Ion District

Ion Networking with Cup of Joey
2025-09-12 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-09-26 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-10-03 08:30 - 10:30 (America/Chicago) | Ion – Lobby, 4201 Main St., Houston, 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.
Register Here: https://www.cupofjoey.org/

TXRX Office Hours
2025-09-12 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-09-26 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-10-03 08:30 - 10:30 | Ion – Lobby, 4201 Main St., Houston, 77002, United States
TXRX is Houston’s non-profit makerspace.

Join the Ion’s Engineer-in-Residence, Larry Ciscon, for TXRX Office Hours every Friday at the Ion.
TXRX has a diverse network of creators, artist, and inventors coupled with tools and knowledge, enable dreams to become reality.
They teach people of all ages and backgrounds the skills they need to build a future full of novelty and inspiration.

For more information about TXRX – be sure to check out their website and sign up for their newsletter to stay connected! TXRX 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

SCORE + LSA Global Office Hours
2025-09-12 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-10-03 10:00 - 11:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, 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)

Mapping Houston's Ecosystem
2025-09-12 10:00 - 11:30 | Ion – Conference Room 027, 4201 Main St, Houston, TX, 77002
Facilitated by Wade Pinder, Ion’s Mentor in Residence
Houston’s startup and innovation ecosystem is as vast and dynamic as the city itself, full of opportunities, resources, and talent. Yet, navigating it can be challenging—especially for those unfamiliar with its many parts. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, educator, student, community leader or curious professional, this session will offer valuable insights into how Houston’s innovation ecosystem works and how you can find your place within it.
Discover the Houston Ecosystem’s Flow
Facilitated by Wade Pinder, the Ion’s Mentor in Residence, this session will help participants map out the journey needed to take an idea from concept to a mature company. Wade brings years of experience in product management, community building, and mentoring entrepreneurs to the table, offering a thoughtful and informed perspective to guide this exploration.
The heart of the session lies in exploring a dynamic mind map that Wade has created and continues to refine—an ever-evolving, community-driven tool that grows alongside Houston’s innovation ecosystem. Attendees will not only learn about the ecosystem’s flow but also have the opportunity to contribute to it by identifying gaps, sharing knowledge, and adding their insights.
This session will center on the stages of a company’s growth journey, exploring the essential elements that drive it forward. Participants will examine the role of financial capital, from early fundraising efforts to securing the resources needed for scaling, and how these milestones align with a company’s progression. The discussion will also delve into the human element of growing a business, highlighting the evolving talent and expertise required to navigate the entrepreneurial journey. Additionally, we’ll explore the importance of “social capital”—the networks, support systems, and relationships that play a critical role in moving ideas to market and sustaining long-term growth.
Ion’s Vision
Helping the community better understand the local ecosystem reflects the Ion’s commitment “to being the home for Houston’s innovation community.” By fostering connections, creating opportunities, and sharing perspectives, the Ion is building a transformative culture that strengthens Houston’s economic resiliency and celebrates the entrepreneurial journey.
From forming an initial entrepreneurial idea to the prototyping phase to scaling a business, this Houston Ecosystem Mapping session aligns with the Ion’s goals to support innovation, attract talent, and build a vibrant ecosystem.
Who Should Attend?
This session is ideal for:

Entrepreneurs looking to understand greater Houston’s resources.
Investors curious about the local startup landscape.
Professionals and students wanting to connect with the innovation community.
Anyone passionate about Houston’s growth as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Innovators who have recently moved to greater Houston and are looking to get “plugged in” to the local scene.
Community leaders and service providers that support (or want to support) the innovation ecosystem.

Register today for this chance to explore Houston’s ecosystem, uncover its flow, and help shape its future.

Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week
2025-09-15 - 2025-09-19 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join us as Greentown Labs, Halliburton Labs, and The Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship are joining forces to host the second annual Houston Climate and Energy Startup Week 2025. This week will bring together leading energy and climate investors, industry leaders, and startups from across the globe to showcase and discuss the most innovative and promising companies and technologies that are transforming the energy industry and driving a sustainable, low-carbon energy future.
Speakers, panels, pitches, and discussions will take place at events across Houston, with several hosted at the Ion, the heart of Houston’s innovation corridor in Midtown.
For a full list of events throughout the week, check out the official Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week site and then register for each event: https://houstonenergyclimatestartupweek.com/calendar/
Check out the events planned in the Ion District here: http://iondistrict.com/series/houston-energy-and-climate-startup-week/

Houston Energy & Climate Startup Week Kickoff Panel and Block Party
2025-09-15 16:30 - 20:00 | Ion – Lobby, 4201 Main St., Houston, 77002, United States
Start your week at the Ion with the official kickoff to Houston Energy & Climate Startup Week! Join innovators, founders, investors and energy leaders from across the region and beyond as we set the stage for a week of collaboration, conversation and climate-tech momentum.
This high-energy event features:
Opening Remarks: Brad Burke, Associate VP for Industry & New Ventures, Rice Innovation & Executive Director, Rice Alliance
Honoring a Visionary: A tribute to Scott Gale’s vision for Houston Energy & Climate Startup Week, led by Andres Cabada, Managing Director, Halliburton Labs
Houston Energy + Climate Startup Week Video Premiere (yes, it’s a hype video—and you’ll want to see it)
Reflections on Houston’s Innovation Growth with Barbara Burger, Energy Director & Advisor
Connected for Impact: Houston’s Energy & Climate Startup Community — a panel moderated by Jane Stricker, featuring:

Georgina Campbell Flatter, CEO, Greentown Labs
Jason Ethier, Founding Partner, Energy Tech Nexus
Sandy Guitar, Executive Director, TEX-E
Jeremy Pitts, Managing Director, Activate
Kevin Krausert, CEO & Co-Founder, Avatar Innovations

We’ll wrap the program with a block party on the plaza—complete with DJ, drinks, bites from Ion District restaurants and top tier networking.
Whether you’re new to the scene or a longtime ecosystem builder, this is the place to connect before Houston Energy & Climate Startup Week hits full stride.

NordicLink: Where Nordic Innovation Meets the U.S
2025-09-16 13:00 - 15:00 | Ion – Conference Room 032, 4201 Main St, Houston
Whether you’re seeking solid ideas, global partnerships, or investment opportunities, this event will allow you to tap into what’s going on in the climate tech innovation space—paired with unmatched opportunities to connect with leading voices from both the US and Norwegian innovation ecosystems.

Four standout Norwegian tech startups will take the stage to pitch their cutting-edge solutions. Expect bold ideas, fresh perspectives, and a glimpse into the future of Nordic innovation.
Enjoy snacks and drinks as you mingle with a dynamic crowd of American and Norwegian industry leaders, venture capitalists, and innovation experts. Whether you’re a founder, investor, or tech enthusiast, this is your chance to build meaningful connections.
Opportunities for American startups: Learn how to tap into the thriving Norwegian startup ecosystem and explore potential partnerships, market entry, and funding pathways.
Let’s build bridges, spark ideas, and accelerate innovation—together.
Register Here: https://businessnorway.com/events/nordiclink-where-nordic-innovation-meets-the-us?tab=event-information

About Innovation Norway
Innovation Norway promotes nationwide industrial development to both the business economy and Norway’s national economy, and helps release the potential of different districts and regions by contributing to innovation, internationalisation, and promotion.
Successful businesses
Norwegian enterprises have access to a broad business support system as well as financial means. Innovation Norway provides competence, advisory services, promotional services and network services. The marketing of Norway as a tourist destination is also considered one of the organizations important tasks.
By combining local industry knowledge and international networks with the business ideas and the motivation of entrepreneurs, the foundation for new successful businesses is created.
Local and global presence
Innovation Norway is the Norwegian government’s official trade representative abroad. We aim to assist Norwegian businesses grow and find new markets. Local presence is therefore of crucial concern to us.
It is easy to get in touch with us. We are represented in many countries worldwide and in all Norwegian counties. Our head office is in Oslo. We are closely affiliated with the Norwegian embassies and consulates. You can find our representatives and advisors worldwide.

