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This move reinforces the Ion District’s continued focus on emerging tech and aligns closely with Rice University’s Momentous 10-year strategic plan, which prioritizes the development and integration of ethical and responsible artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. Persona AI joins other AI-forward activities in the Ion District, including the recently announced RAVA — the Rice Nexus plus Google Public Sector AI accelerator.

“We chose the Ion because it’s more than just a building — it’s a thriving innovation ecosystem,” said Nicolaus Radford, co-founder and CEO of Persona AI. “This is where Houston’s tech future is being built. It’s a convergence point for the people, energy, and ideas that power our mission to redefine human-machine collaboration. For an industrial, AI-driven robotics company, there’s no better place to scale than in the heart of Houston.”

“Persona AI’s expansion at the Ion is a clear market signal of the high-tech surge Rice is helping power in Houston. As more breakthrough companies choose to grow in the Ion District, it’s proof that our innovation ecosystem is accelerating—and Rice is at the center of it,” said Paul Cherukuri, vice president for innovation and chief innovation officer at Rice University.

Persona AI’s new development center will be located in the suite currently utilized by the Ion Prototyping Lab, which is managed by TXRX Labs. The IPL will transition its operations to the TXRX facility in the East End Maker Hub and will enable a network of facilities between the Ion and East End Maker Hub that better supports the growing demand for maker services and the growing pipeline of startups and creators citywide.

“TXRX has seen a significant increase in demand for fabrication and prototyping across industries,” said Roland von Kurnatowski, founder and president of TXRX Labs. “This move allows us to grow our team at our main facility, where we have an influx of projects that need more localized support. The current TXRX staff at the Ion will transition to our location in the East End, and existing IPL members will have access to these facilities. We will continue to be a strategic partner to the Ion District, creating a bridge across the city as we support the startup and maker community in the region.”

The Ion District will maintain some prototyping and maker support within the current Greentown Labs Prototyping Lab for certain specialized programs. This follows last year’s announcement of Rice’s continued investment in Greentown Labs and energy innovation, reinforcing the university’s commitment to scaling up high-impact infrastructure across the Ion District.

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Impact Hub Houston Moves to the Ion to Expand Support for Impact Ventures and Entrepreneur Ecosystem Development

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(Houston, Texas) Building on the success of its inaugural year, Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week will return September 15-19, 2025, bringing together thousands of startups, investors, and industry leaders from around the world.

“Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week was created to answer a fundamental question: Can we achieve more by working together than we can alone?” said Jane Stricker, Senior Vice President, Greater Houston Partnership and Executive Director, Houston Energy Transition Initiative. “By joining forces, we’re strengthening Houston’s role as a global leader in energy innovation, uniting top talent to turn bold ideas into real solutions. In 2024, we set out to build something with lasting impact—rooted in the ingenuity of Houston’s technologists and founders. Thanks to a collaborative effort across industry, academia, and startups, we’ve only just begun to showcase Houston’s strengths and invite others to be part of this movement. We can’t wait to see the city rise to the occasion again in 2025.”

Founded by Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship, Halliburton Labs, Greentown Labs, Houston Energy Transition Initiative (HETI), Digital Wildcatters and Activate, this city-wide initiative was launched to showcase Houston is developing and scaling real solutions for the dual challenge—meeting growing global energy demand while reducing carbon emissions. The event’s inaugural year in 2024 demonstrated the power of this collaboration, drawing more than 2,000 attendees across 30+ events, featuring 100+ speakers and 125+ startups.

Anchor Events for 2025 Include:

• Monday, September 15
  • Official Kickoff Event at the Ion, hosted by HETI
• Tuesday, September 16
  • Activate Meet the Cohort
• Wednesday, September 17
  • Rice Alliance Energy Tech Venture Forum (Invite-only Startup/Investor Office Hours)
• Thursday, September 18
  • Rice Alliance Energy Tech Venture Forum at Rice University
  • Greentown Labs ACCEL Showcase
• Friday, September 19
  • Halliburton Labs Pitch Day at the Ion

In addition to these marquee events, returning programming from New Climate Ventures, Digital Wildcatters, and Global Corporate Venturing are already confirmed. New partners, including Decarbonization Partners and Avatar Innovations, are also joining the lineup. With the date announced, the founding partners invite 2024 hosts and others, to begin planning their events and programs. Calendar submissions will be opened in May.

