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 articles on InnovationMap included the last roundup of events for the year, a robotics company's fresh funding, and more.
10+ can't-miss Houston business and innovation events for December
Here's your one-stop shop for innovation events in Houston this month. Photo via Getty Images
This month, Houstonians have yet another good batch of in-person and online innovation events, and you and your tech network need to know about them.
Here's a roundup of virtual events not to miss this month — like pitch nights, workshops, conventions, and more. Read more.
Houston medical robotics startup announces $42M series C
Houston-based EndoQuest has closed a $42 million round. Photo via Getty Images
A Houston medical device company that's tapping into robotics technology for the operating room has just announced a major chunk of fresh funding.
EndoQuest Robotics Inc. announced that it has closed a $42 million series C to advance its robot technology that's targeting endoluminal and gastrointestinal minimally invasive procedures. Returning investors, CE Ventures Limited and McNair Interests, and new investor, Puma Venture Capital, led the round of funding.
"Our investors share our vision of leveraging robotics to redefine the possibilities in minimally invasive procedures," Kurt Azarbarzin, CEO of EndoQuest Robotics, says in a press release. "This financing enables us to continue innovating and refining our technology, ultimately improving patient care and transforming the future of endoluminal interventions." Read more.
Houston university lands $2.5M grant for STEM inclusivity
The five-year grant is part of The Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Driving Change initiative, which focuses on breaking down barriers in STEM fields at research universities. Photo via Rice University
Rice University was recently granted $2.5 million to develop programs that make STEM degrees more accessible to students of all walks of life.
The five-year grant is part of The Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Driving Change initiative, which focuses on breaking down barriers in STEM fields at research universities.
Rice is one of six universities to receive the grant this year. According to a statement from Rice, this year's winners were named for making "culture change efforts" within the universities. Read more.
Top Space City news of 2023: New Houston unicorn, an IPO, spaceport development, and more
Here's what Houston tech and startup news trended this year on InnovationMap in space tech. Image via Getty Images
As the year comes to a close, InnovationMap is looking back at the year's top stories in Houston innovation. In the Space City, there were dozens of space tech stories, from a space tech company reaching unicorn status to another completing its IPO. Here are five Houston space tech-focused articles that stood out to readers this year — be sure to click through to read the full story. Read more.
Prominent Houston energy business leader to retire, successor named
Amy Chronis is passing over the local leadership reins at Deloitte to Melinda Yee. Photos courtesy
Amy Chronis, a Houston business leader within the energy industry and beyond, is retiring next summer. Her replacement has been named.
Melinda Yee will be the incoming Houston managing partner at Deloitte, replacing Chronis who held the role along with the title vice chair and US energy and chemicals leader. Chronis will retire in June 2024, and Yee's new role is effective January 2.
“Melinda has been an active and valued member of Deloitte’s Houston leadership team. She brings an impressive depth of both industry and marketplace knowledge to her new role as managing partner,” Chronis says in a news release. “I am confident that she will be a great leader for our Houston professionals and in the local community.” Read more.