Ion District

IDSA HTX Design Series: Entrepreneurship
2023-10-12 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Ion Prototyping Lab, 4201 Main St., Suite 170, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Why You Need to Embrace Your Inner Design Entrepreneur!
Many industrial/product designers often ponder the possibility of becoming entrepreneurs and monetizing their talents. They wonder, “Can I truly be an entrepreneur and start generating income? How can I leverage my skills to navigate this challenging path?”
We are excited to announce that your questions about design entrepreneurship will be addressed on October 12th at the Ion Prototyping Lab. Our guest speaker for the event is Eran Weinberg, a seasoned design entrepreneur with a successful track record. Eran has developed over 100 products, successfully sold two companies, and is actively scouting for the next groundbreaking innovation Don’t miss out on this fascinating presentation by Eran!
Join us, socialize over some refreshing drinks, and get ready to have all your questions about the intersection of design and entrepreneurship answered!

Cup of Joey
2023-10-13 08:30 - 10:30, 2023-10-20 08:30 - 10:30, 2023-10-27 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.

Hispanic Heritage Month: Tejano Tech Summit - Careers in Tech
2023-10-13 08:30 - 20:00 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Save the date. Register here.
Hear from inspiring leaders and companies about the tools, resources, and programs for championing more Latinos in the tech ecosystem. Tejano Tech Summit is organized by LSA Global and community partners.

Ion Office Hours
2023-10-13 10:00 - 11:30, 2023-10-20 10:00 - 11:30, 2023-10-27 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.

Ion Prototyping Lab Office Hours
2023-10-13 10:00 - 14:00, 2023-10-20 10:00 - 14:00, 2023-10-24 13:00 - 17:00, 2023-10-27 10:00 - 14:00 | 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 Robotics Group at Ion Prototyping Lab
2023-10-14 14:00 - 17:00, 2023-10-21 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!

Mingle and Mentor Lounges
2023-10-16 17:00 - 18:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Need advice on your next innovative idea? Want to join an industry-related and tech-enabled community? Chat with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) or join your Ion Mingle Community!
On the Third Monday of the month, come to the Ion’s Academic Flex Space from 5 to 5:30 pm to connect with Ion SMEs in 1:1 or small group sessions. Our SMEs specialize in a range of topics, including Communication & Team Transformation, Storytelling, Marketing & Branding, Pitch Deck Preparation, Product Development, and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. While not every SME will be available every Third Monday, come prepared with your questions to make the most of this event, and feel free to connect with our SMEs using their LinkedIn profiles provided below!
At the same time, check out Ion’s Mingle Lounges. Lounges run from 5 to 6 pm in the classrooms surrounding the Flex Space. These Lounges are a great place to connect with fellow founders, innovators, entrepreneurs, SMEs, researchers, and corporates! Typically, each Lounge will have a featured speaker who shares their story and expertise. Make sure to follow Mingle Leaders’ and Ion’s social media for announcements regarding speakers and the frequency of Mingle Lounges. Mark your calendar and get ready to innovate, collaborate, and network!
Every better way needs a place to begin. Start here.
Ion SMEs include:

Ayo Kuyinu: Brand Strategy: Identity, Positioning, and Messaging
Christa Clarke, Sherhara Downing: Communication and Team Transformation
Dr. Doug Franklin: Pitch Deck Development
Peter Durand: Group Facilitation and Visualizing Complex Systems
Rahul Brahmbhatt: Customer Discovery and User Insights
Tracie Jae: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Wade Pinder: Product Management

Ion Mingle Lounges include:

Music, Film, Media Tech: Tracy DeJarnett (Music), Kevin Kempf (Film), Paul O’Brien, Josh Sutton (MediaTech Ventures)
Food Tech: Tasos Katsaounis and Jereis Khawaja
Intellectual Property: Hannah Edlund
Med & Health Tech: Stuart J. Corr (Pumps & Pipes)
FinTech: Norman Pappous, Kiley Summers, Phillip Yates
Transportation, Supply Chain, Logistics Mingle: Jim O’Sullivan
EdTech: Sunny Zhang, Devina Bhojwani, Alicia Wiliams
Web 3.0/NFTs – Giorgio Villani, Margaret Passe

