10+ can't-miss Houston business and innovation events in June

where to be

Here's your one-stop shop for innovation events in Houston this month. Photo via Getty Images

It's fully summer here in Houston, and the city's business community is mixing in networking and conference events with family vacations and time off. Here's a rundown of what all to throw on your calendar for June when it comes to innovation-related events.

This article will be updated as more business and tech events are announced.

June 1 — Houston Veterans In Residence Showcase

Bunker Labs’ Veterans in Residence Showcase is a nationwide event spanning across 23 cities and 3 virtual cohorts, celebrating over 400 veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs launching their startups and businesses from our recent cohort. It gives you a chance to network with local participants. Become part of your local business community and learn how you can get involved by patronizing, investing in, or partnering up with our veterans and military spouse entrepreneurs.

The event is Wednesday, June 1, 6 to 8 pm, at WeWork Jones Hall. Click here to register.

June 1 — SportsTech Meetup + Happy Hour

Join us for a meetup and happy hour to socialize with fellow entrepreneurs and business owners in SportsTech. The event is hosted by Pokatok, a new sports tech startup focused on elevating sports innovation in Houston.

The event is Wednesday, June 1, 4 to 6 pm, at The Cannon Sports. Click here to register.

June 2 — Building a Talent Strong Texas, a Special UpSkill Works forum 

Dr. Harrison Keller, Commissioner of Higher Education, is fresh off the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's release of its Building a Talent Strong Texas plan, which elevates the critical importance of post-secondary education and continued skills development.

The event is Thursday, June 2, noon to 1 pm, online. Click here to register.

June 8 — Carbon to Value Initiative Year 2 Kickoff

Year 2 of the C2V Initiative builds on its successful first year in 2021 that led to partnerships, technology advancement, and industry growth. Join us, together with Fluor Corporation, a leading global engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) company, as we kick off year 2 of this exciting program, which will connect the selected startups with experts, resources, and programming to help them achieve their commercial and technical milestones!

The event is Wednesday, June 8, 6 to 8 pm, at Greentown Houston. Click here to register.

June 8 — Illuminate Houston: An Innovation Conversation

Illuminate Houston is an event series highlighting business leaders who challenge the way we think about the future. Illuminate Houston features dynamic formats where speakers and attendees discuss trends, technologies and issues that define how we do business. The Partnership welcomes Gaurab Chakrabarti, CEO and Co-founder of Solugen on Wednesday, June 8.

The event is Wednesday, June 8, noon to 1 pm, online. Click here to register.

June 8 — High Performance Institute Information Session

Join The Ion as we hear from High Performance Institute and how we are working to build a partnership for the community.

The event is Wednesday, June 8, 4 to 6 pm, at the Ion. Click here to register.

June 9 — Sip & Socialize, brought to you by partner of The Cannon, Dell for Startups

Enjoy some cocktails from partner of The Cannon, Dell for Startups, and learn more about the upcoming pitch competition on June 29th.

The event is Thursday, June 9, 4:30 to 6:30 pm, at The Powder Keg (1300 Brittmoore Rd). Click here to register.

June 16 — Transition On Tap: In Partnership with The Veterans Advanced Energy Project

Greentown Houston is hosting a special Transition On Tap in partnership with The Veterans Advanced Energy Project. Some of America's best talent joined the military to serve and deploy to combat in a time of national crisis. Now those same veterans are entering the energy transition for their next tour of duty. While the climate crisis is a call to serve, the energy transition is also a massive economic opportunity these young leaders are running towards. Learn from the panel of experienced professionals and meet other like-minded individuals passionate about the energy transition.

The event is Thursday, June 16, 5 to 8 pm, at Greentown Labs Houston (4200 San Jacinto St). Click here to register.

June 20-22 — 6th Annual Energy Drone & Robotics Summit

The Energy Drone & Robotics Summit is the largest event in the world for UAVs, Robotics & Data/AI/ML, exclusively focused on the business and technology of unmanned systems, automation and data/AI in energy & industrial operations. Over the last 5 years, it has grown to the most influential gathering of industrial, energy and engineering leaders from around the globe where the key challenges & solutions are addressed for operating drones, satellites, and robotics successfully and managing/making data actionable, from the stars to the sea floor.

