Editor's note:Let's roundup the most-read Houston innovation news from the week. Trending Houston tech and startup articles from InnovationMap and its daily newsletter included a Rice professor securing support for his cancer treatment, an energy company raising funding, and more.
Houston medical device startup implants artificial heart in first human patient
BiVACOR and The Texas Heart Institute have celebrated a major milestone in the future of heart health. Photo courtesy of BiVACOR
Heart health tech company BiVACOR and The Texas Heart Institute announced that they successfully implanted the company's first Total Artificial Heart in a human at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center in the TMC.
The milestone is part of an FDA-approved early feasibility study that will test the safety and performance of the TAH device, which is based on a magnetically levitated rotor that takes over functions of a failing heart while a patient is awaiting a heart transplant, according to a statement from the organizations.
The "bridge-to-transplant" device could support an active adult male, as well as many women and children suffering from severe biventricular heart failure or univentricular heart failure. Continue reading.
KBR to acquire data analytics co. in $737M deal to better serve national security issues
A Houston company has acquired a data analytics business. Photo via Getty Images
Houston-based KBR announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire engineering, data analytics and digital integration company LinQuest Corp., which will add “digital integration capabilities for national security customers” according to a news release. The deal is valued at $737 million.
LinQuest is known for assisting in solving complex technical challenges for national security missions and has supported the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Air Force and other U.S. Department of Defense and intelligence agencies. The company does this through development and integrating advanced technology solutions across space, air dominance and connected battle space missions. Some missions include advanced AI and machine learning capabilities. Continue reading.
Here's how much it takes to earn a top 1 percent salary in Texas
Texans now need to make $130,241 more in 2024 to maintain their status as one of the highest earners in the state. Photo via Getty Images
With two Houston-area neighbors cashing in among the most wealthy suburbs in America, Houstonians may be wondering how much money they need to make to secure a place in the top one percent of earners. According to a new study from SmartAsset, the pre-tax salary required to be considered one of the highest earners in Texas amounts to $762,090 in 2024.
Texas has the 14th highest pre-tax salary needed to be considered in the top one percent of earners in the U.S. for the second year in a row. Texas' income threshold is not too far off from the national average, which is $787,712.
The study further revealed 126,128 Texans are within the top one percent of earners. For more context, the U.S. Census Bureau says over 30 million people lived in Texas as of 2022, and Houston's population grew to 2.3 million people in 2023. Continue reading.
10+ can't miss Houston business and innovation events for August
Houston innovators — put these August events on your radar. Photo via Getty Images
From networking meet-ups to expert startup showcases, August is filled with opportunities for Houston innovators.
Here's a roundup of events you won't want to miss out on so mark your calendars and register accordingly. Continue reading.
Houston hospitals recognized as best in state, nation in annual report
MD Anderson Cancer Center is still the best cancer-focused hospital in the U.S. and Texas. Photo by F. Carter Smith/courtesy of MD Anderson
Houston’s University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has retained its U.S. News & World Report crown as the best cancer hospital in the U.S.
In the same ranking, Houston Methodist Hospital once again came out on top as the best hospital in Texas. Last year, the hospital shared the top spot. Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center ranked No. 4, followed by No. 5 Memorial Hermann Hospital.
The accolades appear in U.S. News’ 2024-25 ranking of the country’s best hospitals. Each hospital also ranked among various specialties, such as orthopedics; cardiology, heart, and vascular surgery; cancer; and neurology and neurosurgery. Continue reading.