Ion District

Ion Prototyping Lab Office Hours
2023-08-15 13:00 - 17:00, 2023-08-11 10:00 - 14:00, 2023-08-08 13:00 - 17:00, 2023-07-28 10:00 - 14:00, 2023-07-25 13:00 - 17:00, 2023-07-21 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Ion, 4201 Main Street, 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 6500 sq. ft. 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 IPL – be sure to check out their website and sign up for their newsletter to stay connected! 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 VR Meetup at Ion Prototyping Lab
2023-08-14 19:30 - 21:30 | Ion Prototyping Lab, 4201 Main St., Suite 170, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Are you captivated by the endless possibilities of Virtual Reality?
Join us at the Ion Prototyping Lab for a monthly Houston VR meetup. Join a diverse community for an engaging session of hardware trials, captivating demos, and engaging discussions, all revolving around the latest trends and advancements in Virtual and Augmented Reality.
All are welcome to attend, regardless of whether you’re a seasoned VR enthusiast, a budding developer, or simply curious about the realm of Virtual Reality.
Our keynote speaker includes Adam Olds of Varjo Technologies. Through an engaging presentation, Adam offers profound insights on the exciting possibilities that lie ahead in the world of Virtual Reality. Attendees will also be granted exclusive access to test out Varjo’s latest Head Mounted Displays, unlocking new frontiers of virtual immersion.
Mark your calendars and become part of the virtual revolution. We look forward to seeing you at the next Houston VR meetup!

Ion Open Accelerator: Ideate, Build, and Launch Real Apps
2023-08-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Have you ever had an IDEA FOR AN APP – but – NO IDEA where to start? Learn how to ideate, build, and launch REAL APPS without writing a single line of code.
In this workshop, we’ll build a social media app from scratch and learn other foundational concepts you’ll be able to use on other projects.
No prior knowledge is required – just bring positive energy and a willingness to learn.
About the Presenter: Damiano Redemagni

Houston Robotics Group at Ion Prototyping Lab
2023-08-12 14:00 - 17:00, 2023-08-05 14:00 - 17:00, 2023-07-29 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 Office Hours
2023-08-11 10:00 - 11:30, 2023-08-04 10:00 - 11:30, 2023-07-28 10:00 - 11:30, 2023-07-21 10:00 - 11:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
How can our Office Hours at the Ion help you?
Office Hours at the Ion aims to support people coming to the Ion who are seeking their next step in taking their idea to an enterprise by creating pathways to the next steps toward success for entrepreneurs and small business owners. For example, maybe you have a draft business plan and need a mentor. Perhaps you are a small business and need funding. Or, maybe you are considering starting a business and need initial marketing support to develop a brand. That is where we can help!
Office Hours at the Ion exist to introduce people to the Ion and our events, resources, and programs that support the entrepreneurial journey.
This event is in collaboration with SCORE and SBA, who will be available to help entrepreneurs and small business owners execute their business idea. The Small Business Administration will be on-site the second Friday of the month. SCORE will have a table on-site each Friday.
Our office hours will occur immediately after our Cup of Joey networking event in the Lobby.

Cup of Joey
2023-08-11 08:30 - 10:30, 2023-08-04 08:30 - 10:30, 2023-07-28 08:30 - 10:30, 2023-07-21 08:30 - 10:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, 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.

Executive Angel: Economic Power of Diverse Founders
2023-08-10 16:00 - 22:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join DivInc for an inspiring and informative event focused on the Economic Power of diverse Founders. Research has shown that underrepresented founders face unique challenges in accessing funding and support, which can limit their ability to scale and grow their businesses.
At this event, they’ll explore the economic power of diverse founders, discussing how they are driving innovation, creating jobs, and contributing to economic growth.
DivInc’s expert speakers will share their experiences and insights on the economic power of underrepresented founders, discussing topics such as how to overcome the funding gap for diverse founders, the importance of mentorship and networking, and the role of diversity and inclusion in driving innovation and growth.

SBA Lender Matchmaking Event
2023-08-09 08:30 - 12:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Small Business Administration Lender Matchmaking Event
Lending institutions that lend in the Houston District, including traditional lenders, credit unions, microlenders, and certified minority development institutions will be on hand to meet with existing and start-up business owners to discuss funding for small businesses. Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to pitch financing needs to multiple lenders in scheduled, one-on-one 15-minute sessions! Also, meet SBA Houston District Office representatives and engage with SBA’s Resource Partner network which provides free one-on-one business advising.
**NOTE: Registration begins at 8:30 AM CDT; appointments are made on a first come first serve basis. One-on-one sessions begin at 9:00 AM CDT and conclude at 12:00 PM CDT.