The event is Monday-Wednesday, June 20-22, at the Woodlands Marriott. Click here to register.

June 22 — Houston Startup Showcase

The Houston Startup Showcase is a year-long series of monthly pitch competitions. Founders will pitch LIVE 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 Houston Startup Showcase 2022.

The event is Wednesday, June 22, 2:45 to 5:30 pm, at the Ion. Click here to register.

June 28 — Future of Global Energy: Innovation District Reception and Tour

Day one of the Future of Global Energy Conference Presented by Chevron begins offers a special tour and reception in the heart of Houston's innovation district highlighting some of the key venues that are propelling energy transition forward here in Houston. Attendees will tour Greentown Labs and The Ion.

The event is Thursday, June 2, 2:45 to 5:30 pm, at the Houston Innovation District. Click here to register.

June 28-30 — The Future of Global Energy: Houston’s Role in Leading the Energy Transition Presented by Chevron

To highlight Houston's role in the global energy transition, the Greater Houston Partnership and Center for Houston's Future will host a dynamic three-day conference providing global and national context on the changing energy landscape and highlight Houston's leadership in the global energy transition.

The event is Tuesday-Thursday, June 28-30, and is a hybrid event. Click here to register.

June 29 — Alumni Napier Rice Launch Challenge 2022

Join Liu Idea Lab for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and support Rice University alumni startups at the H. Albert Napier Rice Launch Challenge (NRLC) virtual Championships on Wednesday, June 29. Six alumni finalists will pitch their ventures for the chance to win equity-free funding.

The event is Wednesday, June 29, 6 to 8 pm, online. Click here to register.

June 29 — Panel & Pitch Competition, Sponsored by Dell for Startups

As part of the tour, the Dell for Startups team will be stopping by Houston in partnership with The Cannon to host a Houston Founder Pitch Competition. Eight startups from all across the city will compete for $25,000 worth of prizes is taking place at The Cannon.

The event is Wednesday, June 29, 4 to 7:30 pm, at the Cannon West Houston. Click here to register.

Memorial Park getting ready to deliver a few projects from its 10-year master plan was one of this week's top stories. Courtesy of Memorial Park Conservancy

5 most popular innovation stories in Houston this week

What's Trending

This week was flooded with more than just the tropical disturbance that hit Houston. The city hosted a slew of events — from Plug and Play's Houston Innovation Week and Capital Factory's Texas Startups Roadshow to TMCx's Demo Day and the Low Carbon Energy Summit hosted by KPMG and the Center for Houston's Future.

Spoiler: More events are coming. Stay tuned to our June innovation events guide for the latest.

This week on InnovationMap, we launched our first series of profiles for Pride Month and featured a Texas startup force, Marissa Limsiaco from Tenavox, and we broke the news that Plug and Play will launch its accelerator by end of the year.

Scroll through the stories below to read snippets of the top trending stories in Houston innovation.

Need more than just trending news on Fridays? Subscribe to our daily newsletter that sends fresh stories straight to your inboxes every morning.

Memorial Park Conservancy plans to deliver its first project of its master plan redevelopment next year

Memorial Park Conservancy is gearing up to unveil one if its first projects within its 10-year master plan redevelopment. Photo courtesy of MPC

Memorial Park Conservancy has until 2028 to deliver on its master plan redevelopment project, but if MPC president and CEO Shellye Arnold has anything to say about it, the plan will be completed way ahead of that.

The project is a collaborative effort between MPC, Uptown Houston TIRZ, and Houston Parks and Recreation Department to redevelop the 1,500-acre park. In 2011, a major drought decimated the park and areas saw losses of 50 to even 90 percent of the canopy of trees. Continue reading the story.

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

Check out these conferences, pitch competitions, networking, and more. Getty Images

Summer's here and living isn't necessarily easy — especially when it comes to scheduling. Houston's busting at the seams with networking, panel, and pitch events this month. Continue reading the story.

