ll meet up on the Ion Plaza just outside of Second Draught.
The ride is suitable for all ages; Limited BCycle bikes are available onsite for rental.

Sewn Goods Office Hours at Ion Prototyping Lab
2024-05-31 11:00 - 13:00 | Ion Prototyping Lab, 4201 Main St., Suite 170, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Do you have a new product idea you want to bring to life but don’t know where to start?
IPL+HTX Sewn Goods Office Hours are here to help!
Ion Prototyping Lab is partnering with HTX Sewn Goods team to turn your idea into a tangible prototype. During office hours, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss cutting, sourcing, material, construction, and production options. Plus, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of the prototyping process and the next steps you need to take to bring your product to market.

Code4Y'all: Building iOS, Android and Web Apps Using Flutter and Firebase
2024-06-04 18:00 - 19:00 | TX
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to turn your app ideas into reality efficiently and affordably.
Join us for an insightful session with Chandan Kurella, Software Developer and Co-Founder/ CTO of CRRRAW Holdings, as he shares his journey of developing and launching mobile and web apps in under six months. Discover the steps, technologies, and processes he used to bring his apps to market quickly. Gain practical insights and actionable advice for your own app projects.
This event is open to both seasoned professionals and those looking to break into the tech industry. Please register in advance, as seats are limited. Code4Y’all welcomes everyone.

Per Scholas Houston Campus Celebration
2024-06-05 13:30 - 15:30 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join Per Scholas to celebrate their recent graduates and more! Please register in advance here.
During the Per Scholas program, they’ll celebrate the success of their recent graduates, acknowledge the contributions of our partners and supporters, and discuss our vision for the future. Campus Tours and Light Refreshments will be provided.
About Per Scholas
For nearly 30 years, Per Scholas has been on a mission to drive equity and opportunity in the ever-advancing technology landscape by unlocking the untapped potential of individuals, uplifting communities, and meeting the needs of employers through rigorous tech training. By teaming up with dynamic employer partners, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups, we’re forging inclusive tech talent pipelines, fulfilling an ever-increasing need for skilled talent. With national remote training and campuses in 20+ cities and counting, Per Scholas offers no-cost training programs in the most sought-after tech skills, spanning Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, Software Engineering, and more. To date, 25,000+ individuals have been trained through Per Scholas, propelling their professional trajectories into high-growth tech careers with salaries three times higher than their pre-training earnings. At Per Scholas, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging aren’t just buzzwords—they’re in our DNA. 85+ percent of our learners are people of color, two in five are women, and more than half hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. Learn more by visiting PerScholas.org and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Ion Block Party + Chef Showcase
2024-06-06 16:00 - 19:00 | Ion Plaza, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
The Ion Block Party is not just about business; it celebrates community, creativity, and the entrepreneurial spirit. You must register and check in to receive a punch card to sample from the participating restaurants while supplies last. We expect a full house, so encourage you to arrive at the beginning of the event if you’re interested in tasting the samples!
Are you an entrepreneur looking to expand your network, find like-minded individuals, and share innovative ideas? The Ion Block Party is the event you’ve been waiting for! On the first Thursday of each month, Block Party brings together startups, tech enthusiasts, and business visionaries in a dynamic and festive environment.
Join us for June’s special edition of Block Party: Chef Showcase! The District’s robust food and drink offerings showcase hyper-local concepts that reflect Houston’s reputation for having a culturally diverse restaurant industry. Registered guests that check-in will receive small samples from participating eateries and tap house.

Late August
Lymbar
Cafe Ion
Second Draught
Stuff’d

SCORE Office Hours
2024-06-07 10:00 - 11:30 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
