Ion District

Rice University OEDK 2024 Engineering Design Showcase
2024-04-11 16:30 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
This showcase and competition highlights many of the school’s engineering design projects and represent our students’ success.
The competition is open to all engineering design projects from each discipline of engineering. The evening will host 80+ judges made up of engineering alumni and local industry to help with the poster session competition.
The event will be open from 4:30-7:00pm, awards will be announced around 6:30pm. Everyone is welcome!
For more information: https://oedk.rice.edu/showcasepublic
Hosted by the Rice University Oshman Engineering Design Kitchen (OEDK). OEDK provides a space for Rice University undergraduate students majoring in bioengineering, chemical and biomolecular engineering, civil and environmental engineering, computational and applied mathematics, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, materials science and nanoengineering, mechanical engineering and statistics to design, prototype and deploy solutions to real-world engineering challenges. To create the full circle of real-world experience that has societal impact, interdisciplinary teams tackle problems proposed by industry and partners in the Texas Medical Center and abroad.

Angel Investing 101
2024-04-10 17:30 - 18:30 | Ion – Classroom 030, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
In a world where only the very wealthy, well-connected, and major institutions have access to premium investment opportunities, which have created massive wealth for a small portion of the population. The team at Urban Capital Network believes the key to closing income and wealth gaps globally is to democratize access to opportunities across the investment ecosystem.
Join the Urban Capital Network team for an evening of learning, discussion, and possibilities as we explore the basics of angel investing, the role it plays in bringing new products and services to market, and the impact it has on wealth and job creation.
At this event, you’ll learn the key components to successfully navigate the critical path of investing in private, early-stage companies.
This session is ideal for the following investment-related stakeholders:

Prospective Angel Investors who want to learn more about the world of Angel Investing
Investment Advisors (RIA/FA) who are looking for alternative investments for their clients
Entrepreneurs who want to learn more about what Angels are looking for in their deals
Entrepreneurs who want to meet/network with Angel Investors

About the speaker
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 business. 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 started his career 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.

Ion Prototyping Lab Office Hours
2024-04-09 13:00 - 17:00, 2024-04-02 13:00 - 17:00, 2024-03-26 13:00 - 17:00 | Ion Prototyping Lab, 4201 Main St., Suite 170, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
What is the Ion Prototyping Lab (IPL)?
The Ion Prototyping Lab is where your ideas meet the designers, engineers, and fabricators that can make them a reality. Located at The Ion, the intersection of Houston’s culture, creativity, and innovation. Our 6,500-square-foot site offers access to equipment, engineers, and technical training–a must for every inventor, innovator, and creator.
The Ion Prototyping Lab Office Hours offer entrepreneurs a chance to engage an expert one-on-one and explore options for building or producing their devices. Everyone from seasoned entrepreneurs to educators or “just a person with an idea” is welcome. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis.
The initial discussion is free, but subsequent meetings may require a consultation fee.
For more information about the IPL – be sure to check out their website and sign up for their newsletter to stay connected! The IPL offers various classes/workshops throughout the month – be sure to check out their calendar to register.
Interested in signing up for a membership? Click here

Houston Robotics Group at Ion Prototyping Lab
2024-04-06 14:00 - 17:00, 2024-03-23 14:00 - 17:00 | Ion Prototyping Lab, 4201 Main St., Suite 170, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Innovate, Collaborate, and Learn: Weekly Meetings at Ion Prototyping Lab!
Join the Houston Robotics Group for an exciting exploration of a diverse range of projects! Whether you’re interested in software development, AI/Deep Learning, electronics, mechanics, drones, or automation, our group offers a welcoming and supportive community to pursue your passions.
Should you require assistance with your projects, fear not! The Houston Robotics Group is composed of highly skilled experts in various domains, including Arduino, Raspberry Pi, motor controls, 3D printing & design, coding, electronics, board assembly, and debugging.
Additionally, we’re well-versed in Jetson Nano, Deep Learning, and various cutting-edge technologies. Our passion for robotics and related fields drives us to continuously push boundaries and explore new possibilities together.
Join the Houston Robotics Group today and immerse yourself in a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to the world of robotics and beyond!