Powering the Future: The Grid, Load Growth, and Data Centers
2025-09-16 15:30 - 17:00 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register Here: https://lu.ma/01386qka
How can we meet surging energy demand from AI / data center growth, plus the strains it will place on our grid, while reducing emissions? How can we balance reliability, competitiveness, climate imperatives, and speed? How can we modernize our grid, at speed and scale?
​And, critically – what are all the headlines on this topic getting wrong?
Join 4 leading practitioners in the space for a look behind the curtain on what’s really happening to meet this load-growth moment.
​Panelists
​Michael Skelly; CEO, Grid United
David Berry; CEO, Cloverleaf Infrastructure
Arushi Sharma Frank; Senior Advisor, Emerald AI
Tom Nudell; CEO, Piq Energy
Thank you to Houston Energy + Climate Startup Week for putting together an excellent schedule; we’re glad to be part of it. Please consider sticking around for Activate’s “Meet the Cohort” event immediately after, also at the Ion. And make sure to register for New Climate Ventures’ HECSW Afterparty after Activate at Axelrad Beer Garden, a short walk from the Ion – a chance to meet and mingle with 200+ other climate tech leaders from around Houston, free of cost.

About New Climate Ventures

New Climate Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm investing in innovative carbon reduction and avoidance technology companies. We take an active and diversified investment approach that leverages our energy, food/ag tech, climate tech, traditional tech, finance, regulatory, market analysis, and investing experience. At New Climate Ventures, we partner with entrepreneurs to navigate the early stages of company development and growth by applying our operational, investment, team-building, and mentoring experience and providing access to our global network of investors, startups, and corporations to help founders achieve success.

Meet the Activate Houston Cohort 2025 Fellows!
2025-09-16 17:00 - 19:00 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register Here: https://lu.ma/rca5g1jj
Join us to meet Activate Houston’s C25 cohort and discover the innovative technologies their companies are driving forward.

​Biosimo: Enabling the chemical industry’s net-zero transition by replacing fossil-based essential chemicals with identical quality ones made from bio-ethanol

​Brightlight Photonics: Replacing tabletop laser systems with chip-scale titanium:sapphire lasers—bringing lab-grade performance to quantum technologies, diagnostics, and advanced manufacturing in a package that’s 100x smaller and cheaper

​Deep Anchor Solutions: Compact anchor making offshore energy viable in new and remote markets worldwide by enabling faster, cheaper deployment of floating renewables

​EarthFlow AI: AI-powered platform for subsurface modeling making sophisticated analysis instant and affordable enabling the rapid scaling of carbon storage, geothermal energy, and lithium extraction to meet global demand

​FlowCellutions: Chemistry-agnostic diagnostics for grid-scale batteries

​KIRA: Reimagining desalination expanding access to clean water and decarbonizing industries from oil and gas to agriculture

​Lift Biolabs: Replacing costly purification tools with buoyant protein reagents making therapeutic manufacturing more affordable while also enabling biotech to scale

​Semion: Transforming pest control by restoring crops’ natural defenses with plant-based compounds, reducing chemical use and environmental impact, and offering farmers more sustainable and resilient ways to protect their crops

​Also, learn more about our inaugural C24 cohort below:

​Atolla Tech: Identifying and quantifying airborne insects through lidar and machine learning

​Bairitone Health: AI-driven, sonar-based diagnostic imaging technology for home use reduces healthcare costs while improving accessibility

​Coflux Purification: Destroying PFAs through a photocatalytic reactor

​Elysium Robotics: Developing breakthrough low-cost, high-dexterity muscle like robotic hands for large-scale robotic deployment

​LumiStrain: Novel nanotube technology for mechanical strain mapping

​Nanoscale Labs: High-throughput and low-cost self-assembly based nanomanufacturing

​Phoenix Materials: Working to decarbonizing concrete using industrial waste

​Raven Space Systems: Modernizing composite manufacturing with breakthrough 3D printing

​Newfound Materials: Identifying new and unconventional inorganic synthesis recipes for efficient material synthesis

​Solidec: Manufacturing chemicals and fuels using only air, water, and renewable electricity

​​This event is a part of Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week and sponsored by MKB and Impact Science Ventures.

