Ion District

SCORE Office Hours
2024-03-22 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | 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
2024-03-22 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 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, 2024-03-20 17:00 - 19:00, 2024-03-19 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.

Perfecting Your Pitch
2024-03-20 17:30 - 18:30 | Ion – Classroom 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 who 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 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 Construction, Technology, and Business Enterprise. He also serves as Director of Project Management for Fresh Tech Solutionz and 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 Prototyping Lab Office Hours
2024-03-19 13:00 - 17:00, 2024-03-12 13:00 - 17:00, 2024-03-05 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

Pitch Preview: Energy Venture Day and Pitch Competition
2024-03-19 09:30 - 14:45 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Thank you for your interest!
The Pitch Preview is at capacity, and we will not have walk-up registration available. If you’d like to learn more about the companies, check out the company directory: alliance.rice.edu/evd/program.
If you have an Agora Innovation pass for CERAWeek, we hope you’ll join us at the competition on March 20th at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
As part of the Energy Venture Day and Pitch Competition , co-hosted by the Rice Alliance, Ion, HETI, and TEX-E, we’re bringing exciting pitches from the 40+ energy ventures competing at the CERAWeek Innovation Agora event on Wednesday, March 20. If you aren’t able to make it to CERAWeek on March 20 but want to hear about 40+ energy ventures from around the world that are transforming the energy transition, join us for this free, fast-paced pitch event at the Ion Houston on Tuesday, March 19.
See the full list of energy ventures pitching at alliance.rice.edu/evd.
If you have an Innovation Agora pass for CERAWeek, we encourage you to join us on March 20th, starting at 1:00 pm in the George Bush Ballroom B of the George R. Brown Convention Center, when these companies will be making their final pitches during the competition.

How to be an Owl Series: Smart Social Skills
2024-03-18 17:45 - 19:15 | Ion – Classroom 029-031, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Professional Presence (What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Develop It) – Career advancement depends not just on intellectual skills but also on the ability to project professionalism and inspire confidence. In this highly interactive session, participants will learn how to develop and maintain a professional presence (in person and online) for career success.
Speaker: Janet Moore, JD Director and Senior Lecturer, Management – Communication , Jones Graduate School of Business

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 Robotics Group at Ion Prototyping Lab
2024-03-16 14:00 - 17:00, 2024-03-09 14:00 - 17:00, 2024-03-02 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!

Web3 Meetup: Security Token Mining
2024-03-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Web3 represents a new phase of the internet, emphasizing decentralization and blockchain technology to give users sovereignty over their data, as opposed to the centralized control seen in Web2. This shift enables users to have ownership and control over their personal information, transactions, and online interactions without intermediaries.
Miners play a critical role in securing the Web3 network. They do so by validating transactions and adding them to the blockchain, a public ledger. This process, known as proof of work (PoW) or proof of stake (PoS), depending on the blockchain, ensures the integrity and security of the data on the network. Miners are rewarded for their efforts with cryptocurrency, providing an economic incentive to maintain network security.
With advancements in technology, even everyday devices like cell phones can contribute to network security. Through mobile mining apps and staking protocols, individuals can participate in the network’s security processes from their smartphones. This democratizes the process of securing the network, allowing more people to participate in and benefit from the Web3 ecosystem, further decentralizing control and enhancing user sovereignty over data.
About the Speaker
We are thrilled to offer a presentation by George Pate, a highly motivated IT and cybersecurity professional with over 15 years of experience in both the private and public sectors.
His expertise encompasses a wide range of areas, including but not limited to cybersecurity, server hardware, OSINT, network management and software development. He has a strong background in cloud technologies and is well-versed in IT asset management and Active Directory. Additionally, he has diverse set of skills, including scripting in PowerShell, UNIX, C++, HTML, JavaScript, Python, and Bash. Outside of his professional life, he is enthusiastic about micro green farming, ham radios, solar energy, and classic car restoration. He thrives on the synergy of technologies and constantly seeks innovative solutions. His goal is to harness technology to create abundance and make a positive impact on the world.

Ion Prototyping Lab Office Hours
2024-03-15 10:00 - 14:00, 2024-03-08 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
2024-03-15 10:00 - 11:30 | Ion – Lower Level, 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 AdministrationSCORE
Small Business Development Center

Cup of Joey
2024-03-15 08:30 - 10:30, 2024-03-08 08:30 - 10:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States

IPL Presents: Product Readiness and Minimum Viable Product
2024-03-14 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 Jim O’Sullivan from SCORE.
Technology Readiness Level was first coined by NASA to quantify the progression of new technologies from laboratory to viable commercial products. In this Lunch & Learn we explain how this system can be applied most effectively to new startups. And we add to that the concept of Customer Readiness to more accurately reflect the point on the technology adoption curve it currently resides.
Lunch will be provided for those who register.
Reserve your spot now!

Angel Investing 101: Introduction to Angel Investing
2024-03-13 17:30 - 19:00 | 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 and 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.

Code4Y'all: How to Launch an App in Under a Year on a Budget
2024-03-12 18:00 - 19:00 | Ion – Classroom 029-031, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Are you interested in learning how to launch an app within a year on a budget?
Discover the steps, technologies, and processes she used to bring her app to market quickly without overspending. Gain practical insights and actionable advice for your own app projects.
Don’t miss this chance to learn how to turn your app ideas into reality efficiently and cost-effectively! This event welcomes seasoned professionals to those looking to get into tech. Please register in advance as seats are limited. Code4y’all welcomes everyone.
Join us!
About the Speaker
Join us to learn from Tamara Pensiero, founder of Kismmet, as she shares her journey of developing and launching a mobile app in less than a year on a budget.