Ion Prototyping Lab Office Hours
2024-04-05 10:00 - 14:00, 2024-03-29 10:00 - 14:00, 2024-03-22 10:00 - 14:00 | Ion Prototyping Lab, 4201 Main St., Suite 170, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
What is the Ion Prototyping Lab (IPL)?
The Ion Prototyping Lab is where your ideas meet the designers, engineers, and fabricators that can make them a reality. Located at The Ion, the intersection of Houston’s culture, creativity, and innovation. Our 6,500-square-foot site offers access to equipment, engineers, and technical training–a must for every inventor, innovator, and creator.
The Ion Prototyping Lab Office Hours offer entrepreneurs a chance to engage an expert one-on-one and explore options for building or producing their devices. Everyone from seasoned entrepreneurs to educators or “just a person with an idea” is welcome. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis.
The initial discussion is at no cost, but subsequent meetings may require a consultation fee.
For more information about the IPL – be sure to check out their website and sign up for their newsletter to stay connected! The IPL offers various classes/workshops throughout the month – be sure to check out their calendar to register.
Interested in signing up for a membership? Click here

SCORE Office Hours
2024-04-05 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-03-29 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-03-22 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

Cup of Joey
2024-04-05 08:30 - 10:30, 2024-03-29 08:30 - 10:30, 2024-03-22 08:30 - 10:30 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
What is the purpose of Cup of Joey? It is to create a connected culture of coffee shop-open networking across our region. Every Friday morning, you’ll have the opportunity to meet new and expand your current networks, talk about tech, inspire innovation, and create community.
So, what is the difference between a cup of joe and a Cup of Joe-Y? It is the WHY. It’s not what you do. It is why you do it!
At the Ion, these are questions that we want to explore with the tech and innovation community. So, show up, be friendly, and make new connections. Know your why, and we will get to the future together.
The future is only a cup away.

Houston Methodist Tech Hub - Change Management Presentation
2024-04-04 16:30 - 18:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
This session will be hosted by Dr. Evan D. Collins, MD MBA, Chief of the Houston Methodist Hand & Upper Extremity Center at the Texas Medical Center. Dr. Collins will share a short presentation about his clinical work and how change management may be healthcare’s biggest hurdle to innovation implementation.

How to be an Owl Series: Smart Social Skills
2024-04-01 17:45 - 19:15 | Ion – Classroom 029-031, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Setting Yourself up for Future Stability: Benefits, Retirement, Personal Finance – Acquire the fundamental skills and tools necessary to establish a robust foundation for enduring financial success and stability.
Speaker: Rachel Buckhoff, CFP® Financial Advisor, Financial Synergies

This event is part of a series called How to be an Owl: Smart Social Skills. This series is designed to expose early career professionals in any industry to the skills needed to build the foundation for a successful career. Join Rice University and esteemed guest speakers who will cover three separate topics: Professional Presence, Balancing Emotional Intelligence in Life and Work, and Financial Stability and Retirement Planning.

IPL Presents: Leveraging AI for IP Development
2024-04-01 12:00 - 13:00 | Ion Prototyping Lab, 4201 Main St., Suite 170, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join us at the Ion Prototyping Lab for an exclusive Lunch & Learn by Anindyo Sarkar from Global Intellectual Property Software Service (GIPSS).
AI-enabled searches make the innovation process more efficient by filtering invention ideas , offering valuable feedback to inventors and offers a path to IP protection. In this Lunch & Learn we explain how these tools can be applied most effectively to new startups. Practical examples will be showcased.
Lunch will be provided for those who register.
Reserve your spot now!

FanTechstic Mixer
2024-03-29 17:30 - 21:00 | Second Draught, 4201 Main St., Suite 130, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Greetings Tech Trailblazers,
Prepare for a transformative experience that transcends the ordinary! FanTechstic Mixer-Spring Edition is here.
🌐: Connecting Innovators, Igniting Opportunities:
At FanTechstic Solutions Ltd., we believe in the power of synergy, and that’s why we’re bringing together the brightest minds in the tech universe. Our mission is clear: to foster an environment where tech professionals and enthusiasts collide, sparking innovation, forging connections, and paving the way for unparalleled career opportunities.
🔗: Networking Beyond Boundaries:
Step into a realm where the buzz of excitement meets the hum of opportunity. FanTechstic Mixer is not just an event; it’s a dynamic platform where ideas flourish and collaborations thrive. Engage in meaningful conversations with industry pioneers, exchange insights with like-minded tech aficionados, and create connections that will propel your career to new heights.
Why Attend FanTechstic Mixer 2024?