From Local to Global: Helping Climatetech Startups Succeed Internationally
2025-09-17 08:00 - 10:30 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join us for a panel discussion at the Ion on helping startups expand abroad, sponsored by Woodside Energy!
​Expanding across borders is an exciting growth opportunity for climatetech startups, but it comes with regulatory, cultural, and operational challenges.
​In a dynamic panel discussion, we’ll hear perspectives from a U.S.-born climatetech startup that successfully expanded abroad, a startup incubator supporting Nordic ventures, and a representative from Australia offering governmental insight into international support frameworks. Together, they’ll explore the opportunities and roadblocks of global growth and the essential role that ecosystem support, like incubators and public-sector partnerships, plays in helping climate innovators scale impact beyond borders.
​Get ready for a high-energy series of flash pitches featuring groundbreaking climatetech startups from Norway, Australia, and Houston. Each founder will take the stage for a rapid three-minute pitch, showcasing bold technologies and global ambition in areas like clean energy, decarbonization, and sustainable industry solutions.
​Whether you’re looking for new ideas, international partnerships, investment opportunities, or more, this event offers a front-row seat to the next generation of climate innovation, spanning continents and scaling impact worldwide.
Register Here: https://lu.ma/rh3ns4si
About Woodside Energy
​Woodside Energy is a global energy company providing reliable and affordable energy to help people lead better lives.
Questions?
​​Reach out to Chloe Rose, Partnerships Coordinator, at crose@greentownlabs.com or Manon Chappat-Alarcón, Director of Partnerships, at mchappatalarcon@greentownlabs.com.
​Please note: By registering for this event, you consent to your name, title, and company/organization being shared with other event attendees. You consent to your image or likeness being used in content associated with the event. You release Greentown Labs and all partners from any and all liability stemming from any event-related incident.

Ion Open House: Your Passport to Explore Startups & Technologies at Houston’s HQ for Innovation
2025-09-17 11:00 - 14:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Registration is now closed so that we can have your name tag and passport ready. We look forward to seeing you! If you haven’t registered but would still like to attend, we’ll have limited on-site registration.
​Please send us an email at start@ionhouston.com.
As part of the 2nd Annual Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week, the Ion Open House is your passport to explore Houston’s innovation hub, powered by Rice University.
Inside the Ion, partners across the building will be opening their doors to welcome guests. Experience the ecosystem through multiple floors and explore corporate offices, suites, technology showrooms, interactive experiences, and community & collaborative spaces. Along the way, discover the teams that call the Ion home—meet the bright minds solving some of our world’s most pressing challenges.
You’ll also meet startups showcasing their work throughout the building, including more than +70 startups: on the lower level from the Rice Alliance’s Energy Tech Venture Forum and Clean Energy Accelerator Class 5, on Level 3 with Chevron Studio cohorts, Rice Nexus startups and the Activate Fellows, along with a meet/greet at Persona AI.
🎉 Perks for travelers:

Free Industrious day-pass and swag bag (limited availability – first come, first served!)
Collect stamps in your Ion Passport as you visit each location for a surprise prize.
Lunch is provided, along with light bites and coffee, at many spots along your journey.

Whether you’re a Houston native curious about what’s happening above level one or you’re visiting from out of town, this is your chance to experience the startups and innovators that make the Ion Houston’s HQ for Innovation. The Ion is located in the Ion District, the 16-acre Innovation District in midtown Houston, and is powered by Rice University.