Houston nonprofit that's upcycling textiles and clothing opens new store

Magpies & Peacocks has prevented over 220,000 pounds of textiles in landfills by upcycling fabrics for new fashion items. The nonprofit now has a new store to keep up with demand. Magpies & Peacocks/Instagram

Magpies & Peacocks, the nation's only nonprofit design house that collects and reuses post consumer textiles, clothing, and accessories, opens their first permanent retail space in Houston on Saturday, June 1. The Co:Lab Marketplace will be located inside the organization's current warehouse space in Houston's East End.

The 6,000-square-foot space holds luxury upcycled sustainable clothing, jewelry, accessories, and home decor, along with partner sustainable and ethical brands. There will also be a bar offering cocktails and coffee, a lounge area, and a capsule gallery featuring the work of local artists. Continue reading the story.

3 TMCx companies have raised funds while completing the Houston accelerator

Three companies in TMCx's current cohort are leaving the program with new funds. Courtesy of TMCx

According to the CDCThe Texas Medical Center's accelerator program is wrapping up its Digital Health cohort this week with the culmination of its TMCx Demo Day, and, while all of the companies have something to celebrate, three have announced that they are leaving the program with fresh funds.

Meru, Roundtrip, and Sani Nudge have raised over $10 million between the three companies. All three will be presenting at the TMCx Digital Health Demo Day on June 6 with the 16 other companies in the cohort. Continue reading the story.

5 things you need to know about Houston's Microsoft- and Intel-backed accelerator program

The inaugural Smart Cities accelerator in Houston will have its cohort create solutions for a set of problems the city faces. Sky Noir Photography by Bill Dickinson/Getty Images

At a Microsoft IoT in Action event in April, Mayor Sylvester Turner announced that the city would launch the Ion Smart Cities Accelerator — a program that would task a set of startups and entrepreneurs with creating digital and technical solutions to key problems within Houston.

"As a result of incorporating smart technologies, Houston will have the ability to create a more resilient and mobile-friendly city, and in turn accelerate our city's economic growth and prepare for the needs of 21st Century citizens," Mayor Turner says in a release. Continue reading the story.

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Here’s where wages grew the most in Houston since 2021, according to new report

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Bolstered by a thriving manufacturing sector, Waller County—the country’s second-fastest-growing county—leads all Houston-area counties for the growth of pay from 2021 to 2026, according to a new study.

The study, conducted by personal finance website SmartAsset, found average pay in Waller County rose 48 percent from 2021 to 2026. The county’s average weekly pay climbed from $891 to $1,323 during that period.

Manufacturing ranks as the No. 1 employment sector in Waller County, accounting for about 4,500 workers, according to Executive Pulse. Those workers earn an average pay of $77,442 per year.

Waller County powers up its manufacturing hub

Waller County’s manufacturing economy keeps expanding, almost certainly contributing to the 48 percent spike in average pay from 2021 to 2026.

Grundfos, the world’s largest producer of water pumps, broke ground in June on a manufacturing plant at its Brookshire campus. The Danish company’s U.S. headquarters is in Brookshire. In conjunction with the groundbreaking, Grundfos opened the Grundfos Academy Americas training center.

The new 143,000-square-foot facility will make pump systems and water technology, primarily for water utilities and commercial real estate landlords.

Grundfos expects construction to be completed by Q3 2027, with the first production lines planned to start in Q4 of next year.

“Our growing presence in Brookshire reflects both our confidence in the U.S. market and our long‑term commitment to investing where our customers and partners need us most,” Grundfos CEO Poul Due Jensen said in a release.

Another manufacturer, TMEIC Corporation America, recently opened its third U.S. plant at Twinwood Business Park in Brookshire. The 280,000-square-foot facility, which eventually might employ 500 people, makes uninterruptible power supply units and medium-voltage power drives. The $65 million plant includes a customer training center and tech development labs.

The Twinwood facility is the largest of TMEIC’s 13 factories around the world.

TMEIC’s two other U.S. manufacturing plants are in the Houston area. The company’s North American headquarters is in the Houston Energy Corridor.

Perhaps the biggest recent manufacturing prize for Waller County: Austin-based electric vehicle maker Tesla’s new 1.65 million-square-foot factory at Brookshire’s Empire West Industrial Park. The $200 million plant, expected to employ up to 1,500 people by 2028, produces utility-scale batteries for energy storage.