Fireside Chat with DARPA and Rice University
2024-03-12 12:30 - 14:00 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join Rice University and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) on March 12th as we proudly welcome Dr. Stefanie Tompkins, Director of DARPA, to the Ion Houston for a presentation and fireside chat.
Dr. Tompkins will deliver remarks highlighting DARPA’s role in national security, the agency’s major program areas, and how the agency drives pivotal investments in breakthrough technologies.
Director Tompkins remarks will be followed by a fireside chat featuring Rice President Reginald DesRoches, Director Tompkins, and Sha-Chelle Manning, Chief of Commercial Strategy at DARPA. The discussion will be moderated by Paul Cherukuri, Chief Innovation Officer, Rice University—and will offer insights into DARPA’s unique approach to investing to drive transformational change, the future focus and accelerated nature of its work, and the critical role that universities play in building robust innovation ecosystems.
Since 1958, DARPA has held to a singular and enduring mission: to make pivotal investments in breakthrough technologies for national security. As the research and development agency for the U.S. Department of Defense, DARPA explicitly reaches for transformational change instead of incremental advances. It has helped lay the foundations for some of society’s most transformational technologies: the internet, miniaturized GPS, smart phones, mRNA vaccines, stealth, commercial space access, and autonomous vehicles.

SCORE, SBA, and SBDC Office Hours
2024-03-08 10:00 - 11:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States

Leading with Analytics: Harnessing Data and AI for Decision Making in Engineering
2024-03-07 17:30 - 19:00 | Ion – Classroom 031, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Speaker: Edgar Avalos Gauna, Lecturer Rice Center for Engineering Leadership (RCEL)
This is part four of the new series from Rice University: Leading Engineering and Technology Innovation in the Digital Revolution.
The series is designed to expose engineers at corporations and scaling startups to skills needed to lead engineering without leaving engineering. It is brought to you by Rice University’s engineering faculty in collaboration with Ion. Rice faculty will introduce concepts to help engineers take leadership roles in producing the best products and services for the market.
About the Speaker:
Dr. Edgar Avalos-Gauna is a member of the faculty in both the Rice University statistics department and the Rice Center for Engineering Leadership (RCEL), where he teaches courses on applied statistics, data science, and machine learning. An instructor in the Master of Engineering Management and Leadership (MEML) degree program, Dr. Avalos-Gauna has a diverse background, including academic and industry experience. He has worked industry-side for Procter & Gamble and Bridgestone & Firestone, both in Mexico. Dr. Avalos-Gauna has over 15 years of experience teaching engineering, including a 2-year position at the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom. Previously, he was the head of the Data Science department at Universidad Panamericana in Mexico City. He has also participated in multiple collaborative data science projects. A certified professional for engineering management (CPEM), he is a member of the Institute for Electrical & Electronic Engineering (IEEE), the Mexican Society of Artificial Intelligence (SMIA), and the National Research System at Mexico’s Research Council (CONAHCyT).
In today’s rapidly changing landscape, data science and artificial intelligence (AI) have emerged as powerful forces driving success across all industries. These technologies have become essential for achieving a competitive edge in business. Over the past decade, there has been a notable surge in interest by business owners in the technologies associated with the 4th Industrial Revolution, particularly AI and data science. Given the swift pace of technological advancement and the evolving business environment, there is a growing demand for individuals with the right leadership skills for the Industry 4.0 era.
These new engineering leaders must possess the knowledge and skills necessary to leverage AI and data science effectively, thereby enhancing their companies’ success. By understanding the challenges and opportunities inherent in implementing these disciplines, they pave the way for their teams to derive valuable insights from data and gain a competitive edge.
This seminar will highlight why engineering managers and technology leaders are poised to be the next generation of visionary pioneers. They are also positioned to help revolutionize industries by employing analytics and data-driven decision-making, with an understanding of industry 4.0 technologies. Join RCEL at the Ion for an interesting talk on leading with analytics.

Ion Block Party
2024-03-07 16:00 - 19:00 | Ion Plaza, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Are you an entrepreneur looking to expand your network, find like-minded individuals, and share innovative ideas? The Ion Block Party is the event you’ve been waiting for! Nestled in the heart of the innovation district, this gathering is the perfect opportunity for startups, tech enthusiasts, and business visionaries to come together in a dynamic and festive environment.
Why You Should Attend:

Networking Opportunities: Meet potential collaborators, mentors, and investors who are eager to share their experiences and collaborate on new ventures.
Innovative Atmosphere: Surround yourself with the buzz of creativity and innovation. Exchange ideas, get inspired, and witness the cutting-edge trends shaping our future.
Fun and Celebration: Enjoy live music from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice on The Concert Truck and local brews provided by Second Draught.

About The Concert Truck:
The extraordinary talents of Shepherd School of Music students are on full display aboard this 16-foot box truck that’s been converted into a fully functioning mobile concert hall, complete with lights, sound system, and piano. Each performance will last approximately one hour, proudly supported by The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts.
One drink ticket to Second Draught will be given to all who register!
The Ion Block Party is not just about business; it celebrates community, creativity, and the entrepreneurial spirit.

Rice Alumni Brains in a Bar with Dr. Fred Higgs
2024-03-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Second Draught, 4201 Main St., Suite 130, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Rice Alumni Brains in a Bar with Dr. Fred Higgs
Come join Rice Alumni and friends for a Brains in a Bar event featuring Dr. Fred Higgs, who will be discussing how the Fourth Industrial Revolution (digital transformation) has changed the skills and attributes needed for career success, and how Rice is responding to that shift.
Date: Wednesday, March 6
Lecture and Q&A: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Social Hour: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Cost: $10
Tickets will include two drinks.