Climate, Carbon, and Conservation
2025-09-18 10:00 - 11:00 | Ion – Conference Room 031, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register Here: https://luma.com/6oks9ddw
​Panel Discussion Featuring:
​Dr. Jessica Hinojosa, Carbon Removal Program Manager, Microsoft
​Dr. Allie Falender, Nature and Energy Program Director, The Nature Conservancy
​Michol Ecklund, Executive Vice President & General Counsel, Anew Climate

ACCEL Year 3 Showcase at Greentown Labs
2025-09-18 17:00 - 20:00 | Greentown Labs, 4200 San Jacinto St, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://greentownlabs.com/event/accel-year-3-showcase/
Join Greentown Houston on Sept. 18 as part of Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week for an opportunity to celebrate ACCEL, an accelerator program for startups led by BIPOC and other underrepresented founders from Greentown Labs and Browning the Green Space (BGS).
Greentown and BGS know the climatetech industry must change the status quo to equitably position founders from all backgrounds to lead startups that will address climate change, support the development of diverse workforces, and fiercely advocate for the deployment of clean technologies in historically underserved communities.
​Join the third ACCEL cohort for a showcase featuring their technologies, what they’ve accomplished in the first six months of the program, and where they’re headed next. At this event, you’ll also have the opportunity to network with industry leaders who are passionate about and building an inclusive and sustainable future.

Halliburton Labs Finalist Pitch Day
2025-09-19 08:00 - 12:00 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
A day dedicated to celebrating our entrepreneurs.
Pitch Day features our exceptional startup finalists—but more importantly, it highlights their transformative ideas for accelerating the future of clean energy.
Register Here: https://web.cvent.com/halliburton-labs-finalist-pitch-day
About Halliburton Labs
Halliburton Labs is a collaborative environment for people to come together to advance cleaner, more affordable energy.

Perfecting Your Pitch
2025-09-24 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.

Ion Bike Club
2025-09-24 17:30 - 19:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join us for a 45-minute guided cruise, suitable for all ages, 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.
Following the ride, join us inside at Second Draught – participants’ first beer is on the house.

Industrial AI Nexus Connect
2025-09-25 17:30 - 19:30 | Second Draught, 4201 Main St. Suite 130, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register Here: https://luma.com/6jcf4joh
​What if your rig, plant or factory could think? ​What if it could design, adapt, and optimize—without human intervention? That future isn’t decades away. It’s already unfolding.
InnovateEnergy is bringing the energy/industrial AI crowd together on Thursday, September 25, 5:30 – 7:30 PM at the Ion!
Come refuel at the Second Draught, located at the Ion, with cold drinks, tasty bites, and the best company in the energy & industrial AI/ML game, brought to you by Industrial AI Nexus. It’s your perfect pit stop to unwind, swap stories, and spark ideas on real industrial AI deployments.
​Featuring a talk with AI visionary, Dr. Matthew Alberts, Manager of Innovation & Emerging Technologies, Southern Company.

NASA Tech Talks: Ceramic Ion Transport Membranes
2025-09-25 18:00 - 19:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
We want HOU! Join us to discover NASA’s toughest tech challenges—and apply your skills and expertise to solve them.
Join us this month for John Graf’s “Ceramic Ion Transport Membranes – A new method for oxygen generation”
For the past 50 years, there have been three commercially available methods for oxygen generation:

Cryogenic air separation plants provide industrial scale oxygen to steel mills and petrochemical plants. This technology is cost effective at large scale, but cryogenic air separation is not practical for small scale portable oxygen.
Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) systems have been commercially available since the 1980’s. PSA systems are effective for small scale compact portable systems, but they require regular maintenance.
Water electrolysis oxygen generators have converted oxygen into oxygen in confined spaces like submarines and spacecraft for more than 70 years. Water electrolysis systems can store oxygen in the form of water, which is dense and safe and stable. Use of water electrolysis systems is limited to confined space applications, because the energy cost of splitting water is relatively high.

NASA has been leading efforts to develop a new kind of oxygen generation technology. Ceramic Ion Transport Membranes can extract oxygen from air using a mechanism that is solid state. Small scale, portable Ion Transport Membrane systems can be effectively built, the oxygen generator shown in the figure below is smaller than 0.5 m3, it has operated continuously for 366 days with no maintenance and no changes in system performance. Ceramic Ion Transport Membrane systems produce oxygen with purity >99.9%
NASA is developing the technology to enable the recharge of spacesuit oxygen tanks with high purity, high pressure oxygen, but this new technology has the potential to address other oxygen generation applications including: medical oxygen in remote locations, ultrapure oxygen, oxygen for laser cutting, and oxygen for semiconductor manufacture. Recent developments in membrane manufacturing have matured the technology and enabled commercialization. American Oxygen, the company manufacturing ceramic ion transport membrane systems for NASA plans to sell commercial systems in 2026.
Please join us after the talk for drinks and networking at Second Draught!

