Editor's note:Another week has come and gone, and it's time to round up the top headlines from the past few days. Trending Houston tech and startup news on InnovationMap included Houston innovators to know, news from Rice University, and more.
3 Houston innovators to know this week
This week's roundup of Houston innovators includes Gaurab Chakrabarti of Solugen, Sandy Guitar of HX Venture Fund, and Cameron Owen of rBIO. Photos courtesy
In this week's roundup of Houston innovators to know, I'm introducing you to three local innovators across industries — from synthetic biology to venture capital — recently making headlines in Houston innovation. Read more.
Annual student startup competition in Houston names teams for 2023
Here's what student teams from around the world were invited to compete in the Rice Business Plan Competition. Photo via rice.edu
Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship has named the 42 student startup teams that were extended invitations to compete in the 23rd annual Rice Business Plan Competition
The 2023 startup competition will take place on Rice University campus May 11 to 13, and the teams representing 37 universities from six countries will pitch to investors, mentors, and other industry leaders for the chance to win funding and prizes. Last year's RBPC doled out nearly $2 million in investment prizes. Read more.
Med tech firm expands footprint, Houston innovator assumes new role, and more local innovation news
Proxima Clinical Research has announced an office expansion — and more Houston innovation news. Photo via Twitter
Houston's innovation ecosystem has had some big news this month, from new job titles for Houston innovators to expanding office space.
In this roundup of Houston startup and innovation news, a Houston organization expands its footprint in the TMC, Rice University opens applications for a cleantech accelerator, and more. Read more.
Houston biotech company expands leadership team
Cemvita has some news regarding its C-level execs. Photo courtesy of Cemvita
An innovative Houston startup that's working with energy companies to decarbonize their operations has made changes to its C-suite.
Tara Karimi, who co-founded Cemvita with her brother Moji, has transition to the company's chief science officer. Liz Dennett has been hired to Karimi's previous role of CTO. The changes enable Karimi to focus on leading Cemvita's scientific research and development efforts as well as participating in driving innovation within the biotech industry as a whole, according to the company's press release.
"I'm excited to take on the role of chief science officer at Cemvita and what it represents for our company's growth," says Karimi in the release. "As chief science officer, I look forward to shaping policy and driving the conversation around the role of biotechnology in the energy transition." Read more.
Rice University announces leader of new materials and nanotechnology institute
Lane Martin will lead the Rice Advanced Materials Institute beginning this summer. Photo courtesy of Rice
A recently established institute at Rice University has revealed its new leader.
The Rice Advanced Materials Institute has named Lane Martin as director. Martin will also serve as Welch Professor of Materials Science and NanoEngineering in the George R. Brown School of Engineering. He begins both roles on July 1.
“Lane is everything we expect our faculty to be — hard-working, committed to excellence, dedicated to students and collaborative across disciplines,” says Howard R. Hughes Provost Amy Dittmar in a news release. “I look forward to seeing Rice faculty and students reap the benefits of his leadership.” Read more.
The Baylor campus is next to Texas Medical Center’s Helix Park, a 37-acre project. Rendering courtesy of BCM
The Cullen Foundation donated $30 million to the project. Rendering courtesy of BCM