10+ can't-miss Houston business and innovation events for February

WHERE TO BE

Here are over 10 can't-miss events for Houston innovators in February. Photo via Getty Images

From networking meetups to speaker expert speaker summits, February is filled with opportunities for Houston innovators.

Here's a roundup of events you won't want to miss out on so mark your calendars and register accordingly.

Note: This post may be updated to add more events.

February 2 — Pull Up & Pitch Houston

Pull Up & Pitch brings the pitch competition from the “business stage” to your neighborhood, focusing on normalizing business pitching, creating visibility for innovative ideas, supporting small business revitalization, and educating the public on how to ask for and manage finances. It’s a fast-paced, highly entertaining two-round competition where Black & Brown founders, small business owners, and entrepreneurs shoot their shot with a 60-second elevator pitch to access up to $50,000 in grants to grow their businesses.

This event is Friday, February 2, from 10 am to 1 pm at The Cannon West Houston. Click here to register.

February 2 — GROW Climate Connect Mixer

Learn how to get involved with Green Resources and Opportunities Workforce at the Networking Happy Hour, Black History Month event. Connect with like-minded professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Celebrate the rich history and achievements of the Black community during this special month. Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your network and make meaningful connections.

This event is Friday, February 2, from 6:30 to 8 pm at Chapman & Kirby. Click here to register.

February 6 — Protecting Your Digital Innovations: Safeguarding Strategies

Gain insights into how to best protect your data-driven innovations and software systems from being misappropriated by your competition. Richard Gilly, a high-tech attorneys for RPG Law Group, will be taking a close look at the different strategies for protecting software and other energy industry innovations.

This event is Tuesday, February 6, from 8 to 10 am at the Cannon. Click here to register.

February 6 — Future of Energy Summit

Hear from a panel of Texas energy experts about the work they’re doing to limit growing energy costs' impact on their businesses, utility, and electric grid level. Participants will leave the panel with clear strategies to implement in their own operations. Lunch and an opportunity to network with industry peers will be provided post-panel.

This event is Tuesday, February 6, from 9:15 am to 1 pm at AC Hotel by Marriott Houston Downtown. Click here to register.

February 6 — Women on Boards Luncheon

Kick off 2024 by setting yourself up for a new stage in your career - lending your expertise to public and private companies. Speakers will discuss what to expect, how to get started, and network with other women board members and executive search companies.

This event is Tuesday, February 6, from 11 am to 1 pm at Junior League of Houston. Click here to register.

February 9 — Greater Houston Partnership Annual Meeting

The Greater Houston Partnership's Annual Meeting will set the pace for 2024, convening business and community leaders to celebrate Houston's and the Partnership's work to advance growth and opportunity. The Partnership’s 2024 Annual Meeting will be welcoming incoming board chair Eric Mullins, Chairman and CEO, Lime Rock Resources.

This event is Friday, February 9, from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm at Marriott Marquis Houston. Click here to register.

February 13 — Ken Kennedy Institute Lecture: Jeff Dean (Google)

The Ken Kennedy Institute will have Chief Scientist at Google, Inc. — Google DeepMind and Google Research, for a Distinguished Lecture at Rice University. Dean will highlight several exciting trends in the field of AI and machine learning.

This event is Tuesday, February 13, from 4 to 6 pm at Rice University. Click here to register.

February 13 — The Woodlands 1 Year Anniversary Happy Hour

Head to the first year anniversary celebration of The Cannon The Woodlands to network and meet new members, enjoy drinks and snacks, and fun photo opportunities.

This event is Tuesday, February 13, from 3 to 5 pm at The Cannon The Woodlands. Click here to register.

February 19 — Health & MedTech Mingle

Connect with other like-minded innovators and learn more about the Houston Methodist Tech Hub at the Ion while engaging in unique cross-industry collaboration.

This month's featured speakers are:
Ginny Torno, Executive Director, Innovation & IT Clinical, Ancillary, and Research Systems at Houston Methodist
Lindsay Randle, Director of Practice Operations, Virtual Administration at Houston Methodist
Meagan Howard, Manager, Virtual Inpatient Medicine at Houston Methodist

This event is Monday, February 19, from 5 to 6 pm at the Ion. Click here to register.