About the Speakers
John Graf, P.E., Ph.D. serves a Technology Development Lead for Life Support at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. John will describe NASA’s work developing an entirely new kind of oxygen generation with the potential to increase system life, reduce cost, and improve reliability.
Montgomery B. Goforth has more than 40 years of experience as both Engineer and Manager in a variety of highly technical space and defense-related efforts. After working for a small defense contractor specializing in anti-submarine warfare, he joined NASA’s Johnson Space Center in 1990. He has held leadership positions in multiple JSC Directorates and Program Offices. In his current role as Assistant Director of the JSC Engineering Directorate, he has established a framework to better focus Engineering’s efforts towards Human Spaceflight technology and systems development consistent with JSC and Agency goals for exploration. He has used this framework to guide 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).
About NASA Tech Talks
In these presentations, occurring the fourth Thursdays of the month, Mr. Montgomery Goforth and other aerospace subject matter experts will discuss the technology development challenges faced by NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the surrounding Aerospace community in our ongoing efforts as the hub of human spaceflight. Presentations will focus on the ways in which these challenges, and the associated opportunities, can be leveraged by Houston’s innovation community. We will continue to identify potential space/terrestrial technologies of interest to Human Spaceflight. Past NASA Tech Talks have included topics such as:

From Space to Startup: Leveraging NASA Technology and Innovation to Propel Your Growing Enterprise
Disruptive Filter Technology for Spacecraft Water Treatment: The New Promise of Graphene
Lunar dust capture using novel multiplexed inertial filter
Lunar Passive Fuel Cell Technologies:
Microbes in Space

⭕️Cybersecurity Circle⭕️
2025-09-26 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-10-03 08:30 - 10:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
A networking meetup welcoming cybersecurity enthusiasts of all experience levels.
Our mission is to DEFEAT CYBER CRIMINALS by making cybersecurity knowledge accessible and relatable to everyone. This event creates a supportive environment for individuals starting their cybersecurity journey, those transitioning into the field, and professionals navigating job transitions—including those rebuilding confidence after layoffs. Together, we strengthen our collective defense against cyber threats while fostering career growth and community connections.
The Cybersecurity Circle unites practitioners of all levels in an inclusive community committed to defeating cybercrime through shared knowledge, collaboration, and continuous learning. Together, we’re securing our digital world—one hack at a time

SCORE Office Hours
2025-09-26 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. Office Hours with SCORE take place each Friday morning. Additional partners will be on-site the second Friday of each month (excluding holidays)
Resource tables include:
The Small Business Administration
SCORE
Small Business Development Center

LatinTech Pitch 2025
2025-09-30 18:00 - 20:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register Here: https://www.latintechpitch.com/event-details/latintech-pitch-2025​
The Consulate General of Israel to the Southwest, together with their partners Latinx Startup Alliance, Texas Association of Business, and Plug and Play, are thrilled to invite you to a special Hispanic Heritage Month celebration of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship — the 3rd edition of LatinTech Pitch! This year’s finalists represent the bold spirit and ingenuity of Latino/a entrepreneurs across Texas: Brain Haven, CarbonX Solutions, Ipelint, Stressie, and UBiosis Health.
📍 When & Where
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 | 6:00 p.m.
The Ion – 4201 Main St, Houston, TX 77002
Over the past month, expert judges have reviewed outstanding applications, and now the top five startups will take the stage to pitch their groundbreaking ideas for a chance to win incredible prizes and opportunities to connect with Israel, the world’s “Start-up Nation.” Their distinguished panel of judges includes:

Amir Shevat – Early-stage startup investor at Darkmode Ventures, author, and former Fortune 500 tech executive
Arnold Castro – Assistant Dean of Artificial Intelligence, Mays Business School, Texas A&M University
Elisa Sepulveda – VP of Startup Banking for Texas, JPMorgan Chase
Jesse Martinez – Founder of LatinX Startup Alliance and a leading voice in Houston’s tech innovation ecosystem

Come celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with us, meet inspiring founders who are shaping the future through innovation, and enjoy an evening of community, networking, and big ideas.
Kindly RSVP through the website by Friday, September 26 to confirm your attendance.
They look forward to celebrating with you!