October Speakers:

Intellectual Property: Hannah Edlund, Phillip E. Page – Have a trademark? Learn what’s next. Featuring the free legal clinic trademark assistance program from South Texas College of Law.
Med & Health Tech: Dr. Alan Lumsden, Chair of Cardiovascular Surgery and Chair of the DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, Houston Methodist
FinTech: Schirell Sidney, Senior Manager, United Way of Greater Houston – Financial Stability
Transportation, Supply Chain, Logistics: Jordan Frisby, Business Process Manager, Port Houston
EdTech: Adeeb Barqawi, CEO, ProUnitas Inc.; Patra Brannon-Isaac, Director of Education & Community Projects, Kinder Foundation; David Holmes, Director, S&P Global

GROW Pathways Summit
2023-10-18 11:00 - 15:00 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
BIPoC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) professionals and allies gather for a dynamic conference of networking and climate solutions.
Join us for an exciting in-person event, the GROW Pathways Summit, located at the Ion, on Wednesday, October 18 from 11 AM – 3 PM.
GROW Pathways Summit is a one-day visionary exploration of what’s needed to make our nation’s bold, clean energy goals a reality. The Summit brings together clean energy stakeholders for a deep dive into policies and practices that are essential for all Americans to benefit from clean energy. This year’s GROW Pathways Summit will explore critical clean energy interconnection issues and elevate key solutions. GROW Pathways Summit will bring together energy transition experts across business, human resources, education, training, community engagement, and more to address key initiatives to ensure a just and equitable transition.
Three separate educational tracks – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Green Workforce Talent Pipeline, Green Economy Supplier/Procurement Diversity and Community Engagement in Green Infrastructure Projects.
This is a must-attend event for anyone interested in personal and professional growth. Network with like-minded individuals, learn from industry experts, and gain valuable insights to help you navigate your career path. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to expand your horizons and unlock your full potential. Mark your calendars and get ready to embark on a transformative journey at the GROW Pathways Summit!
Register now!

SmartAC.com Raise a Glass to Another Round
2023-10-19 17:00 - 19:00 | Second Draught, 4201 Main St. Suite 130, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join us at Second Draught in celebrating SmartAC.com in the fourth iteration of Raise a Glass to Another Round!
About SmartAC.com
SmartAC.com is digitizing the HVAC industry to perfect the experience of home comfort.
A Houston startup that combines unique sensor technology with software analysis has raised its next round of funding to turbocharge its sales.
SmartAC.com launched in 2020, emerging from stealth with $10 million raised in a series A. Over the past almost three years, the company has firmed up its hardware, developed its software, and pivoted slightly from selling directly to consumers to adopting a B2B approach.
The $22 million SmartAC.com has raised came from local investors. Josh Teekell explains that while traditionally startups might have more opportunity on the coasts for raising money, it’s not hard to sell Houstonians on the benefits of SmartAC.com’s optimized air conditioning.
One drink ticket that can be redeemed at Second Draught will be given to those who register.

Selling and Buying Businesses
2023-10-19 17:30 - 19:00 | Ion – Lower Level, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join Lenny Saizan, Business Broker and Managing Director of Urban Capital Network, for an
informative presentation on selling and buying businesses.
Event Description:
The process of selling and buying a business includes many steps and involves collaboration and
coordination of professionals across various disciplines. Quite often, sellers and buyers in the market are
going through the process for the very first time.
Business owners typically have most of their wealth tied to their business; therefore, it is important that
they maximize the value of the business and properly plan their exit strategy. For buyers,
entrepreneurship through business acquisition is a less risky path to business ownership that increases
the probability of success and generates positive cash flow on day one. Business acquisition is also a
good strategy for business owners to grow their existing business.
Lenny Saizan will discuss the process of selling and buying a business, highlight challenges and mistakes to avoid, and present the benefits of working with an intermediary. If you are a business owner, prospective buyer, or small business service provider, this event will be beneficial to you.
During the session, you can expect discussion on the following:

Market overview
When to prepare to sell or buy
What makes a company valuable
How companies are valued
Overview on how to recast financial statements
The sales process
The deal team
Taxes and insurance considerations

Presenter:
Lenny Saizan is co-founder and Managing Director of Urban Capital Network (UCN), an investment firm
focused on democratizing premium investment opportunities for a broader pool of investors. In addition
to his role at UCN, Lenny owns and operates Murphy Business Sales – Southwest Houston, where he
helps business owners exit plan, maximize value, and sell their businesses. Lenny also works with buyers
interested in business acquisition or franchising. Prior to launching UCN and his Business Brokerage,
Lenny worked 10 years in Oil and Gas, leading teams in Financial and Operational Controls, and Audit.
Lenny also worked 10 years as an Electrical Engineer, specializing in automation and controls, and systems integration. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from L.S.U. and his MBA
from Tulane University.

Leading Engineering and Technology Innovation in the Digital Revolution
2023-10-19 17:30 - 19:00 | Ion – Lower Level, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
This is a three-part, fall educational series designed to expose engineers at corporations and scaling startups to skills needed to lead engineering without leaving engineering.
The series is brought to you by Rice University’s engineering faculty in collaboration with Ion. Rice faculty will provide introductions to concepts to help engineers take leadership roles in producing the best products and services for the market.
In the 4th industrial revolution, all companies are or must become technology companies. And technology companies must hire and produce Industry 4.0 engineering manager leaders, if they are to modernize their engineering workforce and produce the best products and services. The Master of Engineering Management & Leadership (MEML) degree and the new graduate Certificate in Engineering Management & Leadership (CEML) program was designed to help traditional engineers pivot into the new generation of I4 Engineering Leaders. The series will expose engineers to selected skills and concepts presented in the MEML degree and the CEML program in a classroom setting.
Series topics and dates include:

October 19, 2023 – Leading Engineering and Technology Innovation in the Digital Revolution

November 2, 2023 – Technical Project Management: Tips on Managing Technical Project Teams

December 7, 2023 – Product Management in Industry 4.0: Transitioning Concepts into Products

Houston VR
2023-10-19 19:30 - 21:30 | Ion Prototyping Lab, 4201 Main St., Suite 170, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Our October 2023 meeting features Victor O., who will be giving a presentation about the work HaptX is doing to explore what leading-edge haptic gloves are capable of in supporting VR. He’ll have HaptX’s latest Development Kit for attendees to try out and discuss.
We’ll also cover Meta Connect and the launch of the Quest 3, and other VR and AR news.
Houston VR meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month in the Ion Prototyping Lab. We’re a diverse group of enthusiasts and developers. Join us to try test hardware, some demos, or discuss VR development. Hope to see everyone there!

Transocean Open Innovation Challenge: Kickoff & Information Session
2023-10-20 09:00 - 10:30 | 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Are you passionate about driving change in the energy sector? Do you have a groundbreaking idea or technology to reduce emissions and decarbonize offshore drilling operations? If so, Transocean invites you to join this open innovation challenge, a game-changing opportunity to shape the future of offshore drilling.
Ion is proud to partner with Transocean, a global leader in offshore drilling, to launch this exciting challenge that invites startup companies, academics and entrepreneurs to contribute their innovative ideas with the potential for pilot opportunities and deep-dive engagements with Transocean in the future.
Finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas in front of a live audience, and the winning team may be awarded a pilot project with Transocean, offering a real-world testing ground for your innovative solutions.
Challenge Timeline:
Challenge Launch and Information Session: Friday, October 20 (at the Ion)
Submission Deadline: Thursday, November 30 (virtual)
Finalist Selection: February 2024 (virtual)
Finalist Demo Day and Winner Announcement: March 2024 (at the Ion)
Join us at the kickoff information session to learn more about the challenge and register you or your team. Together, let’s innovate for a cleaner, more sustainable future for offshore drilling! For more information, please contact Ragen Doyle, Corporate Engagement Officer, at rdoyle@ionhouston.com.