Cutting-edge Insights: Immerse yourself in discussions led by tech visionaries, gaining valuable insights into the latest industry trends and innovations.
Powerful Networking: Connect with potential employers, collaborators, and mentors who can shape the trajectory of your career.
Job Opportunities: Discover exciting career prospects with as you mingle with professionals actively seeking top-tier talent like yours.
Innovative talk: Witness groundbreaking tech conversations and discussions around the future of technology.
Interactive Atmosphere: Hone your skills and stay ahead of the curve with focus zones led by experts in diverse tech domains.
For tech enthusiats, nothing beasts experience. Ask the professional hot to breack in to tech.
Above all, make friends and have fun.

🎟️ Secure Your Spot Today!
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this extraordinary tech convergence! Secure your spot at FanTechstic Mixer – 2024 Spring Edition and embark on a journey where connections turn into collaborations, ideas transform into innovations, and opportunities unfold at every corner.

Sewn Goods Office Hours at Ion Prototyping Lab
2024-03-29 11:00 - 13:00 | Ion Prototyping Lab, 4201 Main St., Suite 170, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Do you have a new product idea you want to bring to life but don’t know where to start?
IPL+HTX Sewn Goods Office Hours are here to help!
Ion Prototyping Lab is partnering with HTX Sewn Goods team to turn your idea into a tangible prototype. During office hours, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss cutting, sourcing, material, construction, and production options. Plus, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of the prototyping process and the next steps you need to take to bring your product to market.

NASA Tech Talks
2024-03-28 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.

Featured Program: Keeping Humans Alive in Space
Human bodies change in space. Their delicate physiology requires oxygen and expires carbon dioxide. Other considerations are less obvious: invisible radiation, muscle atrophy, bone loss, and more. This fascinating presentation explores the ways that habitats and spacesuits support life.

Program Partner and Moderator
In these presentations, occurring on the fourth Thursday of the month, Mr. Montgomery Goforth, Assistant Director, Strategic Pursuits & Partnerships – Engineering Directorate, NASA JSC, 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 how 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!

NASA Tech Talks topics include dual-use (space/terrestrial) technologies and focus areas in:

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
NASA Intellectual Property suitable for commercialization by small/start-up companies
Orion’s parachutes and risk identification and mitigation strategies
Leveraging Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for ultra-long-lived wireless sensors
Featured speakers from Intuitive Machines and Orbital Mining Corporation

About the Speakers:
Julie N. Strickland, PMP
With almost 20 years in the aerospace industry, Julie N. Strickland is an experienced engineer, program manager, and innovator. She earned her degree in mechanical engineer so that she could facilitate space exploration. After all, her older brothers had raised her on a steady diet of science fiction, from Star Trek and Star Wars to Asimov and Bradbury. She is a space enthusiast to her core!
Strickland holds five patent awards with many others in the pipeline. The book Strawberry Innovation: The Practical Guide for Innovating within a Fortune 50 Company, which contains all the wisdom that Strickland has gathered over years of developing inventions, will be published later this year. She is available for presentations and private workshops to teach the innovation process and to brainstorm on your toughest problems.

Strawberry Innovation
Spacesuit Engineer, Author, Innovator
Master’s degree, Material Science & Engineering, University of North Texas (UNT)
Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin (UT)

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

In 2002, he moved to the ISS Avionics and Software Office as Manager of the Flight Software Development Office and later served as Chief Engineer. In 2005, he spent several months at NASA Headquarters working in the Robotics Lunar Exploration Program. In 2006, he joined the Constellation Program as Chief of Avionics and Software Test and Verification and became Chief of the Software and Avionics Integration Office in 2007. In this role, he was responsible for leading a large nationwide Systems Engineering & Integration (SE&I) organization which provided program-level coordination, oversight, integration, and management of the system-of-systems avionics and software, including the coordination of integrated modeling and simulation and test activities across the Constellation program and the technical integration of Constellation’s Command, Control, Communications, and Information (C3I) architecture.
In 2011, he joined the Avionic Systems Division to support their Strategic Planning and Partnership efforts. In 2015, he moved on to Engineering Directorate Staff to support Strategic Pursuits and Partnerships. In this role, he put together a framework to focus better Engineering’s efforts toward Human Spaceflight technology and systems development consistent with JSC and Agency goals for exploration. This framework guides Engineering’s internal investments and external partnerships supporting Lunar and Mars Exploration.

