Ion Houston

This past year at the Ion, we fueled software innovation with Software Day. In partnership with Mercury, this event builds momentum for Software founders. We had 69 startups, 25 mentors, a total of 125 mentor meetings and 580 attendees. Each Software Day features: 👉 Curated office hours with expert mentors 👉 A keynote session with industry insights 👉 60-second pitches from emerging startups 👉 A networking happy hour at Second Draught (cheers to Gunderson Dettmer for sponsoring!) 🍻 Whether you’re here to grow your network, gain actionable advice or showcase your startup, Software Day is your opportunity to connect, collaborate and create. To all our mentors, speakers and attendees last year—thank you for making this community stronger month after month. Apply for our first event of 2025 on February 4! https://lnkd.in/g7ch9uzM.

Happy New Year from all of us at the Ion! ✨🎉 As we welcome 2025, we’re filled with gratitude for our incredible Ion community, the vibrant Houston ecosystem, and all the innovators and dreamers who inspire us from near and far. Thank you for being part of our journey in 2024—we couldn’t have done it without you. Here’s to a new year full of groundbreaking ideas, impactful connections and energetic events and programming at the Ion. Cheers to the new year! 🥂

Applications have been extended for DivInc's Sports Tech Accelerator Program! If your startup is building a sports tech solution—think human performance, fan experiences, fantasy sports, stadium innovation and beyond—this is your shot. Apply now through next week, January 3, 2025 and take your startup to the next level: https://lnkd.in/g6ZaJsGj.

🎄✨ This year's Holiday Block Party was the event of the season! From cookie decorating (shoutout to Cafe Ion 🍪) to a surprise visit from the Grinch himself, it was a night filled with laughter and holiday cheer. We were overwhelmed by the incredible generosity of our community—so many gifts poured in for Operation Love's toy drive, proving once again that the spirit of giving is alive and well in Houston. 🎁 To everyone who joined us to celebrate, thank you for making this holiday season unforgettable. We loved seeing old friends, meeting new ones and spreading festive joy together. Wishing you all the happiest of holidays!

On Wednesday, January 15, join Persona AI Inc cofounder and roboticist, Nicolaus Radford, for a discussion on the rise of humanoid robots and embodied AI. Learn how embodied AI and humanoids are set to change the way we work, innovate and live. If you're curious about the rise of robots, don’t miss this chance to step into the future! Register: https://lnkd.in/gdpvkz4E.

Learn what it's like to bring big ideas to life through entrepreneurship on Saturday, January 18, from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Ion Family Tech Day: Career Exploration at the Ion. High school students get firsthand experience on what it takes to become an investor and entrepreneur: learn what it takes to develop innovative ideas, hear local companies pitch their solutions and choose your favorite idea to “invest” in. RSVP to Ion Family Tech Day: https://lnkd.in/gxNkpvXF. Eagle Investors Mitra Miller

Rice University is partnering with Greentown Labs to accelerate climate tech innovation in Houston’s Ion District. This coalition is supported by a $4M investment and strategic leadership from Houston Energy Transition Initiative (HETI) Chair Bobby Tudor, HETI Executive Director Jane Stricker and former Greater Houston Partnership President and CEO Bob Harvey. ➡️Read more: https://ow.ly/lmQc50UtnYp

Accelerating the energy transition requires collaboration across academia, government, industry, and entrepreneurs—groups converging in the Ion District. Rice University, along with David Baldwin, Bobby Tudor, MassDevelopment, and the city of Somerville, are joining forces for a deeper investment into Greentown Labs. Through this commitment, more entrepreneurs and innovations will have the support needed to rapidly solve the dual challenge of an energy-abundant and low-carbon future. This initiative advances the shared goals of Greentown Labs, the Ion District, and Rice. In addition to funding, four notable Houstonians are joining Greentown Labs’ board of directors: Bobby Tudor as chair, David Baldwin, Bob Harvey, and Jane Sticker. Each is dedicated to advancing Houston’s leadership in the global energy transition. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gQG8_Cgj.

This week's Question of the Week is all about those end-of-year feelings. As we wrap up the year, we're reflecting on the highs, the lessons and the plans ahead. Drop your thoughts below to the discussion and get inspired as we head into the home stretch of 2024!👇

🎄✨ We are wrapping up a year full of innovation, collaboration and community. Join Ion Prototyping Lab for the Houston Robotics Group meetup on the 28th and connect with fellow robotics enthusiasts! Register at https://lnkd.in/gC_rqE8i. Please note that the Ion building will be closed on December 25th and January 1st. We're incredibly grateful for the memories we've made together this year—from groundbreaking ideas to inspiring events—and we can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store. Wishing you a joyful holiday season!