Editor's note: It's a weird and short holiday week for Houston, but InnovationMap readers (and staff) are still keeping busy. This week's trending stories — about everything from a drone tool designed by an astronaut to can't-miss events — are proof enough.
Houston-based company's device is revolutionizing drone technology across industries
Fluidity Technologies' joystick-like device is designed based on movement in space. Courtesy of Fluidity
It's not enough that Scott Parazynski has spent 57 days, 15 hours and 34 minutes in space. Nor is the fact that he's trained as a trauma surgeon. Not even climbing Mount Everest as a team physician for the Discovery Channel could satisfy one of Earth's most talent-blessed residents. Now Parazynski is on course to change multiple industries with his latest invention: A joystick-like drone controller. Read the full story here.
5 can't-miss innovation events for January
From enlightening talks to anniversary celebrations, here's where you need to be in January. Getty Images
Houston's innovation community is starting 2019 strong with plenty of business professional events. Read the full story here.
Houston startup plans to expand services and footprint following $2 million seed round
Ben Johnson's business idea turned into a growing company making the lives of apartment dwellers easier. Courtesy of Apartment Butler
Ben Johnson thought consolidating resident services for household chores — like doing the dishes and walking the dog — could be done more efficiently. So, he created Houston-based Apartment Butler in 2016 to do just that.
"I started thinking a lot about apartment industry," Johnson, who is the founder and CEO, says. "I just saw the industry as a whole is one that hadn't been really disrupted yet — the technology was dated." Read the full story here.
3 Houston innovators to know this week
While each of this week's three innovators has years of experience under their belts, they are each starting something new. Courtesy photos
Common ingredients among entrepreneurs is a great idea, plenty of hard work, and a whole lot of luck. And, if they are lucky, they've got some experience under their belts too. These three innovators this week are all in the process of starting something — a venture fund, an app, an investment platform — but lucky for them, they know what they're doing. Read the full story here.
Houston declared one of the most affordable places to live and work in 2019
Houstonians get to keep a good bit of cash in their pockets. Photo by Jacob Power
A new study indicates it's worth it to live and work in Houston. The study, done by BusinessStudent.com, puts Houston among the country's 25 most affordable places to live and work for 2019. Read the full story here.