Editor's note: This week's trending stories were pretty people centric with the innovators to know from Monday and two new hires at major innovation institutions. Plus, we got an update about the potential hyperloop system and The Cannon scored a fund partnership.
3 Houston innovators to know this week
These three innovators to know are responsible for solving problems here in Houston. Courtesy photos
A good innovator sees a need and fills it. Whether it's a bigger budget for new hospital technology, a network for female software developers in Houston, or access to creatives for nonprofits, these three Houston innovators are responsible for filling the needs of Houston's innovation ecosystem. Click here to read the full story.
TMC names former JLABS leader as the director of the Innovation Institute
Tom Luby will run the Texas Medical Center's Innovation Institute. Courtesy of TMC
The Texas Medical Center didn't have to go very far to find its new Innovation Institute director. Tom Luby, who most recently served as the site head for Johnson & Johnson Innovation's JLABS @ TMC, has been hired for the position. Luby replaces Erik Halvorsen, who left abruptly in December. Click here to read the full story.
Station Houston hires new director to grow partnerships and community engagement
Deanea LeFlore is Station Houston's new director of community engagement, partnerships, and education. Courtesy of Station Houston
A downtown Houston startup acceleration hub has created a new position focused on expanding the nonprofit's partnerships, engagement, and opportunities. Station Houston hired Deanea LeFlore as director of community engagement, partnerships, and education. Previously, LeFlore served as chief of protocol for the city of Houston and a vice president of the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau. Click here to read the full story.
Rice University's angel network to be powered by Cannon Ventures
The Rice Angel Network will now be powered by Cannon Ventures. Photo courtesy of Rice University
In an effort to better connect Houston entrepreneurs with angel funds, the Rice Angel Network and Cannon Ventures have formed a new partnership. RAN will now be powered by Cannon Ventures, the investment arm of The Cannon, a West Houston coworking space. Click here to read the full story.
30-minute hyperloop from Houston to Dallas on fast track with push from federal government
U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao used SXSW to make the announcement. Photo courtesy of Hyperloop One
Creation of a transportation-in-a-tube system that promises to whisk passengers from Houston to Dallas in 30 minutes got a big boost March 12 from the federal government. During an appearance at SXSW, U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said she has established a transportation technology council that will aim to clear regulatory and legal roadblocks for the traffic-busting Virgin Hyperloop One concept and similar transit innovations. Click here to read the full story.