Editor's note: In this week's roundup of Houston innovators to know, I'm introducing you to three local innovators across industries, from biotech to energy software, recently making headlines in Houston innovation — plus the decision makers for the Houston Innovation Awards.
Sarah Hein, CEO and co-founder of March Biosciences
Early-stage cell therapy startup March Biosciences has partnered with CTMC. Photo via march.bio
Named in part after one of the best months out of the year for Houstonians, March Biosciences has entered into a uniquely Houston partnership. Sarah Hein, CEO and co-founder of the cancer immunotherapy startup, met her co-founders at the TMC Accelerator for Cancer Therapeutics.
“It's a perfect example of the opportunities here in Houston where you can go from bench to bedside, essentially, in the same institution. And Baylor has been particularly good at that because of the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy,” says Hein.
The company recently announced a partnership with another Houston institution, CTMC. Read more.
Sean Kelly, CEO and co-founder of Amperon
It's payday for a startup that's improving analytics for its energy customers. Photo via Getty Images
Amperon Holdings Inc. raised $20 million in its latest round of funding in order to accelerate its energy analytics and grid decarbonization technology.
The fresh funding will support the company in evolving its platform that conducts electricity demand forecasting to a comprehensive data analytics solution.
“The energy transition is creating unprecedented market volatility, and Amperon is uniquely positioned to help market participants better navigate the transitioning grid – both in the U.S. and as we expand globally,” Sean Kelly, CEO and co-founder of Amperon, says. Read more.
Donnell Debnam Jr., instructor in the Google in Residence program
Thanks to Google, Donnell Debnam Jr. is helping train future software engineers at Prairie View A&M University. Photo via LinkedIn
Computer science students at Prairie View A&M University are gaining firsthand knowledge this semester from a Google software engineer.
As an instructor in the Google in Residence program, Donnell Debnam Jr. is helping train future software engineers — and other potential tech professionals — who are enrolled this fall in Prairie View A&M’s introductory computer science course. Fifty-four students are taking the class.
“I participated in the Google in Residence program as a student, and I am honored to return as an instructor,” says Debnam. “This innovative program was created to support greater diversity in the tech industry, and as an instructor, I have the privilege of helping the next generation of software engineers create a more inclusive culture within the STEM fields.” Read more.
2023 Houston Innovation Awards judges
Bonus innovators to know: The 10 Houstonians deciding the finalists and winners for this year's Houston Innovation Awards. Photos courtesy
Ten Houstonians are in the hot seat for deciding the best companies and individuals in Houston's innovation ecosystem.
InnovationMap has announced its 2023 Houston Innovation Awards judging panel, which includes startup founders, nonprofit leaders, investors, corporate innovators, and more.
Meet the 10 selected judges who will evaluate applications from the nearly 400 nominations that were submitted this year. Read more.