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10+ can't-miss Houston business and innovation events for April
It's time to look at what's on the agenda for April for Houston innovators — from pitch competitions to networking events.
Here's a roundup of events not to miss this month. Mark your calendars and register accordingly.
Note: This post might be updated to add more events.
April 4 — A.I. Digital and the Future of Energy
In the latest installment of UH Energy's "Critical Issues in Energy" Symposium Series, the speakers will take a deeper dive into the role of A.l. within the energy marketplace, specifically with what is being done with A.I. and what is capable of being done. In addition to this pivotal look at one crucial aspect of the energy transition, attendees will be afforded networking opportunities with speakers and distinguished guests, and food/refreshments will be provided.
The event is Tuesday, April 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, at the University of Houston. Click here to register.
April 5 — Creating & Sustaining Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Join us for a fireside chat discussing the growth of entrepreneurship & a panel on demystifying the patent process.
The event is Wednesday, April 5, from 9 to 11:30 am, at the Ion. Click here to register.
April 5 — HAN Angel Academy
Learn angel investing best practices from Capital Factory co-founder and chairman, Gordon Daugherty in a half-day bootcamp format for accredited investors.
The event is Wednesday, April 5, from 11 am to 4 pm, at Rice University - Shell Auditorium. Click here to register.
April 11 — Future of Health Care
The Greater Houston Partnership's inaugural Future of Health Care event highlights one of the region's major industry sectors driven by world-class institutions and professional talent.
The event is Wednesday, April 11, from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm, at the Royal Sonesta. Click here to register.
April 11 — Idea to Impact: Navigating the Challenges to Commercializing University Discoveries
Amazing discoveries are made in university labs every day, yet most of them never develop into widely accessible commercial products. Why? And what can universities do to change that? As part of Rice University's "Betterment of the World" Scientia Lecture Series, join Rice Business on April 11 at 4 pm virtually or in person (Shell Auditorium, McNair Hall) to hear Yael Hochberg, Professor in Entrepreneurship at the Jones Graduate School of Business, as she discusses the challenges in commercializing university research discoveries.
The event is Wednesday, April 11, from 4 to 5 pm, at Rice University and online. Click here to register.
April 11 — Greentown Houston Climatetech Career Fair 2023
Greentown Labs and ALLY Energy welcomes all professionals, students, and soon-to-be graduates to join us for the Greentown Houston Career Fair, which focuses on connecting professionals directly with Greentown Houston’ network of founders, CEOs, and cutting-edge climatetech startups looking for bright and eager talent.
The event is Tuesday, April 11, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm, at Greentown Houston. Click here to register.
April 15 — Earth Day Clothing Swap Party with Sustainable Fashion & Earth Month HTX
A clothing swap is a fun, alternative solution to thrift shopping or secondhand fashion that allows you to clean out the clothes you no longer wear and in return bring home new additions to your closet - all for free and hosted by Houston startup RESTATEMENT.
The event is Saturday, April 15, from noon to 5 pm, at Patterson Park. Click here to register.
April 17-18 — AI Powered Renewable Energy Workshop
AI Houston Institute of Rice University in partnership with Ion is getting together experts from academia and industry working on the application of artificial intelligence in solving some of the most complex challenges facing the Energy industry as it transitions into alternative sources of energy that are green and sustainable.
The event is Monday, April 17, to Tuesday, April 18, at the Ion. Click here to register.
April 19 — Investor Studio Series: Dream Big Ventures x Ion x Mendoza Ventures
Underrepresented founders face a lot of barriers, including rarely seeing VC dollars. However, Dream Big Ventures and Mendoza Ventures are looking to change those statistics to help diverse founders succeed. Join Dream Big Ventures Founder and CEO Staci LaToison, and Mendoza Ventures Co-Founders Senofer Mendoza and Adrian Mendoza, as they discuss the growth of women and Latinas in Fintech, AI, and Cybersecurity in this fireside chat.
The event is Wednesday, April 19, from 5 to 7 pm, at the Ion. Click here to register.
April 19 — The H. Albert Napier Rice Launch Challenge Championships
Join Liu Idea Lab for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and support Rice University student ventures at the H. Albert Napier Rice Launch Challenge (NRLC) Championships on Wednesday, April 19. Five student finalists will pitch their ventures to compete for the chance to win a share of $100,000 in equity-free funding.
The event is Wednesday, April 19, from 5:30 to 9 pm, at Rice University. Click here to register.
April 20 — Engage VC: Ironspring Ventures & S3 Ventures
Ty Findley, Co-Founder and General Partner at Ironspring Ventures and Eric Engineer, Partner at S3 Ventures are coming to Houston for our Engage VC event. They will be featured in our fireside chat moderated by Wogbe Ofori, Founder of WRX Companies.
The event is Thursday, April 20, from 8:30 to 10 am, at the Ion. Click here to register.
April 20 — Female Founders and Funders
Calling all rockstar female founders and investors in the Houston area. Mark your calendars for this month's Female Founders and Funders meetup. Coffee and breakfast is provided and the event is free to attend.
The event is Thursday, April 20, from 9 to 10 am, at Sesh Coworking. Click here to register.
Valerie Tompson, Houston chapter lead, and Bob Bridge, executive director, will be at the May 31 event. Photos courtesy of SWAN