Mr. Goforth was born in East Texas, raised in Southern California and Arizona, and graduated from Rice University (BSME 1982, MSME 1987). Before coming to Johnson Space Center, he was employed by a small defense contractor specializing in anti-submarine warfare.

Pint Night at Second Draught
2024-03-28 17:00 - 19:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
We want HOU! Join us at Second Draught for Pint Night to meet the Reps, sample Lone Pint Beers, and Explore Houston’s Craft Culture.

Brewery of the Month: Lone Pint

Accelerating Net-Zero Solutions: CCUS Innovation and Startup Showcase
2024-03-27 17:30 - 20:00 | Greentown Labs, 4200 San Jacinto St, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Featuring presentations from the Go Make 2023 Cohort startups, in partnership with Shell
Join us at Greentown Houston or virtually on March 27 to celebrate the culmination of Go Make 2023 with Shell, a Greentown Go startup-corporate partnerships accelerator program. Go Make 2023 is enabling a circular, net-zero-carbon economy by accelerating the adoption of alternative carbon feedstocks for key commodities, biogenic and nature-based solutions, carbon storage and traceability solutions, and more.
At this event, attendees will hear from industry experts, watch presentations from the startup cohort, and have the opportunity to network with the climatetech ecosystem.
Agenda:
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Check-in & Networking*
6:00 PM – 6:20 PM: Welcome Remarks
Timmeko Moore Love, Houston General Manager and Senior Vice President, Greentown Labs
Akilah Leblanc, General Manager, Commercial Innovation Partnerships, Shell
6:20 PM – 6:30 PM: Keynote Speaker
Matteo Pasquali, Hartsook Professor and Director of the Carbon Hub, Rice University
6:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Cohort Pitches
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Networking*
*In-person only
Meet the Cohort:
-Caravel Bio (Portland, Ore., U.S.) is developing a novel synthetic biology platform that uses microbial spores and enzymes to create catalysts that are long-lasting and can withstand extreme conditions and environments.
-Circularise (Den Haag, Netherlands) develops a blockchain platform that provides digital product passports for end-to-end traceability and secure data exchange for industrial supply chains.
-Corumat (Yakima, Wash. U.S.) converts organic waste into high-performance, insulating, greaseproof, and biodegradable packaging materials.
-Lydian (Cambridge, Mass., U.S.) develops a fully electrified reactor that can convert a variety of gaseous, non-fossil feedstocks into pure syngas with high efficiency.
-Maple Materials (Richmond, Calif., U.S.) develops a low-cost electrolysis process to split carbon dioxide into graphite and oxygen.
-Universal Matter (Burlington, Ontario, Canada) develops a proprietary Flash Joule Heating process that converts carbon waste into high-value and high-performance graphene materials to efficiently create sustainable circular economies.
ABOUT GREENTOWN GO
The climate crisis urgently demands sweeping climatetech deployment. While startups bring the solutions, corporates often bring commercialization pathways and scale. That’s why Greentown Go builds partnerships that propel climatetech solutions to market—at the pace needed to tackle climate change.
With a mission of decarbonizing the key greenhouse gas-emitting sectors, Greentown Go programs inject momentum and traction into startup-corporate collaborations, unlocking the power of climate solutions at scale.
ABOUT SHELL
Shell is using advanced technologies, taking an innovative approach to help deliver more, cleaner energy and find ways to use energy more efficiently. Shell and Greentown Labs have collaborated closely since 2013. As an integral partner to Greentown, Shell has run three Greentown Go partnerships accelerator programs, served as a founding partner of Greentown’s headquarters and Houston location, led the series A investment round for Greentown member Sense, and more.