February 20 — Hydrogen Industry Networking

Enjoy an afternoon of networking with Greentown startups in the hydrogen sector and hearing about the new technologies that will bring a net-zero future. Hear from Greentown startups innovating in the hydrogen space and network with business leaders from various industry sectors.

This event is Tuesday, February 20, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm at Greentown Labs. Click here to register.

February 25 — Houston Biggest Business, Tech & Entrepreneur Networking Soiree

Hosted by the Houston Entrepreneurs, Startup & Business Coalition, all tech startups, entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals are invited to this networking event. Make connections with co-founders, partners, coaches or core team members for your start-up, or meet fellow professionals and mingle with makers of great and big ideas.

This event is Sunday, February 25, from 6 to 8:30 pm at Bungalow Heights. Click here to register.

February 27 — Empowerment Through Investment

Greentown Labs and The Ion District are hosting the 4th installment of the Blackstreet: Celebrating Black Innovators event series. Listen in on a panel discussion with African-American investors, and learn about the new Houston Ion District Investor Activation training program for angel investors and early-stage investors.

This event is Tuesday, February 27, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Greentown Houston. Click here to register.

February 28 — Ignite Healthcare's Cocktails & Conversations

To kick off 2024, Cocktails & Conversations will premiere the award winning documentary, Show Her the Money with an expert panel conversation following the premiere. Here are the panelists:

Catherine Gray, the film's producer, Founder of She Angels Investors
Wendy Ryan, Managing Director, Golden Seeds, and featured in the film
Somer Baburek, CEO of HERA Biotech, a San Antonio-based women's health startup and alumni of Ignite's accelerator program

This event is Wednesday, February 28, at 5 pm, at Houston Health Museum's McGovern Theater. Click here to register.

February 28 — CodeLaunch Houston 2024 Startup Competition

CodeLaunch is returning to Houston for the third cohort of its tech startup competition and brings with it an innovation space tradeshow, jam-packed with 30+ exhibits, angels, and investors, who offer the opportunity to network with sources of funding.

This event is Wednesday, February 28, from 4 to 9 pm at Bayou Music Center. Click here to register.

February 29 — Thinking Roadmap- Post Pandemic: Health, Wealth & Tech

Delve into the future of health, wealth, and technology in a post-pandemic world as industry experts discuss the latest trends, insights, and innovations. Network with like-minded individuals and gain valuable knowledge to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Explore how technology can revolutionize wellness, transform the financial landscape, and drive economic growth.

This event is Thursday, February 29, from 5:30 to 9 pm at the Ion. Click here to register.

Check out this curated list of innovation events in Houston for February. Photo via Getty Images

10 can't-miss Houston business and innovation events for February

where to be

It's time to look at what's on the agenda for February 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.

Feb. 8 — Digital Marketing Luncheon

Join Insperity, a partner of The Cannon, and digital marketing expert, Danny Gavin, at The Cannon Downtown for a lunch and learn.

The event is Wednesday, February 8, at noon, at The Cannon Downtown. Click here to register.

Feb. 9 — Innovation on Tap: Fred Higgs, Engineering at Rice University

Discuss research in the speaker’s engineering lab at Rice University on key Industry 4.0 technologies, namely additive manufacturing.

The event is Thursday, February 9, at 4 pm, at the Ion. Click here to register.

February 10 — Women in Leadership Conference 

The 23rd annual Women in Leadership Conference will be held in-person at Rice University. The conference has been a beacon of inspiration in the Houston community, empowering women to accomplish their career goals. In panel discussions and interactive workshops, attendees hear from leaders across different industries, explore various approaches to leadership, and discuss future opportunities for success.

The event is Friday, February 10, at 8 am, at McNair Hall at Rice University. Click here to register.

Feb. 15 — Real Talk from Real VCs

Join this event for a candid fireside chat on venture capital and its role in supporting and growing innovative startups.

The event is Wednesday, February 15, at 5:30 pm, at the Ion. Click here to register.

Feb. 16 — Engage VC: Lerer Hippeau

Lerer Hippeau is an early-stage venture capital firm founded and operated in New York City. Since 2010, they have invested in entrepreneurs who embody audacity, endurance, and winning mindset – good people with great ideas who aren't afraid to do hard things. Join the HX Venture Fund to hear Caitlin Strandberg, Partner at Lerer Hippeau discuss her perspective on how to build and scale a great company, what early-stage investors are looking for, why Houston, and market trends among other topics.