Mingle Mondays: FinTech
2023-08-07 18:00 - 19:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join us on the first Monday of the month as we build Houston’s FinTech community at the Ion!
Fintech describes various financial activities, including money transfers, depositing a check with your smartphone, bypassing a bank branch to apply for credit, raising money for a business startup, personal finance, and more!
This community is for all who are interested in FinTech, including FinTech entrepreneurs, thought leaders interested in FinTech innovation, vendors and funders seeking to work with financial services and technology sector startups, FinTech investors, compliance and legal professionals wanting to share their FinTech knowledge, and more!
To join the Ion’s Funded Founder Community, apply HERE.
About the Speaker:

Akbar Poonawala is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Pivot Investment Partners, an early Growth Equity investment firm focused on transformative financial technology companies.
About the Mingle Leaders:

Norman Pappous, Founder & President, FinancialAdvisorCheck

Kiley Summers, Founder, SpenDebt

Phillip Yates, Co-Founder, Equiliberty Inc.

Ion Block Party
2023-08-03 16:00 - 19:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join us every first Thursday of the month from 4 – 7 PM on the plaza for live music from Susan Hickman (Country) and local brews provided by Second Draught. Additionally, we are excited to welcome Victoria’s Lemonade who will be onsite selling fresh Agua Fresca! Make sure to register and check-in at the event for a complimentary beer or cider on us from Second Draught or at Victoria’s Lemonade stand for a refreshing beverage to beat the heat.

Ion Prototyping Lab Office Hours
2023-08-01 13:00 - 17:00 | Ion Prototyping Lab, 4201 Main St., Suite 170, Houston, TX, 77002, United States

Ion Open Accelerator: How to Increase Your Impact and Influence on LinkedIn
2023-07-31 10:00 - 12:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Are you ready to take your business to the next level? If you are, LinkedIn should be a part of your marketing strategy.
This workshop is to empower professionals like you to take charge of their LinkedIn presence and maximize their impact in the digital arena. In this training, Marsha will discuss the 5 top features on LinkedIn that all business owners should be using to generate leads, attract their ideal clients, and grow their businesses.
The top 5 features include:

Your Bio and Banner
Your About section
LinkedIn Groups
LinkedIn Audio
LinkedIn Newsletter

Whether you are a seasoned LinkedIn user or just starting to explore the platform’s potential, this training is tailored to help you leverage LinkedIn’s vast network and unlock opportunities for career growth, networking, and professional success.
About the Presenter: Marsha Lynn Hudson

Sewn Goods Office Hours at Ion Prototyping Lab
2023-07-28 11:00 - 13:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, 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.

Aramco Ventures Office Hours at the Ion
2023-07-28 10:30 - 12:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Representatives from Aramco North America’s corporate venturing arm, Aramco Ventures, will be onsite at the Ion every other Friday right after “Cup of Joey” from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM to meet with startups and and entrepreneurs interested in discussing their company or technology with Aramco’s investment team.
Aramco is a world-leading integrated energy and chemicals company. The mission of their strategic venturing program is to invest globally into start-up and high-growth companies with technologies of strategic importance to Aramco, and to accelerate their development and deployment across Aramco’s operations.
Prior to registering, you are encouraged to read more about Aramco Ventures’ investment philosophy and portfolio companies here: https://aramcoventures.com/
Please note that space is limited, and meetings are allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. Should you have any questions, please email Ragen Doyle, Corporate Engagement Officer, at rdoyle@ionhouston.com.

NASA Tech Talks: Networking Edition
2023-07-27 18:00 - 19:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
July’s NASA Tech Talks will be a networking event for individuals in our Houston Aerospace Community, with no formal programming or a talk. We invite you to join fellow aerospace aficionados at 6 PM in Second Draught. Come, cool off, and beat the heat with a line-up of Houston’s locally brewed beers and more!

Ion Bike Club
2023-07-26 18:30 - 19:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
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.
Following the ride, participants are eligible for a 10% discount on beverages at Second Draught!

Ion Open Accelerator: Getting the Highest ROI from Conferences and Events
2023-07-24 10:00 - 12:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join us to learn how to maximize your time and investment at conferences and events!

As small business owners, entrepreneurs, or founders, we seek to operate in agile and lean ways, oftentimes operating with small marketing budgets. In this workshop, we will discuss the following:

Whether you should do events, and which ones you should do
How best to invest your marketing dollars
Setting your objectives for events and conferences – yes, there is more than just “getting leads” – don’t miss out on important revenue
Preparing in advance to get the most out of your event
Knowing how to approach attendees and get meetings booked
Follow through and evaluate the ROI on the events
Training sales staff for event-and-conference best practices

Speaker: Staccey Wright-Turner