Aramco Ventures Office Hours at the Ion
2023-10-20 10:30 - 12:00 | Ion – Lower Level, 4201 Main St., 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.

Houston Innovation Skills Unlock with GIANT Innovation
2023-10-24 08:30 - 16:00 | Ion – Conference Room 028, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
The Innovation Skills Unlock is a highly interactive, hands-on one-day workshop that unleashes your innovative potential. This unique learning experience will shift your mindset, grow your innovation skill set, and help you drive meaningful change in your organization.
By the end of the workshop you will:

Master core innovation skills and mindsets: From customer interviewing to creative brainstorming to testing new ideas, this workshop will equip you with transformational skills that can be immediately applied to any job role or industry.
Learn the GIANT Future Skills Toolkit: We have created an easy-to-use and practical toolkit that distills the best thinking from a variety of innovation methodologies, such as design thinking, creative problem solving, and lean startup.
Gain Insights into Transforming Others: You will leave this workshop inspired and prepared to inspire others. We will share our experiences from having worked with a wide range of Fortune 500 companies and global organizations, like Citi, Siemens Energy, Walmart, and Dallas Fort Worth Airport.
Build Your Personal Innovation Network: Connect with other workshop participants, as well as GIANT’s team of Innovation facilitators. All our facilitators are seasoned entrepreneurs and experienced educators, with links to top-tier institutions, such as Columbia University, Northeastern University, NYU, and ESMT Berlin.

Ion corporate partners have complimentary registration for this event (maximum two attendees per organization). Please email Ragen Doyle, Corporate Engagement Officer, for the registration code.

Transwestern's Tech on Tap
2023-10-25 17:00 - 20:00 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Transwestern’s Technology Properties Group presents a data-centric happy hour on Wednesday, October 25 from 5 – 8 PM at the Ion. Join them for a thought-provoking panel, including individuals from 11:11 Systems, Data Canopy, Digital Realty, and Netrality to discuss the state of the Texas Data Center Market. Drinks and light bites will be available.
Register today!

Perfecting Your Pitch
2023-10-25 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.

Innovation on Tap: Anshumali Shrivastava, Rice University
2023-10-26 17:00 - 19:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Featured Speaker: Anshumali Shrivastava, Associate Professor, Computer Science, Rice University, and CEO and Co-Founder of ThirdAI.
Anshumali Shrivastava’s research focuses on Large Scale Machine Learning, Scalable and Sustainable Deep Learning, Randomized Algorithms for Big-Data and Graph Mining. ThirdAI builds hash-based processing algorithms that accelerate training and inference of neural networks. The technology is a result of 10 years of innovation in finding fundamental ways to make deep learning more efficient. Our research has demonstrated how we can make commodity x86 CPUs 15x faster than state of the art NVIDIA GPUs for training large neural networks. This demonstration has shaken the common knowledge prevailing in the AI community that specialized processors like GPUs are superior to CPUs for training neural networks.
We invite attendees to join the featured speaker and event attendees for networking at Second Draught after the talk.
In Partnership with Rice University’s Office of Alumni Relations series – Brains in a Bar. Brains in a Bar mixes mixes socializing and learning in a fun and casual environment. Grab a drink and hear from a lineup of incredible Rice faculty and staff!
About Innovation on Tap: Disruptive Technology Talks with Houston’s Leading Researchers
Industrial innovation is in the DNA of Houston (energy, health, space, and transportation), and the Ion is at the forefront of moving the city to become a technology destination, a central place where we support bold moves that embrace the innovation economy at an industrial scale. The Ion is a place where we accelerate disruption by connecting people and ideas to create a future that will not only change Houston but change the world.
Ion Innovation on Tap lecture series is focused on bridging world-leading academic research to the broader innovation ecosystem, creating connections and partnerships that will not only accelerate translation and commercialization but form relationships that will drive future fundamental advances needed to address fundamental problems like decarbonization, personalized health care, and create resilient and sustainable livable communities.
Examples of disruptive technology include but are not limited to AI and machine learning, robotics, synthetic biology, neuro-engineering, nano-materials, cyber security, imaging, blockchain, and quantum computing.
The lecture series will feature leading researchers spanning engineering, science, and design, showcasing advanced technology and innovation from academic research labs and programs. Largely inaccessible and buried in journals and conference proceedings, technology will be presented in an accessible TED-style lecture format with ample networking opportunities. The disruptive technology lecture series will serve as a magnifying glass connecting fundamental technology to people and organizations that can benefit and help activate technology through commercialization. More than that, the lecture series will serve as a front door for collaboration between researchers and industry partners and/or the formation of new technology startups that will help establish Ion and Houston as a global hub for innovation.