Programming will take place across Houston, with the Ion District, powered by Rice University, serving as a key hub.

For more information and to get involved, visit houstonenergyclimatestartupweek.com

About Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week
Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week is a collaborative, city-wide initiative dedicated to advancing solutions for the energy transition. Launched by Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship, Halliburton Labs, Greentown Labs, Houston Energy Transition Initiative (HETI), Digital Wildcatters and Activate, the annual activation brings together startups, investors, and industry leaders to showcase innovation and drive meaningful impact. Events are hosted by many organizations across the city.

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Aims to accelerate commercialization of breakthrough technologies

Rice University today celebrated the grand opening of the Rice Nexus, its flagship innovation hub in the Ion District designed to help faculty, students and alumni founders turn breakthrough research into high-impact startups. Spanning 10,000 square feet across two floors of the Ion building, the state-of-the-art facility provides the space, resources and industry connections needed to scale new ventures, with artificial intelligence (AI) as a central pillar of its innovation strategy.

Under the leadership of Sanjoy Paul, an AI expert and entrepreneur, the Nexus aims to be a key driver for innovation across multiple industries, including biotech, energy, climate and health care.

“The Nexus represents Rice’s commitment to transforming groundbreaking research into real-world solutions,” said Rice President Reginald DesRoches. “By embedding AI expertise, fostering collaboration and equipping our entrepreneurs with the resources to succeed, we are positioning Houston as a global hub for innovation and technology commercialization.”

The Nexus is already home to several innovative deep tech and AI-powered startups. Among them is Solidec, a climate-tech company co-founded by Rice professor Haotian Wang, research scientist Ryan DuChanois and alumnus Yang Xia. Another standout is Coflux Purification, co-founded by Rice students Alec Ajnsztajn, Jeremy Daum and Dana Vazquez with collaboration from professors Rafael Verduzco and Pulickel Ajayan.

In addition, BeOne Sports, founded by Rice alumni, is advancing sports performance technology, while Voythos is battling complex cardiovascular disease by making accurate predictions on the future health of patients using AI.

These ventures and others benefit from the Nexus’ robust suite of resources, which includes mentorship, commercialization support and access to a network of investors and corporate partners.

“We created the Rice Nexus in the Ion for Rice faculty, students and alumni to transform their breakthrough ideas into venture-ready startups,” said Paul Cherukuri, Rice’s chief innovation officer and vice president for innovation. “With Sanjoy Paul at the helm, we are not only integrating AI into the core of our innovation efforts but also ensuring that Rice founders have the leadership, expertise and support they need to rapidly build and scale transformative companies.”

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HOUSTON – JANUARY 22, 2025 – Rice Real Estate Company today announced Industrious as the new operator of the Ion’s coworking community. The partnership seeks to deliver a new hospitality-focused member experience for the Ion’s innovation community.

“The Ion’s coworking space is vital for our startups, small businesses and innovation partners. It’s more than just a physical location to work, the dynamic environment fosters organic idea exchange and collaboration that is flexible to scale with a company’s needs as they grow. Partnering with Industrious enhances the Ion’s hospitality offerings in this way,” said Ken Jett, President of Rice Real Estate Company. “Their unparalleled expertise in delivering quality, hospitality-driven workspaces complements our vision of creating a world-class ecosystem where entrepreneurs, corporations, and academia converge to drive innovation forward.”

Industrious, renowned for its community-minded, hospitality-driven approach to coworking, will take over the management of the Ion’s existing 86,000-square-foot coworking space. This expansive area features a diverse range of workspaces including private suites and offices, dedicated desks, phone booths, and conference rooms of varying sizes. Under Industrious’ management, members will continue to enjoy the Ion’s exceptional workspace while benefiting from enhanced, all-inclusive amenities. Members can expect an elevated workplace experience, delivered by experienced staff trained in Industrious’ signature hospitality-oriented service model, which emphasizes comfort, design, and connection. Industrious will also offer new, curated networking events, and a host of complimentary and enhanced services including robust snack and coffee service. These offerings are designed to make our members feel welcomed, empowered to do their best work, and delighted to show up to the office.

“The Ion plays a valuable role in the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Houston. We’re thrilled to add our expertise in running engaging spaces and join forces with The Rice Real Estate Company to continue to position the Ion as an invaluable contributor to the growth of Houston’s innovation community,” said Natalie Levine, Senior Manager of Real Estate at Industrious.

