10+ can't-miss Houston business and innovation events online in April
where to be online
This month, Houstonians have yet another good batch of online innovation events — from Zoom panels to virtual conferences — and you and your tech network need to know about them.
Here's a roundup of virtual events not to miss this month — from workshops and webinars to summits and pitch parties.
Note: This post might be updated to add more events.
April 1 — Tax and Accounting for Startups
In Ioogo's free webinar, you will learn:
- Business entities (sole prop, LLC, and corporation) and the benefits of each
- Bookkeeping requirements to manage your business and file taxes DIY or hire an accountant - we'll give you tips on the best option for the stage of your business
- Reports - we'll explain the important ones to pay attention to as a business owner
- Taxes - we'll discuss filing requirements and important deadlines
April 6 — Accelerating the Energy Transition
Plug and Play is pleased to co-host a signature Deep Dive with DCP Midstream. In this event, DCP Midstream and other industry leaders will review some decarbonization initiatives they have been leading along with industry opportunities in carbon capture, sequestration, and methane leak management. Leading startups with solutions in these areas will present.
The event is on Tuesday, April 6, at 9 am. It's free and can be accessed online. Click here to register.
April 6-9 — Rice Business Plan Competition
The competition, entering its 21st year, gives collegiate entrepreneurs real-world experience to pitch their startups, enhance their business strategy and learn what it takes to launch a successful company. Hosted and organized by the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship—which is Rice University's internationally-recognized initiative devoted to the support of entrepreneurship—and Rice Business. Over 20 years it has grown from nine teams competing for $10,000 in prize money in 2001, to 42 teams from around the world competing for more than $1.5 million in cash and prizes. For the first time in competition history, the 2021 event will showcase 54 student-led startups.
The competition takes place April 6 to 9. Two events are open to the public — the elevator pitches on Tuesday, April 6, at 4 pm and the final round on on Friday, April 9, at 9 am. It's free and can be accessed live on YouTube. Click here to learnmore.
April 7 — Product Management Ask Me Anything
The product life cycle is complex. From gathering consumer data, to crafting a vision, and the many steps around execution, launch, and satisfaction, a career in product management requires leaders and teams to wear many hats. So, what does it take to be a great product manager? And what should you expect in a product role? Learn the ins and outs of this career with our panel of PMs, who will share their perspectives from a variety of backgrounds and industries at this event hosted by Liu Idea Lab For Innovation And Entrepreneurship (Lilie).
The event is on Wednesday, April 7, from noon to 1 pm. It's free and can be accessed online. Click here to register.
April 8 — Inclusion: The Key to Building Strong Startups
Join Greentown Lab's webinar to understand how prioritizing diversity and inclusion can build a stronger, happier, and more successful startup team. Co-hosted by Aleria Research, this online event is geared toward helping companies, regardless of size and maturity, build stronger, more diverse, and ultimately more successful teams.
The event is on Thursday, April 8, from 11 am to noon. It's free and can be accessed online. Click here to register.
April 13 — Black in Tech Summit presented by Deloitte
Capital Factory welcomes you to our 3rd Annual Black In Tech Summit. Attendees can look forward to a keynote chat from a serial entrepreneur or investor, insightful discussion sessions, a startup showcase pitch competition, Epic Office Hours, and panels on relevant topics facing the tech ecosystem.
The event is on Tuesday, April 13, from noon to 2:30 pm. It's free and can be accessed online. Click here to register.
April 21 — Aerospace Innovation Accelerator Cohort 1 Launch Event
Celebrate The Ion's Aerospace Innovation Accelerator's Cohort 1, hear from thought leaders on the importance of the Accelerator and the Hub and how both contribute to economic resilience and workforce development, and meet the startups and MBEs selected to participate in the first cohort of the Aerospace Innovation Accelerator.
The event is on Wednesday, April 21, at 1:30 pm. It's free and can be accessed online. Click here to register.
April 22 — Greentown Houston Grand Opening Livestream
Welcome Greentown Labs to Houston — attendees will be able to meet startups that are a part of the program, hear from energy and civic leaders, catch the latest Greentown partners, and watch the building's ribbon cutting.
The event is on Thursday, April 22, at 2 pm. It's free and can be accessed online. Click here to register.
April 22 — 2021 H. Albert Napier Rice Launch Challenge - Startup Competition
Support student startups in our annual pitch challenge with a chance to win cash prizes. Join Liu Idea Lab For Innovation And Entrepreneurship virtually for the H. Albert Napier Rice Launch Challenge Startup Competition. Rice-affiliated teams – undergrads, grads, and MBAs - are competing for $65k in equity-free seed funding. Watch pitches, network with the Rice entrepreneurship community, and vote for your favorite idea. Attendance is open to Rice students, Rice alumni, and friends of Rice.
The event is on Thursday, April 22, at 6 pm. It's free and can be accessed online. Click here to register.
April 29 — EnergyNEXT: Methane Strategies Forum
Today's energy companies are finding methane emissions/leaks big and small with an astounding range of technologies, Satellites, Fixed-wing Planes, Helicopters, Fixed Wing Drones, Quadcopters, Vehicles, and Handheld Devices/Sensors all drive emissions reductions, boost public relations, investor support and corporate ESG goals.
Which technologies and projects will add the most value and usher your energy operations into the next generation?
The event is on Thursday, April 29, at 10 am. It's free and can be accessed online. Click here to register.
April 30 — Digital Transformation and Innovation in Renewable Energy: The Texas Edition
Join General Assembly to explore sustainability and how business and tech impact the health of our planet. Hear from experts in clean energy, environmental entrepreneurship, corporate sustainability, and B Corporations who will share their insights into how the industry can impact the environment. In addition, walk away with actionable steps you can take to live and work more sustainably, network with other local professionals interested in ethical business practices, and gain insight into what actions different industries are really doing to be more sustainable.
The event is on Friday, April 30, at 11 am. It's free and can be accessed online. Click here to register.