The event is Thursday, February 16, at 8:30 am, at the Ion. Click here to register.

Feb. 16 — 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, February 16, at 9 am, at Sesh Coworking. Click here to register.

Feb. 21 — Web3 & HOU: Demystifying the Web3 Space Panel I

Join us to learn more about Web3 and its numerous applications.

The event is Tuesday, February 21, at 6 pm, at the Ion. Click here to register.

Feb. 22 — The Trailblazer’s Guide to Cultivating Authenticity

In this fun and interactive workshop presented by Erica D’Eramo of Two Peirs Consulting, we’ll look at how to foster a leadership style that works for you, even in the absence of role models.

The event is Wednesday, February 22, at 2 pm, at Sesh Coworking. Click here to register.

Feb. 22 — Houston Startup Showcase

The Houston Startup Showcase is a year-long series of monthly pitch competitions. Founders will pitch at the Ion and compete for the grand prize package. Watch the startups pitch their company and see who the judges will name the champion of the Houston Startup Showcase 2023.

The event is Wednesday, February 22, at 6 pm, at the Ion. Click here to register.

Feb. 23 — Navigating Innovation in the Corporate World

Join us for a fireside chat with leaders from Houston's largest employers, including Microsoft and Chevron to discuss how they have navigated successful careers in technology and innovation.

The event is Thursday, February 23, at 11:30 am, at the Ion. Click here to register.

Feb. 27-March 2 — Houston Tech Rodeo

The Houston Tech Rodeo is a conference showcasing the best and brightest of the Houston startup community in the region and beyond by putting investors, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and creative minds in a room to talk about the biggest innovations and the future of tech sandwiched by some happy hours and friendly competition.

The events run Monday, February 27, through Thursday, March 2, at various locations in Houston. Click here to register.

Note: This post might be updated to add more events.


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Houston climatetech startup raises $21.5M series A to grow robotics solution

seeing green

A Houston energy tech startup has raised a $21.5 million series a round of funding to support the advancement of its automated technology that converts field wastes into stable carbon.

Applied Carbon, previously known as Climate Robotics, announced that its fresh round of funding was led by TO VC, with participation from Congruent Ventures, Grantham Foundation, Microsoft Climate Innovation Fund, S2G Ventures, Overture.vc, Wireframe Ventures, Autodesk Foundation, Anglo American, Susquehanna Foundation, US Endowment for Forestry and Communities, TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good, and Elemental Excelerator.

The series A funding will support the deployment of its biochar machines across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.

"Multiple independent studies indicate that converting crop waste into biochar has the potential to remove gigatons of CO2 from the atmosphere each year, while creating trillions of dollars in value for the world's farmers," Jason Aramburu, co-founder and CEO of Applied Carbon, says in a news release. "However, there is no commercially available technology to convert these wastes at low cost.

"Applied Carbon's patented in-field biochar production system is the first solution that can convert crop waste into biochar at a scale and a cost that makes sense for broad acre farming," he continues.

Applied Carbon rebranded in June shortly after being named a top 20 finalist in XPRIZE's four-year, $100 million global Carbon Removal Competition. The company also was named a semi-finalist and awarded $50,000 from the Department of Energy's Carbon Dioxide Removal Purchase Pilot Prize program in May.

"Up to one-third of excess CO2 that has accumulated in the atmosphere since the start of human civilization has come from humans disturbing soil through agriculture," Joshua Phitoussi, co-founder and managing partner at TO VC, adds. "To reach our net-zero objectives, we need to put that carbon back where it belongs.

"Biochar is unique in its potential to do so at a permanence and price point that are conducive to mass-scale adoption of carbon dioxide removal solutions, while also leaving farmers and consumers better off thanks to better soil health and nutrition," he continues. "Thanks to its technology and business model, Applied Carbon is the only company that turns that potential into reality."

The company's robotic technology works in field, picking up agricultural crop residue following harvesting and converts it into biochar in a single pass. The benefits included increasing soil health, improving agronomic productivity, and reducing lime and fertilizer requirements, while also providing a carbon removal and storage solution.