In addition to the hospitality offerings managed by Industrious, the Ion boasts three chef-driven restaurants, a tap room, and recently launched “Ion District Eats To Go”, powered by DoorDash. This ordering and pickup service aggregates menus from Ion District restaurants into a single, convenient digital platform. Users can order from various eateries on one ticket, making it ideal for team lunches or individual meals. These offerings are open to tenants and visitors alike. The recent hospitality upgrades along with the Ion’s collection of state-of-the-art amenities—a 250-seat public forum space, a 6,500-square-foot prototyping lab, Investor Studio, fitness center and expansive meeting and event spaces—will continue to make the Ion the premiere destination for startups and corporate innovation.

The Ion, located at 4201 Main Street, is a 266,000-square-foot, Class AA office building and innovation hub at the heart of the 16-acre Ion District. As the transformative centerpiece of Houston’s innovation corridor, the Ion brings together entrepreneurial, corporate, and academic communities to foster collaboration and growth. The building boasts LEED Gold, WiredScore Platinum, and WELL Silver certifications, setting a new benchmark for office environments in Houston.

This partnership marks Industrious’ second location in Houston, reflecting the company’s expanding presence in key markets nationwide. For more information about Industrious coworking memberships at The Ion, visit industriousoffice.com.

About the Ion:
Located in Ion District, the Ion building is the transformative centerpiece of Houston’s innovation corridor, powered by Rice University. Designed to bring our city’s entrepreneurial, corporate and academic communities into collaborative spaces and programs, the sunlit structure of steel and glass is a home for advancing diverse knowledge, teams, technologies and products that propel our world forward. For more information about the Ion, visit IonDistrict.com or email: start@ionhouston.com.

About Rice Real Estate Company:
Rice Real Estate Company, a subsidiary of Rice University, strategically acquires and manages properties to support the university’s growth and financial sustainability. The company’s portfolio includes iconic holdings such as Rice Village and Ion District, which extend beyond the main campus boundaries. By leveraging market trends and diversifying assets, Rice Real Estate Company focuses on creating long-term value for the university, generating income to sustain operations and fund scholarships, research grants, and other initiatives that enrich the educational experience at Rice University. The company’s efforts contribute to the academic community and the broader public, ensuring a strong foundation for Rice University’s future. For more information, visit https://realestate.rice.edu/.

About Industrious
Industrious delivers the world’s best workplaces by making the office a welcoming, empowering, and delightful experience. From private offices to suites, meeting rooms, and desks, we make it easy to find a workspace that works for you – whether you come in just a few days a week, want the flexibility to work from more than one location, or need an HQ just for a day. Founded in 2012 and recognized as one of America’s 500 fastest-growing companies by Inc. Magazine, Industrious offers flexible workplaces at more than 200 locations in over 65 cities globally. For more information, visit industriousoffice.com.

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CONTACT:

Laura Jones, ljones@dpwpr.com

Dancie Perugini Ware Public Relations

713-224-9115

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What is Software Day?

This monthly series, comprising mentor office hours, fireside chats, and networking, establishes a critical axis for the software innovation community to rally around at the Ion. It brings together leading mentors, promising early-stage startups, and like-minded Houstonians focused on building transformative software innovations.

Prior to a fireside chat, a select group of seed-stage software startups will participate in mentor office hours. Over the course of 2 hours, startup entrepreneurs looking for guidance and seasoned founders needing help tackling tough challenges will have access to a group of curated mentors from the Mercury network. The ideal profile of a company for this mentorship program is a pre-Series A software startup that is in the early stages of revenue generation. Interested startups are encouraged to submit their applications here. Each month, startups will be selected to participate in the mentor office hours.

2025 Software Day Schedule
Mark your calendars for the upcoming Software Days at the Ion:

• February 4, 2025
• March 25, 2025
• May 20, 2025
• June 24, 2025
• August 26, 2025
• October 14, 2025

Applications for February 4 Are Open!
Are you a pre-Series A software startup in the early stages of revenue generation? Don’t miss the chance to participate in curated office hours, where you’ll receive guidance from mentors with expertise in high-growth software innovations.

Submit your application now to secure your spot for February’s Software Day.

