Editor's note: Top stories from this rainy, dreary week in Houston were much brighter than the weather. Houston is now home to a couple new startup-focused programs — one focused on cleantech and one focused on resilience. Other top stories include innovators to know, a roundup of winners from a student startup competition, and more.
Rice University student startup competition names 2020 winners and awards over $1.2M in prizes
The 20th annual Rice Business Plan Competition took place virtually from June 17 to 19 and awarded over $1.2 million in investment and cash prizes. Photo courtesy of Rice University
For the 20th year, the Rice Business Plan Competition has awarded prizes and investments to student-led startups from around the ward. While this year's competition was postponed and virtually held, the show went on with 42 startups pitching virtually June 17 to 19.
After whittling down the 42 startups to seven finalists, the RBPC judges named the winners. And, this year, all seven finalists walked away with a monetary prize. Read more.
3 Houston innovators to know this week
This week's Houston innovators to know include Travis Parigi of LiquidFrameworks, Kathy Luders of NASA, and Stephen Spann of the University of Houston. Photos courtesy
Starting a new week, we'd like to introduce you to three Houston innovators who have recently made headlines. All three represent industries at the core of Houston's business community — from space and energy to health care. Read more.
Houston rent prices rise as COVID-19 impacts local housing market
Houston rents actually rose in May. Sky Noir Photography by Bill Dickinson/Getty Images
The impact of COVID-19 has not been lost on the Houston housing market, with home sales dipping and rents rising. Here's a look at the current landscape. Read more.
New innovation hub focused on resilience rises in downtown Houston
The Cannon Tower in downtown Houston now houses a new innovation hub that is geared at promoting resiliency. Image courtesy of The Cannon
It's hurricane season in Houston, and, after months of reacting to a pandemic, resiliency and storm preparedness on the top of the businesses and local government's minds.
Insurance Information Institute and ResilientH20 Partners have teamed up with The Cannon to create the Gulf Coast & Southwest Resilience Innovation Hub, which is now open in downtown Houston's Cannon Tower (1801 Main Street, Suite 1300). Read more.
New-to-Houston startup incubator CEO on why there's 'no better place' to expand
Emily Reichert, CEO of Greentown Labs, shares why the incubator's expansion was a year in the making — and only just the beginning. Photo courtesy of Greentown Labs
Greentown Labs announced its intent on expanding to Houston last week with 11 corporate partners signed on already, and is currently scouting out its physical location in town
Already, says Emily Reichert, CEO of Greentown Labs, the Bayou City has left a positive impression on her and her team. Read more.