Biketoberfest
2023-10-26 17:00 - 20:00 | Ion Plaza, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Celebrate fall in Houston on Thursday, October 26, from 5 – 8 PM with a coordinated bike ride with BikeHouston and a happy hour on the Ion Plaza. This 7-mile ride through Midtown, Downtown, and the Museum District will start and end at Second Draught. There will also be sponsor booths, face painting, inflatable games, and live music on the plaza provided by The Slags. Come early to snag an Ion bicycle water bottle, event t-shirt, and free pretzels provided by The Lymbar, while supplies last!
This event is free to attend, but registration is required at the link below. Any option to donate when registering is available and the proceeds go back to local non-profits BikeHouston, Bunker Labs, and HTX4Ukraine.

NASA Tech Talks
2023-10-26 18:00 - 19:30 | 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.

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 (JSC) 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.

Join us after the talk for drinks and networking at Second Draught!

Past NASA Tech Talks have included : Montgomery B. Goforth discussing NASA Intellectual Property suitable for commercialization by small/start-up companies and Jared Daum discussing Orion’s parachutes and risk identification and mitigation that are showstoppers for the spaceflight parachute industry. Future NASA Tech Talks will include: dual-use (space/terrestrial) technologies in the areas of:

Avionics / Communication / Sensors
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for ultra-long lived wireless sensors
Power Storage and Distribution
Autonomous & Robotics Systems
Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) Systems
Virtual/Augmented Reality in Human Spaceflight Training & Execution
Human Health & Performance / Human Systems Research

The 2023 series finale will feature Dr. Tim Crain, Co-Founder and CTO of Intuitive Machines (IM) presenting a Tech Talk in three acts:

From Napkin to NASDAQ: IM’s hero’s journey story as one of the few companies in the HTX ecosystem to go from an idea written on a napkin, through two pivots as a struggling startup, to a publicly traded company about to make history.
The “Reverse Pitch”: Tim gives three or four examples of areas of common need amongst space companies (including IM) that some enterprising/innovative/bold entrepreneurs in this ecosystem could rise to the challenge and meet. It could start as a small business where you have a customer or customers almost from day one. But then maybe it can grow to something bigger. So, if there is a Steve Jobs in the audience who knows a Steve Wozniak, perhaps they can put their minds together and start the next Apple for the new Space age.
Q&A

The objective is to expand the horizon of the JSC-support aerospace community in HTX to include tech entrepreneurs and the tech-oriented public. It’s time to get excited about what’s happening in commercial space right here in HTX as we show how JSC is enabling these opportunities to flourish — because Houston is still in the moonshot business!

