Editor's note: The first half of February has been full of fresh funding and prestigious accolades for Houston innovators. Here are the five most-read InnovationMap stories from February 1-13, featuring Dr. Peter Hotez, Persona AI, and more.
1. Houston Nobel Prize nominee earns latest award for public health research
Dr. Peter Hotez with Dr. Maria Elena Bottazzi. Photo courtesy of TMC
Houston vaccine scientist Dr. Peter Hotez can add one more prize to his shelf. Hotez — dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine and professor of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology & Microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine, co-director of the Texas Children’s Center for Vaccine Development (CVD) and Texas Children’s Hospital Endowed Chair of Tropical Pediatrics — is no stranger to impressive laurels. In 2022, he was even nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for his low-cost COVID vaccine. His first big win of 2025 is this year’s Hill Prize, awarded by the Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science and Technology (TAMEST). Continue reading.
2. Houston humanoid robotics startup secures millions in pre-seed funding
A concept design rendering of Persona AI's humanoid robot. Rendering courtesy Persona AI.
A Houston-based startup developing AI-powered humanoid robots for manufacturers and other businesses has raised more than $10 million in pre-seed funding less than a year after its founding. Nic Radford, co-founder and CEO of Persona AI, declines to disclose the amount raised. However, he tells InnovationMap that it was an eight-figure total. Continue reading.
3. 10+ can't-miss Houston business and innovation events for February
Don't miss these February Houston business events. Photo courtesy of Rice University
From talks with the hall-of-fame beauty business founders to agtech and AI summits, Houston will host a number of events focused on innovation and innovators in February. Here’s what not to miss and how to register. Continue reading.
4. 2 Houston professors earn prestigious presidential awards for excellence in STEM
UH physics professor Donna Stokes and Allison Master, an assistant professor in the UH College of Education, were recognized by the Biden Administration for excellence in STEM fields. Photos courtesy UH.
Allison Master, an assistant professor at the University of Houston, is the first from the college to be awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. The White House also recently recognized UH physics professor Donna Stokes for outstanding mentoring in STEM disciplines with the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring.Continue reading.
5. Houston firm invests $150M in leading 'lab on a chip' medical diagnostics co.
Patho Care LLC says its technology is more cost-effective and provides results faster than traditional diagnostic methods. Photo via Getty Images
Houston-based health technology investment firm Hamershlag Private Capital Management Limited (HPCM) announced a $150.15 million venture investment in Patho Care LLC. The “lab on a chip” medical diagnostics company known for its noninvasive point-of-care testing platforms, such as its Raman spectroscopy-based platform. Continue reading.