IPL Presents: Mouser Electronics Lunch & Learn
2024-03-27 12:00 - 13:00 | Ion Prototyping Lab, 4201 Main St., Suite 170, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join us at the Ion Prototyping Lab for an exclusive Lunch & Learn hosted by Mouser Electronics.
Explore Industry 5.0, the macro trends in micro components, and how that impacts an engineer’s design and component choices. Lunch will be provided for those who register.
Reserve your spot now!

CANCELED: How to be an Owl Series: Smart Social Skills
2024-03-25 17:45 - 19:15 | Ion – Classroom 029-031, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
This event will be rescheduled!
Personal and Professional Leadership in Life and Work – Cultivate essential skills and strategies for effective personal and professional leadership.
Speaker: TBD

This event is part of a series called How to be an Owl: Smart Social Skills. This series is designed to expose early career professionals in any industry to the skills needed to build the foundation for a successful career. Join Rice University and esteemed guest speakers who will cover three separate topics: Professional Presence, Balancing Emotional Intelligence in Life and Work, and Financial Stability and Retirement Planning.

Houston Methodist Office Hours
2024-03-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Ion – Lower Level, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Meet the Houston Methodist Center for Innovation team on select Friday mornings for 1-1 Office Hours.
Do you have an idea for an innovative healthcare solution? Do you work on technology in another industry that could be applicable to healthcare? Do you want to learn more about how hospital systems work with innovators? Come meet with us!
NOTE: Due to limited availability, please sign up for only one session. Each time slot is assigned, so please respect your specific timed session. If you are on the waitlist, we will inform you before the session if a spot is available.

Thank you for your understanding.

Houston VR Meetup at Ion Prototyping Lab
2024-03-21 19:30 - 21:00 | 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.
This month’s meeting includes informative presentations that will delve into the realm of both current and forthcoming VR and AR hardware and software, providing attendees with valuable insights into the evolving landscape of these technologies.
Mark your calendars and become part of the virtual revolution. We look forward to seeing you at the next Houston VR meetup!

Enoda in Houston: Presentation of Enoda Technologies & Texas Case Study
2024-03-21 17:00 - 19:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Following the successful recent demonstrations of the Enoda PRIME® exchanger & Enoda ENSEMBLE™ technologies, we are pleased to present the next phase of our growth and impact at a broader scale.
Enoda is solving some of the most complex problems at the heart of the energy transition, enabling economies to prosper on reliable, decarbonised, and affordable energy systems.
Enoda designs and develops advanced technology solutions for grid operators, to deliver network stability and resilience, while increasing capacity for greater integration of renewables such as wind and solar.
Integrated hardware and software solutions can slot into existing infrastructure, enabling the grid to become self-balancing, and the primary provider of system stability. Enoda’s solutions can help remove constraints to decarbonisation and address the soaring cost of system balancing.
Enoda is founder-led and was established in 2021.
Enoda is headquartered in Edinburgh, UK.

Greentown Labs Transition On Tap
2024-03-20 17:30 - 19:30 | Greentown Labs, 4200 San Jacinto St, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join us for our monthly Transition On Tap on Wednesday, March 20 sponsored by Baker Botts!
Transition On Tap is Greentown Labs’ monthly networking event devoted to fostering conversations and connections among the climate and energy transition ecosystem in Houston and beyond. Entrepreneurs, investors, students, and friends of climatetech are invited to attend, meet colleagues, discuss solutions, and engage with our growing community. If you’re looking for a job in climatetech or energy, trying to expand your network, or perhaps thinking about starting your own energy-related company, this is the event for you!
ABOUT BAKER BOTTS
Baker Botts lawyers are legal partners to innovators. Our emerging company practice team represents emerging growth businesses, venture capital and corporate venture capital investors and advisors through all phases of a company’s life cycle, from formation through venture capital, corporate venture or other private equity funding, through the liquidity event, whether a sale of the company or an IPO, and life as a public company. Our emerging company and venture capital lawyers work collaboratively across departments including intellectual property, labor and employment and other departments to deliver creative and specialized solutions for their clients’ needs. We are immersed in the issues and needs of emerging growth clients and bring the same depth of experience and range of knowledge to them that we provide to our largest clients.
