From networking meetups to pitch competitions, September has a smorgasbord of opportunities for Houston innovators.
Here's a roundup of events you won't want to miss out on so mark your calendars and register accordingly.
Note: This post might be updated to add more events.
Mark your calendars for November 8 for the annual Houston Innovation Awards, and nominate your company or another deserving business by September 19.
September 5 — Tech + Tequila Talk: Houston Innovation
Natara Branch, CEO of Houston Exponential, will delve into the most recent developments within the Houston Innovation Community, shedding light on Houston Exponential's latest initiatives. She will also provide insights into upcoming events, including the highly-anticipated Tech Rodeo and the forthcoming Innovation Awards Gala. After all of that education and conversation, unwind with an authentic tequila tasting and network with tech industry peers.
The agenda:
5:50 pm - 6 pm: Sign-in/Registration
6 pm - 6:30 pm: Tequila tasting
6:30 pm - 7 pm: Tech talk
7 pm - 8 pm: Networking & Tequilas
This event is Tuesday, September 5, from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Ion. Click here to register.
September 7 — Venture Houston 2023
Venture Houston 2023 is a major event for entrepreneurs, venture investors and ecosystem builders to plug into what is happening in Houston. Come learn how you can decarbonize in a digital world, connect with Houston's best founders, corporate leaders and top tier investors, and develop meaningful relationships.
The agenda:
7 am - 8:45 am: Registration
8:45 am - 12:30 pm: General Programming
12:30 pm - 1:45 pm: Networking Lunch
2:00 pm - 4:15 pm: General Programming
4:15 pm - 6 pm: Networking Cocktail Reception
This event is Thursday, September 7, from 7 am to 6 pm at Stude Concert Hall. Click here to register.
September 8 — Inspire & Transform: Celebrating Women In Data
Hosted by the Houston Chapter of Women in Data and Solidatus, this event will feature influential women who have made significant contributions to the field of data from the City of Houston, Exxon, EY, Google, Houston Methodist and more. The event will discuss and debate "The Intersection of Data, AI and Sustainability" and "What Does Good Look Like" through insightful panel discussions, and networking opportunities. Price of admission is $10.
The agenda:
9 am - Check-in and Network
9:15 am - Welcome
9:20 am - Panel 1: The Intersection of Data, AI & Sustainability
10 am - Networking Break
10:10am - Panel 2: "What Does Good Look Like"
10:45am - Scholarships Awarded
11am - End of event + Networking Opportunities
This event is Friday, September 8, from 9 am to 11 am at 200 Park Place. Click here to register.
September 9 — Revolutionizing Your Work: Eight Innovative Ways Entrepreneurs Can Leverage ChatGPT & AI to Scale, Grow & Succeed
Discover how successful entrepreneurs are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and ChatGPT to drive their businesses forward. At this event, you'll gain valuable insights from industry experts who have leveraged AI and ChatGPT to grow, scale, and succeed. Learn how these technologies can enhance customer experiences, streamline operations, and drive innovation in your own entrepreneurial journey.
This event is Saturday, September 9, from 12:30 to 1:30pm at The R.O.C.K. - Broadway Campus. Click here to register.
September 13 — Small Business Exchange
The Small Business Exchange, powered by US SBA, is a lively and informative event designed to connect small business owners and entrepreneurs.
At the Small Business Exchange, you'll have the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals, share your experiences, and gain valuable insights from industry experts. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out, this event offers a unique chance to learn, grow, and collaborate.
This event is Wednesday, September 13, from 11 am to 2 pm at SBDC Office.
Click here to register.
September 21 — 20th Rice Alliance Energy Tech Venture Forum
The Energy Tech Venture Forum, hosted by The Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship, will showcase energy tech innovations to shift towards a more sustainable, reliable and lower carbon future across interactive panels, inspiring keynotes and over 50 dynamic venture pitches, leaders.
At the 20th annual conference, discover more than 90 new technology ventures commercializing energy transition innovations and meet investors looking for disruptive energy technologies that can accelerate clean and renewable energy. Check to see if you are a Rice Alliance member or sponsor to confirm your free registration. Rice university faculty and staff can also attend for free. For non-Rice community members tickets are $245.
This event is Thursday, September 21, from 7:30 am to 5:15 pm at Rice University. Click here to register.
September 21 — UH Energy Symposium: Plastics, Chemicals, Circularity: What’s Next?
Focusing on the multifaceted nature and enormity of the challenge, this discussion will focus on what circularity means for the future of production and consumption, meeting consumer demand, and creating and preserving utility across the value chain, while addressing emissions reduction and waste management through new technologies, standards, regulatory mechanisms like extended producer responsibility, and stakeholder engagement.
This event is Thursday, September 21, from 6 to 7:30 pm at the University of Houston. Click here to register.
September 23 — OPEN Houston 11th Annual Conference
Head over to the OPEN Houston 11th annual conference which will focus on the important players building Houston’s emerging technology and startup ecosystem. Hear from and connect with the founders, executives, investors, and other leaders that are building Houston’s innovation economy. Admission is $25-$50.
The agenda:
9:00 AM - 10.00 AM - Registration
10.00 AM - 10:30 AM - Mayor Sylvester Turner Welcoming
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM - Keynote by Andrew Yang
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM - Founder’s Panel
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM - Lunch
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM - Business Pitch Competition
3:30 PM - 3:45 PM - Award Ceremony
3:45 PM - 4:00 PM - Happy Hour
This event is Saturday, September 23, from 9 am to 4 pm at Moran Hotel. Click here to register.
September 27 — Space IT UP: Demo Day
Presented by ITA and ASI in collaboration with the Space Foundation, this event celebrates the journey of six Italian companies as they launch their groundbreaking space ventures from Houston's thriving space ecosystem. Following a five-week accelerator program, these companies will be pitching their innovative space solutions at this Demo Day.
This event is Wednesday, September 27 , from 5:30 to 8 pm at the Ion. Click here to register.
September 27 — Pearland Innovation Hub Grand Opening
Come learn more about the Pearland Innovation Hub, tour the new space, and celebrate the expansion. Raffle prizes will be available for attendees and f ood and drinks will be provided for registered attendees.
This event is Wednesday, September 27, from 6 to 8 pm at Pearland Innovation Hub. Click here to register.
September 28 — Chevron Technology Ventures Pitch Competition
Chevron is looking for novel technologies or approaches that can be applied to transform their operations. With the goal of removing people from hazardous environments (e.g., confined spaces, working at heights), reducing the environmental impact (e.g., leak detection, emissions monitoring), and increasing the operational efficiency (e.g., autonomous operations, advanced inspection capabilities, predictive asset health capabilities) of their facilities in the decades to come.
Registered attendees will be able to take a tour of the Chevron workspaces within the Cannon West Houston, enjoy refreshments and network.
This event is Thursday, September 28, from 4 to 7:30 pm at the Cannon. Click here to register.