Visit our new Software Day page for details about the program, see past topics, upcoming date, and opportunities to get involved.

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About Ion: Located in Ion District, the namesake building is the transformative centerpiece of Houston’s innovation corridor, powered by Rice University. Designed to bring our city’s entrepreneurial, corporate, and academic communities into collaborative spaces and programs, the sunlit structure of steel and glass is a home for advancing diverse knowledge, teams, technologies, and products that propel our world forward.
From Fortune 500s seeking flexible office space to first-time startups looking for the funding to design a prototype, the Ion provides wide-reaching space and support—welcoming individuals and teams of all kinds to a place to build a better way. The Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship leads programming at the Ion.

About Mercury: Mercury is an early-stage venture capital firm focused on software startups outside the coasts. Mercury’s investment themes target B2B and B2B2C SaaS and data platforms enabling the digital transformation of markets, industries, and customer relationships. To date, Mercury has created over $9 billion of value with an operationally focused investment strategy helping startups achieve rapid, sustainable growth. Mercury is headquartered in Houston with offices in Austin, Chicago, and Detroit. To learn more, visit mercuryfund.com.

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(Originally distributed by Rice University News & Media Relations)

Rice University is partnering with key stakeholders to bolster Houston’s role as a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship, with a focus on addressing the dual challenge of an energy-abundant and low-carbon future. The university is joining a new partnership to support climate tech solutions through Greentown Labs, North America’s largest climate tech incubator with locations in Houston’s Ion District and Somerville, Massachusetts, near Boston.

Rice, a joint partnership between David Baldwin and Bobby Tudor, MassDevelopment, Massachusetts’ development finance agency and land bank, and the city of Somerville are making a $4 million investment to bolster the nonprofit incubator and allow it to support even more climate and energy transition entrepreneurs.

“Greentown Labs has played an important role in jumpstarting the energy transition in Houston, and we want to contribute to making it bigger and better,” said Tudor, a Rice alumnus and trustee emeritus, and founder and CEO of Artemis Energy Partners. “As we continue to grow the Ion District and Rice increases its commitment to innovation, this partnership between Houston and Massachusetts will boost our shared commitment to accelerating the energy transition. We are collectively making a greater investment because we see the importance and promise of this ecosystem.”

At Rice, generating sustainable futures is a key driver of the university’s recently launched strategic plan, Momentous: Personalized Scale for Global Impact. The plan outlines a roadmap for Rice to be the most innovative institution accelerating long-lasting advances and discoveries aimed at developing sustainable solutions that address challenges to energy, climate and the environment.

“The collaboration between industry, investment and academic institutions is central to the solutions we urgently need for innovation in the energy transition,” Rice President Reginald DesRoches said. “It’s part of Rice’s leadership in entrepreneurship and climate tech. We invite our higher education and research peers in Texas and Massachusetts to join us in this mission.”

In addition to a search for a new CEO for Greentown Labs, a new board of directors has been appointed to provide strategic guidance and expertise, amplifying Greentown’s mission to accelerate climate tech innovation and commercialization by empowering entrepreneurs and enabling collaboration. Tudor will serve as chairman of the new board.

Greentown Labs Board of Directors:

• Bill Aulet, Ethernet Inventors Professor of the Practice of Entrepreneurship (MIT Sloan) and managing director of the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship
• David Baldwin, founder and board chair of TEX-E
• Georgina Campbell Flatter, co-founder and executive director of TomorrowNow
• Jason Hanna, co-founder of Greentown Labs; head of product, AI Solutions Group at Analog Devices
• Bob Harvey, former president and CEO of Greater Houston Partnership, board member of TEX-E
• John Hitt, general counsel at Massachusetts Clean Energy Center
• Juan Carlos Morales, founder and managing director of Surfside Capital Advisors; board member of MassDevelopment
• Pam Reeve, former CEO of Lightbridge; active public, private and nonprofit board member
• Jane Stricker, senior vice president, energy transition and executive director of the Houston Energy Transition Initiative at the Greater Houston Partnership
• Bobby Tudor, Greentown Labs board chair, founder and board chair of the Houston Energy Transition Initiative at the Greater Houston Partnership

“In 2021, Greentown Labs expanded to Houston, setting the stage for a thriving energy transition innovation ecosystem,” said Steve Kean, president and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership. “Since then, Houston has continued to attract climate tech companies from around the world, with over 260 startups now calling the region home. Greentown’s mission aligns closely with the Houston Energy Transition Initiative’s goal of accelerating global solutions to meet the dual challenge of meeting growing energy demand globally while also significantly reducing CO2 emissions. The addition of Tudor and HETI Executive Director Jane Stricker to Greentown’s board of directors will enhance collaboration across the energy and climate ecosystem and advance the work of both organizations.”

