Ion Houston

Introducing Ion's Question of the Week! Each week, we'll be asking questions that spark innovation, share advice and connect our community. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, we want to hear from you. Comment your answers below! ⬇️ Tune in every other week for fresh questions, founder insights and a chance to share your insights. 💡

Entrepreneurship is winning in Houston! This morning, The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur Magazine announced the top 50 entrepreneurship programs and Houston, once again, takes home both #1 spots. The University of Houston Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship (WCE) ranks #1 for undergraduate programs for the 6th year in a row, and the 10th time overall. Rice Business ranks #1 in graduate entrepreneurship for the 6th time! Our city’s diversity and collaborative spirit make Houston a magnet for groundbreaking ideas. Congrats to all the founders, entrepreneurs, schools and programs on these recognitions! Check out the rankings: https://lnkd.in/gjpk87aN.

🎉 Huge congratulations to Late August for being recognized as a Michelin Recommended Restaurant! Their dedication to elevating Texas’ vibrant food culture to Michelin’s worldwide standard is truly inspiring. From the bold flavors to the impeccable service, Late August exemplifies culinary excellence right here in our community. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gQAZWSHe.   🍽️ If you haven’t had a chance to visit, now’s the perfect time to stop in or order ahead for pick up at Ion District Eats-to-Go! Order now at: https://iondistrict.menu/.

Next week's events at the Ion, happening from Nov. 18-22, will be visionary. 😍 Check them out and be sure to RSVP to secure your spot: 🩺 Houston Methodist Clinician Speaker Series - Gail Vozzella - November 19, 4:45 PM-6:00 PM - Join Gail M. Vozzella, Chief Nurse Executive at Houston Methodist, in a conversation about the important role that nurses play in the hospital innovation process. - Hosted by Houston Methodist Register at: https://lnkd.in/gmnaXfw2. 🎤 Visionary Voices: A Fireside Chat with Dan Ammann, President of ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions - November 21, 8:00 AM-10:00 AM - In this fireside chat, Dan will discuss ExxonMobil’s plans to play a leading role in advancing a thoughtful energy transition by delivering the critical energy and products the world needs and reducing our own and others’ greenhouse gas emissions. - Moderated by Maynard Holt Register at: https://lnkd.in/gZNqHb54. 🤖 Houston Robotics Group at Ion Prototyping Lab - November 23, 2:00 PM-5:00 PM - Whether you’re interested in software development, AI/Deep Learning, electronics, mechanics, drones, or automation, this group offers a welcoming and supportive community to explore your passions. - Hosted by Ion Prototyping Lab Register at: https://lnkd.in/g7JGUZ44. See you soon!

Meet Chef Lena, a Chopped winner and founder of Lena’s Asian Kitchen, now bringing her grab-and-go meals to Cafe Ion. She’s not just about great food—her kitchen provides jobs for survivors of domestic violence, creating community and purpose through every dish. Learn more about her inspiring journey and what you can expect on the menu at Cafe Ion! https://lnkd.in/g5RBeSyw.

AFROTECH is taking over Houston from November 13-16, and they're bringing the energy to the Ion for DivInc's And Still We Rise and non sibi ventures Real Talk: AI, Growth & Company Building in 2025. ⚡️ Kick off with DivInc’s event on Wednesday, November 13 for a conversation on creating supportive, inclusive environments for underrepresented entrepreneurs that are fighting to get their startups funded. Register at: https://lnkd.in/gBQhkvAq. 📣 Then, dive into Real Talk: AI, Growth & Company Building in 2025 with non sibi ventures on Thursday, November 14 to discover how AI is transforming the future, learn growth strategies and gain insights into scaling companies in an ever-changing tech landscape. Register at: https://lu.ma/w62p81oq. Don't miss out on these inspiring discussions with top Black founders and networking opportunities that are shaping the future of tech in Houston and beyond!

Mark your calendars! 🗓️ Check out next week's events happening at the Ion from Nov. 11-16! There's something for everyone — from Software Day and Afrotech panels, to musical performances with TUTS Houston. Check them out:  📣 Software Day at the Ion: Blockchain 2.0: Innovating Across Industries - November 12, 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM - This month's Software Day, moderated by Samantha Lewis, will cover how advances in blockchain are driving value creation in legacy industries. - Hosted by Mercury Register at: https://lnkd.in/gGUCYxFZ. 🎤 DivInc x Black Girl Ventures: And Still We Rise - November 13, 1:00 PM-4:00 PM - DivInc is excited to be back at AfroTech with Black Girl Ventures for a revisit of last year’s panel: And Still We Rise. - Hosted by DivInc and Black Girl Ventures Register at: https://lnkd.in/gtdK3pYf. 🤝 RCEL Digital Leadership and Technology Management Networking Mixer - November 13, 4:00 PM-5:30 PM - Join RCEL at the Ion for an informational session and Ion networking mixer rescheduled to Wednesday, November 13 on modernizing companies' engineering workforce and producing the best products and services. - Hosted by Rice Center for Engineering Leadership Register at: https://lnkd.in/gtxeutsx. ❄️ TUTS Spotlight Series: Disney's Frozen - November 13, 6:00 PM-7:30 PM - Journey into the icy landscape of Arrendale with TUTS and see why Disney chose them as one of the few theatres in the country to recreate the magical world of Frozen. - Hosted by TUTS Houston Register at: https://lnkd.in/gXNfpjsb. ✂️ Breakfast and Masterclass: Cutting Strategy Clutter - November 14, 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM - Join Professor Vikas Mittal in a discussion on why strategy clutter exists in many companies today. - Hosted by Rice Business Executive Education Register at: https://lnkd.in/gTVWpqFn. 📈 Real Talk: AI, Growth & Company Building in 2025 - November 14, 4:00 PM-7:00 PM - Join Non Sibi Ventures for an extraordinary event celebrating the leadership, excellence, and future of Black tech. - Co-hosted by Chevron, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, non sibi ventures, Rice University, and the Texas Black Founders Network. Register at: https://lnkd.in/gPJ5TBHa See you soon!

Next Thursday, November 12, get ready for Software Day at the Ion: Blockchain 2.0: Innovating Across Industries! Hear from Samantha Lewis, Ian Epstein and Manolo Sánchez during an engaging conversation on how tech and tech startups are using block chain to innovate, and listen to 60-second pitches from participating startups. See you next week! Register: https://lnkd.in/gGUCYxFZ.

Innovation can be a real fright sometimes... 😱 This Halloween, we’re bringing you the real haunted house horrors. From endless "circle backs" to surprise 2 AM Slack messages, these are the jump scares that every founder, coder and startup team knows too well. Swipe if you dare and remember—you’re not alone in the spooky startup grind. Wishing everyone a Happy Halloween! 👻🎃

November’s Software Day at the Ion: Blockchain 2.0: Innovating Across Industries is just around the corner, and we’re looking for innovative startups to apply for office hours and have an opportunity to pitch at the event. Applications are due next week on November 4th—don’t miss your chance to participate! By applying, your startup will get exclusive access to office hours with Mercury network industry experts and mentors, where you’ll gain valuable feedback and insights on scaling your business. Get your application in by November 4th at: https://lnkd.in/g3sVQvay.