About the Speakers
Dr. Timothy P. Crain: Tim received his Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas, a National Science Foundation Graduate Fellow and Assistant Instructor. He began his professional career in 2000 at the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, TX, where he was a lead engineer in the Engineering Directorate’s Aeroscience and Flight Mechanics Division. During his tenure at JSC, he worked on the navigation design for Mars Science Lander and was the Orbit Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) System Manager for the Orion spacecraft. In 2009, Crain became the Flight Dynamics lead for NASA’s Project Morpheus that followed a low-cost, lean project development model to build and flight test a terrestrial version of a lunar lander incorporating advanced liquid methane propulsion, precision landing, and autonomous hazard detection and avoidance. The experience on Morpheus demonstrated how small teams of motivated engineers could rapidly innovate and apply available and emerging technologies to solve tough technical problems effectively. This was a primary motivation for Crain co-founding Intuitive Machines with Kam Ghaffarian Ph. D and Mr. Steve Altemus in 2013. Dr. Crain is a recipient of the NASA JSC Center Director’s Commendation Award, the Outstanding Young Texas Ex Award, UT Outstanding Young Engineering Graduate Award, Orion Flight Dynamics Leadership Award, and a finalist for the NASA Rotary Mid Career Stellar Award. He is a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and the American Astronautical Society (AAS), where he is an annual national chair, and he’s on the board of directors at the AAS Rocky Mountain section’s Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference.
Montgomery B. Goforth serves as the Assistant Director, Strategic Pursuits & Partnerships – Engineering Directorate, NASA JSC.
Mr. Goforth has more than 30 years of experience as both Engineer and Manager in a variety of 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, and ultimately became Chief of the Branch responsible for all laptops onboard 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 nation-wide 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 better focus 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). Prior to coming to Johnson Space Center, he was employed by a small defense contractor specializing in anti-submarine warfare.

Agility at Scale (P. 1)
2023-10-27 10:00 - 11:00 | 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Global Custom Commerce (GCC), a Home Depot company, in collaboration with Ion, is thrilled to present a new, educational event series, “Agility at Scale,” designed to equip startups and corporates alike with the knowledge and strategies to thrive in today’s dynamic market. In this four-part series, industry experts from GCC, a trailblazing tech company formerly known as Blinds.com, will guide you through the dynamic landscape of innovation mindsets, the art of recruiting for a culture of excellence, strategies for scaling effectively, and the best practices for achieving agility at scale.
Discover new insights, gain actionable strategies, and connect with like-minded professionals who are passionate about fostering innovation and growth. Whether you’re a startup looking to establish a strong foundation or an established corporation seeking to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing business environment, “Agility at Scale,” is for you.
Series topics and dates include:
October 27, 2023 – Agile Mindset and Culture: Embark on a transformative journey into the world of agility at scale with this introductory session. Gain a foundational understanding of the principles and concepts that will set the stage for a dynamic series, and then dive deep into cultivating an agile mindset across your organizations, from recruitment to metrics. Learn why burns up trump Gantt charts and explore the power of BUM.
November 17, 2023 – Fireteams: Uncover the history and principles of these high-performing teams with discussions on passing down autonomy while maintaining responsibility. Learn why there is no “chief architect,” and why the product manager (PM) ≠ CEO of a product.
January 05, 2024 – Scaling Up: Navigate the complexities of scaling, from managing budgets and deadlines to defining clear boundaries for stories, epics, and projects.
February 09, 2024 – Common Mistakes and Lessons Learned: Benefit from GCC’s agile journey by examining their mistakes and lessons learned. Gain valuable insights to avoid common pitfalls in your own agile transformation.
For more information about the series, email Ragen Doyle, Corporate Engagement Officer, at rdoyle@ionhouston.com.

Hispanic Heritage Month: Plaza Tec - Celebrating Hispanic Innovators
2023-10-27 18:00 - 20:00 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join us for a networking reception with Houston-area graduates of Tec de Monterrey (Mexico). The event features a fireside chat with Tec de Monterrey alum Fernando de la Peña discussing advances in “holographic teletransportation.”
Fernando serves as Chief Executive Officer of Aexa Aerospace, which provides creative solutions for training and operational support using mixed reality and virtual reality through their HoloWizard application. Tec de Monterrey alum Javier Carro, COO, Blue People will moderate the discussion.
Plaza Tec is an educational and networking series at the Ion designed to spotlight and celebrate Houston’s Latinx community.
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