Other major manufacturers in Waller County include Daikin North America and Igloo.

Pay growth around the region

Here’s a rundown of 2021-26 pay growth in the Houston metro’s eight other counties, according to SmartAsset.

  • Austin County — 42 percent
  • Chambers County — 37 percent
  • Harris County — 33 percent
  • Liberty County — 31 percent
  • Montgomery County — 29 percent
  • Fort Bend County — 28 percent
  • Galveston County — 26 percent
  • Brazoria County — 23 percent

Statewide, Dickens County, outside of Lubbock, saw the most significant growth in wages. According to the study, wages grew by 212 percent over the five years, from $707 per week in 2021 to $2,204 per week in 2026.

Among all Texas counties, Waller was ranked No. 44 on the report.

Small counties in the High Plains and West Texas regions saw the largest percent changes in average weekly wage, according to the report. See the full findings here.

Houston team’s breakthrough device leads innovation news to know

Trending Topics

Editor's note: September brought exciting headlines across the Houston innovation sector — from a breakthrough device for spinal injury treatment, to a pharmaceutical giant's Houston groundbreaking. Below, catch up on the five biggest innovation stories published on InnovationMap from September 16-30, 2026.

Houston researchers develop breakthrough device that could bypass spinal injuries

Scientists at Houston Methodist have announced a significant leap forward for spinal cord injury recovery. The researchers have developed a device that essentially bypasses spinal injuries, allowing signals from previously “lost” functions to reach the brain, a new study published in Nature Communications shows. Continue reading.

Eli Lilly breaks ground on $6.5B pharmaceutical factory in Houston

Leading pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly broke ground September 21 on its $6.5 billion manufacturing site at Houston's Generation Park. The 236-acre, state-of-the art factory is expected to come online in 2030 and will manufacture Foundayo, the company's first synthetic oral GLP-1 medication, as well as other advanced therapeutics. Continue reading.

Abbott assembles expert team to help lure U.S. Space Academy to Texas

State Rep. Greg Bonnen of Friendswood has been tapped to lead a new team that will promote Texas as the future home of the U.S. Space Academy. Bonnen, a neurosurgeon, chairs Houston Physicians’ Hospital and the powerful Texas House Appropriations Committee. His House district is close to NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Gov. Greg Abbott appointed the seven-member team. Continue reading.

5 must-know fall application deadlines for Houston innovators

As fall reaches full swing, Houston's innovation scene is calling on the latest batch of founders and startups looking to make a difference. A number of accelerators have opened applications. See which might be a good fit for you or your venture, and take careful note of the deadlines. Continue reading.

Houston college joins inaugural workforce accelerator supported by Google

Houston City College (HCC) is one of 15 community colleges from around the country to be selected for the first-ever Workforce Futures Accelerator. The accelerator focuses on helping colleges embed virtual, employer-sponsored training opportunities into short-term workforce training programs, giving participants access to opportunities that they might otherwise receive through internships or other "work-based learning" stints. Continue reading.

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

where to be

Editor's note: Healthcare and energy conferences headline this month's slate of innovation events in Houston. But there's also time for family-friendly gatherings and pickleball socials. Here’s what not to miss in October and how to register. Please note: this article may be updated to add more events.

Oct. 2 — Joy in Medicine Initiative Symposium

The Houston Methodist Joy in Medicine Initiative Symposium will explore the power of connection in enhancing professional fulfillment for clinicians and healthcare teams, this year with the theme of "Forging New Paths: Leadership, Connection & Innovation to Sustain Joy in Medicine." Hear from Dr. Shlomit Schall, Houston Methodist Physician Organization president and CEO and chief physician executive; Houston Methodist CEO Marc Boom; and Dr. Albert Wu, from Johns Hopkins, author of Therefore, Let us Rejoice: Sustaining Joy in Medicine. Stick around for a networking happy hour.

This event is Friday, Oct. 2, from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Thompson Houston on Allen Parkway. Find more information here.