Welcome to the Ion: An Introduction and Tour
2025-10-03 10:00 - 11:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join the Ion’s Mentor in Residence, Wade Pinder, for an engaging tour and introduction to the Ion, Houston’s dynamic hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, powered by Rice University. This event is designed for entrepreneurs, students, professionals, investors, community leaders, and anyone curious about what the Ion has to offer. For those new to Houston and eager to connect with the local innovation ecosystem, this event provides the perfect opportunity to get started.

The tour will begin in the lobby at 10:00 AM and conclude at 11:00 AM. During this time, participants will learn about the Ion’s resources, events, and facilities. Highlights of the tour include the technology showcases, coworking spaces, public areas, and the on-site restaurants and bars.
About Wade Pinder
Wade Pinder is a dedicated advocate for Houston’s innovation community, serving as the Ion’s Mentor in Residence. With a wealth of experience in product management, community building, and fostering entrepreneurial growth, Wade offers invaluable insights into how the Ion serves as a launchpad for ideas and innovation.
The Vision of the Ion
Powered by Rice University, the Ion is the epicenter of the 16-acre innovation district in the heart of Houston’s midtown. Committed to being the home for Houston’s innovation community, the Ion District propels the transformative culture of people, places, ideas, and experiences that build a better quality of life for all of Houston.

The Ion is a beautifully restored building at 4201 Main Street. It connects Houston’s talent, academic, corporate, and entrepreneurial communities in a collaborative environment designed to inspire and grow ideas. The Ion serves as a space where serendipitous collisions lead to meaningful connections and opportunities.
What to Expect

Coworking Spaces: Explore flexible work areas tailored for collaboration and creativity.
Public Spaces: Discover spaces designed for networking, inspiration, and community events.
Restaurants and Bars: Experience the on-site dining options that make the Ion a lively hub.

Through its programs and partnerships, the Ion empowers individuals and organizations to build, solve, and innovate. From prototyping to pitching, accelerating to sustaining, the Ion is Houston’s headquarters for turning ideas into reality.

Whether you have a promising product, an intriguing technology, a budding business idea, or are simply curious about the Ion and its offerings, this tour will provide valuable insights into how the Ion can help connect your “What-ifs” with “What now.” Don’t miss this opportunity to explore and be inspired by Houston’s innovation ecosystem.

4th Tejano Tech Summit Week 2025
2025-10-07 - 2025-10-09 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://luma.com/yso2xhsv
​Howdy Amigos!
​LSA Global is excited to be hosting their 4th Tejano Tech Summit Week 2025 and have a great line up this year! Join us for a week of great talks and engaging conversations at our strategic partner & host – the Ion located in the Ion District.
​Tuesday, October 7th
​3 PM to 5 PM – Welcome Happy Hour at The Lymbar
​5 PM to 7 PM – Tech & Tequila with our amigos, Blue People
​Wednesday, October 8th – Latina Equal Pay Day

​10 AM to 4 PM Official Programming Launch at the Ion
​9:50 AM to 10 AM – Welcome and Opening Remarks
​10 AM to 10:30 AM – Latinas Leading Houston area Programs Panel
Halliburton Labs – Luly Castillo, Startup Success Manager
HCC Northewest & former West Houston Institute, an initiative of HCC – Connie Leon, Program Director
Cubio Innovation Lab – Ximena G. Magana, Director of Partnership & Operations
Energy Tech Nexus – Juliana Garaizar, Founding Partner
​10:30 AM to Noon – Latinas in Tech Houston Panel