“With this new funding, Greentown is poised to expand its impact across its existing ecosystems and support even more climate tech startups,” said Greentown Labs Interim CEO Kevin Dutt. “We believe in the essential role entrepreneurship will play in the energy transition and we’re grateful for the support of our partners who share in that belief and our collective commitment to commercializing these technologies as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

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The Community Artists’ Collective, (CAC), is thrilled to announce its new home within the Ion District. The new location allows CAC opportunities to expand its impact by offering a spacious gallery, classroom, and retail space that helps CAC reintroduce their robust arts programming. This move marks a significant milestone in CAC’s ongoing mission to foster cultural enrichment and artistic expression within the community.

“We are excited about the opportunities this move presents,” said April M. Frazier, Assistant Director of the Community Artists’ Collective. “Our new location at the Ion District, in partnership with Rice Real Estate Company and Rice University, will allow us to reach new heights in our mission to support and celebrate the arts in Houston.” Co-Founder and Executive Director Michelle Barnes adds, “Since its inception, we have dreamed and planned for growth and enhanced reach in the community, we believe this partnership positions us to continue our mission to provide the link to arts and culture to inspire unlimited creativity.”

The new location in the Ion District was facilitated through a strategic relationship with Rice Real Estate Company, a division of Rice University, and underscores a shared commitment to supporting the arts and supporting a vibrant cultural landscape in Houston. “We’re proud to support the Community Artists’ Collective in this new chapter,” said Sam Dike, Investment Manager of Strategic Investments. “The arts are a vital part of our community, and this partnership reflects our dedication to fostering a rich cultural environment.”

Cultural Significance of the Community Artists’ Collective

For over three decades, the Community Artists’ Collective has been a cornerstone of Houston’s cultural and artistic community. CAC’s programs and initiatives have empowered countless artists, provided vital arts education, and enriched the cultural fabric of the city. The move to the Ion represents a new chapter in CAC’s storied history, offering a state-of-the-art space that will enable the organization to continue its mission with renewed vigor.

The Collective invites the community to experience the new space during the Ashe` Holiday Market, December 12^th through December 21^st.

Open Hours: Thursday – Saturday 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

4111 Fannin Street, Suite 100

Houston, TX 77004

Contact Information

For more information, please contact: Community Artists’ Collective | 713-523-1616 info@thecollective.org | www.thecollective.org

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Growing up in Vietnam, Chef Lena’s love for food came from eating delicious meals. “I was always a happy child when my parents took me out to eat,” she laughs. It wasn’t until she moved to Houston in 2015 that she found herself in the kitchen, missing the comfort of homemade Asian dishes. By 2017, she enrolled in culinary school, driven by two things: a craving to bring authentic Asian comfort food to Houston, and a desire to help survivors of domestic violence—a mission born from her time volunteering at local shelters.

“When I worked at shelters, I saw survivors struggle to hold down jobs because of their trauma,” Lena shares. That realization led to Lena’s Asian Kitchen, a business that not only serves food but offers training and employment to those overcoming hardship. Winning Chopped brought new opportunities, but for Lena, the real victory is making an impact through her food and her team.

Now, she’s introducing her grab-and-go meals to Cafe Ion, bringing flavors inspired by her heritage and community-focused mission to the Ion. “I want to share our culture with everyone, and what better way than with healthy, delicious food?” she says. The grab-and-go meals are healthy options for busy patrons at the Ion—flavorful, nourishing and a little piece of home in each bite. Lena’s Asian Kitchen is 100% dairy free, nut free, gluten free and keto. Customers can pre-order on their website and pickup at Cafe Ion.

Through each meal, Lena is sparking awareness around domestic violence and creating a platform for positive change. “Giving back is my number one purpose,” she says. “Our food will light up your day and keep you going—our goal is to do that for everyone here at the Ion.”

Learn more about Lena’s Asian Kitchen and Lena’s Foundation.

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