Oct. 6-7 — Hydrogen Americas Summit and Exhibition

Hydrogen Americas delivers an unparalleled opportunity to explore how hydrogen integrates with CCUS and other energy solutions under the new U.S. and Americas energy paradigm. This event moves to Houston in 2026, providing unmatched access to industry leaders and opportunities. The summit will include CCUS-dedicated sessions integrated directly into the conference programming, providing deeper insights into carbon capture, utilization and storage. Look forward to networking opportunities to connect with global suppliers, regional developers and key policymakers.

This event begins Oct. 6 at George R. Brown Convention Center. Register here.

Oct. 6-7 — Annual Energy Summit — Energy, Risk, and Geopolitics

The 10th annual energy summit is co-hosted by Baker Botts and the Center for Energy Studies at Rice University's Baker Institute. This year's summit, “Energy, Risk, and Geopolitics,” will explore how a changing geopolitical landscape and shifts in supply chain risks are impacting investment, innovation and market dynamics. The two-day program will include discussions spanning petroleum and LNG markets, critical minerals, electricity reliability, AI and power demand.

This event begins Oct. 6 at 7:30 am at James A Baker III Hall. The event will also be livestreamed. Register here.

Oct. 7 – Rockets Get You to Orbit. Culture Gets You to Stay

The Ion will host a morning discussion exploring humanity’s future in space. The event will feature Rick Tumlinson, author of Why Space? The Purpose of People; Scott Solomon, author of Becoming Martian; and David Alexander and Alexander Regier of Rice University’s new Space Humanities Initiative. The conversations will be moderated by EarthLight Foundation Director Junaid Mian.

This event is Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 8:30-11 a.m. at the Ion. Register here.

Oct. 8 — Greentown Labs’ Fall Pickleball Social

Greentown Labs hosts its fall social at Pickle Lab HTX this month. Enjoy friendly matches, networking and light bites. All skill sets are welcome.

This event is Thursday, Oct. 8, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Pickle Lab HTX. Register here.

Oct. 10 – Ion Family Tech Festival

Bring the whole family out to the second Ion Family Tech Festival. Kids will get to participate in hands-on STEAM workshops and learn more about STEAM-related careers.

This event is Saturday, Oct. 10, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Ion. Register here.

Oct. 13 – Mercury Fund Day at the Ion

Don’t miss the latest installment of Mercury Fund Day at the Ion, previously known as Software Day. The recurring monthly event features office hours (by application), a keynote and networking opportunities.

This event is Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 3:30-7 p.m. at the Ion. Register here.

Oct. 14 — Future of Global Energy Conference

This October, the sixth annual Future of Global Energy Conference kicks off, convening influential leaders from across energy, technology, finance and public policy who will come together to explore the forces defining the next era of global energy and Houston’s role in shaping it. Ryan Lance, Executive Chairman of ConocoPhillips and 2027 Chair of the Greater Houston Partnership’s Board of Directors, is the keynote speaker for this year’s conference, bringing a global perspective on rising demand, market volatility and Houston’s role in the next era of energy growth.

This event takes place Oct. 14 at the Marriott Marquis. Register here.

Oct. 17 — Energy Day 2026

Energy Day Houston is the nation’s largest free, family-friendly STEM festival. It features over 50 interactive exhibits and live demonstrations focused on traditional and emerging energy career paths to power up your curiosity.

This event begins at 11 a.m. on Oct. 17 at Sam Houston Park. Get details here.

Oct. 22 — Rice360 Innovation for Healthcare Access Conference

Researchers and innovators from Rice University, the Texas Medical Center, non-profit organizations, healthcare providers and others will come together to explore gaps in healthcare at the Innovation for Healthcare Access Conference. The event will feature speakers, workshops and case study presentations and will focus on innovations for the health of women and children in underserved rural and urban communities across Texas.

This event is Thursday, Oct. 22, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Rice University BioScience Research Collaborative (BRC). Register here.

Oct. 28-29 – TiECon 2026

TiE Houston, TiE Dallas and TiE Austin are joining forces to host TiEcon Texas 2026 at the Ion this month. The event will focus on how automation, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are reshaping Texas industries, the economy and daily life. The conference will feature keynotes, panels, fireside chats and the TiE Hatch Pitch Competition.

This event starts Thursday, Oct. 29, at the Ion. Register here.

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