​Noon to 1 PM – Beyond Equal Pay: Redefining Career Design for the Next Generation of Latina Leaders Panel
Sarah York, Fractional CMO/CXO
Val Rupp, HR Consultant & Advisor for Tech Start-ups
Roselia Banuelos, CEO + Co-founder, CREATOPIA
Ludy Canales, BDM, Bridgepoint Consulting
​1 PM to 1:30 PM – Fireside Chat with the Latina Tech Founders of Ascenda
Melanie Rodriguez & Cindy Vasquez
​1:30 PM to 2:00 PM – Latin America Fellows: Global Vision Global Journeys, Local Impact
​A Fellowship program supported by the U.S. Department of Education and the Institute for Training and Development
Raquel “Raqi” Flores, Social Media Director Brilliant Beam Media; Business Influencer For Impact, The Influencers’ Connection Corner
​Marcela Lemus Guinea, FUSAL | Fundación Salvadoreña para la Salud y Desarrollo Humano
​Juliette Marie Martínez Moreno, Martínez Servicios Legales; Directora de Relaciones Públicas Gobernación Departamental de Comayagua
​2 PM to 2:30 PM – Get to know AnitaB.org Houston
AnitaB.org, a nonprofit organization committed to transforming the tech industry by challenging bias, expanding opportunity, and centering people—not just technology—at the heart of progress.
Monica Gordillo, AnitaB.org Houston area Community Leader, Cloud Engineer
​2:30 PM to 3 PM – A conversation with Latina Investors
Dr. Mariela Salas, Cofounder + Partner, Alma Fund; Former Executive Director, SomosVC
Veronica Juarez, Managing Partner, Dahlia VC
​3 PM – The Future of AI + Fireside Chat
Arnold Castro, Assistant Dean of AI, Mays Business School, Texas A&M
Sineria Ordóñez, National Hispanic Business Development Manager | Comerica Bank
​Thursday, October 9th
​2nd Day of Programming at the Ion
​10 AM to 10:10 AM – Welcome & Opening Remarks
​10:10 AM to 11 AM – A Conversation with Comerica
Jorge Peña-Carrizales, Relationship Manager Banker, Comerica
​11 AM to 11:30 AM – Latin America Fellows: Global Vision Global Journeys, Local Impact
A Fellowship program supported by the U.S. Department of Education and the Institute for Training and Development
​11:30 AM to Noon – Learn about TXRX Labs at The East End Maker Hub
Michael Gutierrez, Workforce Director @ TXRX Labs
​Noon to 1 PM – Lunch Break
​1 PM to 2 PM – Networking on Ion Lobby Level
​2 PM to 3 PM – A Conversation with Comcast
​Nicolas Jimenez, Senior Director of Government Affairs & General Market Manager, Bryan-College Station
​3 PM to 3:45 PM – Blue People AI in Practice Panel
​3:45 PM to 4:15 PM – Cafecito Break
​4:15 PM to 5 PM – The Magnolia Fund – Transforming Vision into Reality; Turning Neighbors into Investors
Magnolia Fund set out to make it possible for locals to invest in the neighborhood they love. Come learn about their first property and how they are transforming it into an innovative shared kitchen for food entrepreneurs.

SGSF’s #SUPERGirlsInSTEM SUMMIT: The Intersection of AI & Workforce
2025-10-07 09:00 - 13:00 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sgsfs-supergirlsinstem-summit-the-intersection-of-ai-workforce-tickets-1099165466499
Join SGSF for their #SUPERGirlsInSTEM SUMMIT, The Interaction of AI & Workforce, Tuesday, Oct 7th. This event is open to the public, rising leadHERs in STEM & Allies!

You’ll Gain …

Open discussions
Networking
Interactive hands-on workshops
Skills to advance your college & workforce using AI
Access to Expert Industry Leaders, LUNCH, and so much more!

🪪Students with ID, tickets are only $5!

📩 Sponsorships Available! Email Grow@SUPERGirlsSHINE.com for details.
Be seen. Be valued. Create IMPACT. Grow your network.