"We've been looking at the biochar sector for over a decade and Applied Carbon's in-field proposition is incredibly compelling," adds Joshua Posamentier, co-founder and managing partner of Congruent Ventures. "The two most exciting things about this approach are that it profitably swings the agricultural sector from carbon positive to carbon negative and that it can get to world-scale impact, on a meaningful timeline, while saving farmers money."

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This article originally ran on EnergyCapital.

Rice University makes top 5 lists of best biz schools in the country

top ranking

MBA programs at Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business have landed two top five rankings in The Princeton Review’s annual list of the country’s best business schools.

Rice earned a No. 4 ranking for its online MBA program and a No. 5 ranking for its MBA program in finance.

“These rankings are indicative of the high-quality education offered through all of our MBA programs. Students studying finance at Rice … are taught by faculty whose research and expertise enhances core classes and hard skills, so students are not just prepared to be successful in their careers, but they are also prepared to think critically about their roles and to lead in their industry,” Peter Rodriguez, dean of the Jones Graduate School of Business, says in a news release.

“These rankings are also indicative of our broader approach: offering students flexibility in their pursuit of an MBA, while retaining the experience of studying with world-class faculty — no matter what program they choose,” Rodriguez adds.

Rice also achieved high rankings in two other MBA categories: No. 8 for “greatest resources for women” and No. 10 for “greatest resources for minority students.”

The Princeton Review’s 2024 business school rankings are based on data from surveys of administrators at more than 400 business schools as well as surveys of 32,200 students enrolled in the schools’ MBA programs.

“The schools that made our list for 2024 all have impressive individual distinctions,” Rob Franek, The Princeton Review’s editor-in-chief, says in a news release. “What they share are three characteristics that broadly informed our criteria for these rankings: outstanding academics, robust experiential learning components and excellent career services.”

Rice also ranks as the top school for graduate entrepreneurship programs, which Princeton Review released last fall. The University of Houston ranks as No. 1 for undergraduate entrepreneurship programs.

3 Houston innovators to know this week

who's who

Editor's note: Every week, I introduce you to a handful of Houston innovators to know recently making headlines with news of innovative technology, investment activity, and more. This week's batch includes a Houston chemist, a cleaning product founder, and a UH researcher.


James Tour, chemist at Rice University

The four-year agreement will support the team’s ongoing work on removing PFAS from soil. Photo via Rice University

A Rice University chemist James Tour has secured a new $12 million cooperative agreement with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center on the team’s work to efficiently remove pollutants from soil.

The four-year agreement will support the team’s ongoing work on removing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from contaminated soil through its rapid electrothermal mineralization (REM) process, according to a statement from Rice.

“This is a substantial improvement over previous methods, which often suffer from high energy and water consumption, limited efficiency and often require the soil to be removed,” Tour says. Read more.

Kristy Phillips, founder and CEO of Clean Habits

What started as a way to bring natural cleaning products in from overseas has turned into a promising application for more sustainable agriculture solutions. Photo via LinkedIn

When something is declared clean, one question invariably springs to mind: just how clean is clean?

Then it is, “What metrics decide what’s clean and what’s not?”

To answer those questions, one must abandon the subjective and delve into the scientific — and that’s where Clean Habits come in. The company has science on its side with Synbio, a patented cleaning formula that combines a unique blend of prebiotics and probiotics for their signature five-day clean.

“Actually, we are a synbiotic, which is a prebiotic and a probiotic fused together,” says Kristy Phillips, founder and CEO of Clean Habits. “And that's what gives us the five-day clean, and we also have the longest shelf life — three years — of any probiotic on the market.” Read more.

Jiming Bao, professor at University of Houston

Th innovative method involves techniques that will be used to measure and visualize temperature distributions without direct contact with the subject being photographed. Photo via UH.edu

A University of Houston professor of electrical and computer engineering, Jiming Bao, is improving thermal imaging and infrared thermography with a new method to measure the continuous spectrum of light.

His innovative method involves techniques that will be used to measure and visualize temperature distributions without direct contact with the subject being photographed, according to the university. The challenges generally faced by conventional thermal imaging is addressed, as the new study hopes to eliminate temperature dependence, and wavelength.

“We designed a technique using a near-infrared spectrometer to measure the continuous spectrum and fit it using the ideal blackbody radiation formula,” Bao tells the journal Device. “This technique includes a simple calibration step to eliminate temperature- and wavelength-dependent emissivity.” Read more.

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