Editor's note: A Texas begins to roll out its re-opening plan and envisioning a post-COVID-19 world, Houston's tech and innovation news is likewise coming back to full strength. Here's what news stories were the most popular on InnovationMap this week.
3 Houston innovators to know this week
This week's Houston innovators to know include Adam Kuspa of The Welch Foundation, Amanda Ducach of Social Mama, and Jay Rogers of IBC Bank. Photos courtesy
During this ongoing pandemic, Houston innovators are coming up with solutions and relief across every industry.
This week's three Houston innovators to know include a researcher who is helping fund scientists across the state, a Houston momtrepreneur looking out for the women wearing several hats at home, and a banker who wants to help you keep your financial information secure online. Continue reading.
Local organization creates handwashing stations for Houston's homeless communities
A local church is deploying handwashing stations across town. Photo by Nijalon Dunn
When the coronavirus forced the closure of restaurants, stores, and community centers, it disproportionally affected the health of a population of people: The homeless.
Homeless individuals are acutely vulnerable amid the public health and hygiene concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic, says Houstonian Nijalon Dunn. These communities of people have been left without immediate access to soap and clean water, especially with the closure of local businesses whose restrooms sometimes served as individuals' only sources of clean water.
"[Local businesses are] where people were able to use the restroom, wash their hands and have access to soap and water," Dunn says. "Take public restrooms away, now you have an increase in public urination and people using the restroom outside. Not only that, but people aren't washing their hands because of a lack of education and awareness about social distancing and hygiene practices." Continue reading.
10+ can't-miss virtual business and innovation events in Houston for May
Here's what interactive, virtual events to log on to this month. Getty Images
While some things in Houston are starting to open back up, society hasn't yet established a timeline for when groups of more than 10 people will be allowed to safely gather. But, the programming must go on.
With that in mind, here are over 10 Houston innovation events you can attend virtually via online meetings. Be sure to register in advance, as most will send an access link ahead of the events. Continue reading.
Rice creates entrepreneurship minor, Houston tech jobs grow, and more innovation news
From new tech jobs in Houston to an entrepreneurship minor at Rice University, here are some short stories in Houston innovation. Shobeir Ansari/Getty Images
While much of the city's news — along with the rest of the country — has been focused on COVID-19, headlines are starting to resemble some sense of normalcy again.
For this roundup of short stories within Houston innovation, there's a mix of news items pertaining to the coronavirus, as well as news items outside of the pandemic — from a new minor program at Rice University to Baylor College of Medicine testing for a COVID treatment. Continue reading.
Non-Houstonian identifies why the Bayou City is prime for a tech and startup boom
What does Houston's tech scene look like from an outsider's perspective? Ripe for success, according to this guest article. Getty Images
Houston might be known abroad as the Space City, but it's got a lot more to offer than interstellar exploration. As we continue toward the second half 2020 — even in light of the COVID-19 crisis, Houston is attracting the best talent, tech, and businesses around — and with good reason.
Here we look at why Houston is such an attractive prospect for enterprise in 2020. Continue reading.