where to be
7+ can't-miss Houston business and innovation events for November
Editor's note: From life sciences to space and energy, Houston's most notable sectors will host signature conferences and opportunities to connect this month. Here’s what not to miss in November and how to register. Please note: this article may be updated to add more events.
Nov. 4 — Startup Heat Simulation
Build a team and simulate fundraising, team building, resource allocation and go-to-market decisions that real founders face in their startup journey. This in-person simulation event helps prepare participants for when the stakes are real.
This event is Wednesday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m.-noon at the Ion. Register here.
Nov. 9 — HAN Life Science Kick-off
Houston Angel Network will host this engaging event focused on AI in the clinical space. Expect panel discussions, networking and pitches from HAN portfolio companies. Dr. Peter Pisters, former president of M.D. Anderson, will deliver a keynote address.
This event is Monday, Nov. 9, from 4-8 p.m. at the Texas A&M School of Engineering and Medicine. Register here.
Nov. 10 — Texas Life Science Forum
Rice Alliance and BioHouston will host the 15th annual Texas Life Science Forum this month, bringing together industry, emerging life science companies, academics and investors. Nearly 50 companies will present their novel concepts during the event. Michael Tores, founder and former CEO of CrossBridge Bio, will be featured in a fireside chat. Dr. Arthur Sands, president and CEO of Nurix, will present the keynote address.
This event is Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 4-5:15 p.m. at Rice University's McNair Hall. Register here.
Nov. 11 — Envision 2026: Clinical Research, Reimagined
TMCi's annual Envision conference returns this month. This year, the event will take a look at what sets Houston apart as a hub for clinical research and how TMC is exploring strategies to address the roadblocks Houston and Texas face in clinical trial efficiency.
This event is Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 3:30-6 p.m. at TMC Innovation Factory. Register here.
Nov. 11 — First Principles: Inside the Texas A&M Space Institute
Dr. Rob Ambrose, associate director of the Texas A&M Space Institute, will present on the Texas A&M Space Institute's planned 400,000-square-foot facility at NASA’s Exploration Park at the latest installment of this series. A moderated Q&A will follow.
This event is Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 3:30-6 p.m. at TMC Innovation Factory. Register here.
Nov. 12 — Technology Transfer Thursdays
Join for the third installment of Tech Transfer Thursdays, hosted by Rice University's Office of Technology Transfer. The event series focuses on how emerging university research can become commercial ventures. This month's event will focus on artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Stick around after for a community happy hour.
This event is Thursday, Nov. 12, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Ion. Register here.
Nov. 12 — Transition on Tap
Greentown Labs’ signature networking event returns in November to foster conversations and connections within Houston's climate and energy transition ecosystem. Entrepreneurs, investors, students, philanthropists and more are invited to attend, meet colleagues, discuss solutions and engage with the growing community.
This event is Thursday, Nov. 12, from 5:30-7 p.m. at Greentown Labs. Register here.
Nov. 18-19 — American Data Centers & AI Conference and Exhibition 2026
Set to redefine the intersection of energy and digital infrastructure, the American Data Centers & AI Conference and Exhibition convenes in Houston for its second annual event. The event will address the increasing demand for high-performance computing and the sustainable development of AI infrastructure, which requires significant power. Participants can expect to learn about practical solutions in energy integration, modern data center design, and scalable approaches. The agenda includes presentations from leading experts, demonstrations of new technologies for thermal management and grid optimization, and detailed discussions on AI's environmental impact and how to reuse generated heat.
This event begins Nov. 18 at the DoubleTree Hotel at Greenway Plaza. Register here.