Houston Innovation Hub Empowers Entrepreneurs

HUB OF TECH LEADERS: Early rendering of The Ion’s main lobby, which is projected to open this fall.

By: Damita Roberts

Housed in Houston’s Innovation District, The Ion is a center for technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. The first of its kind in Houston, the 266,000-square foot structure is designed to bring together the city’s entrepreneurial, corporate and academic communities into collaborative spaces and programs where they can build upon fresh and innovative ideas that can impact the world.

The Ion’s programing is also focused on improving diversity and inclusion in Houston’s innovation ecosystem. The Ion partners with DivInc., General Assembly, and LatinX Accelerator to provide minority- and womenowned businesses direct access to opportunities and resources that can assist with reducing the disparity in the marketplace concerning large projects, bid requirements, and capacity issues.

Deanea LeFlore, Senior Director of Partnerships at The Ion, is the driving force behind connecting the community with The Ion’s resources.

“The Ion is working to provide a bank of opportunities for everyone to be able to participate and benefit from technology and innovation by building systems for small businesses,” LeFlore said. “Rice Management Company is very intentional in developing the Innovation District to ensure that as the project expands Houston’s tech and innovation ecosystem, they are also bridging the gap of accessibility between the communities.”

Regardless of certification, LeFlore encourages small businesses to access the many resources as well as the networking and educational opportunities at The Ion. Bringing these opportunities to Houston also helps keep innovators and creators local. as a space for the community,” LeFlore said. “Come check us out.”

The Ion’s monthly E-Commerce Panel Discussion is hosted by Houstonian Kim Roxie, Founder and CEO of LAMIK Beauty, a clean beauty brand that caters to multicultural women. Each month, the panel discusses tools and strategies that make it possible for businesses and consumers to stay connected. and bring his family into a different pathway or legacy in the field,” she said. “Technology is for everyone and is also the future of the workforce. No matter your industry or field of expertise, you probably are intersected with technology at this point.”

Family Tech Night is a monthly event that illuminates pathways to technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship by impacting the families within the various communities of Houston. According to LeFlore, this program integrates the family into a common space that provides resources for parents or guardians to understand that they may have a gifted or talented child who may want to pursue an alternate path from their family business.

“For instance, a child coming from a family who has a legacy of mechanical work can take that experience and knowledge into aerospace engineering, robotics, or any innovative platform and bring his family into a different pathway or legacy in the field,” she said. “Technology is for everyone and is also the future of the workforce. No matter your industry or field of expertise, you probably are intersected with technology at this point.”

For more information about The Ion, go to www.ionhouston.com.

BID OPPORTUNITIES AT HOUSTON’S INNOVATION DISTRICT

The Ion is managed by Rice Management Company (RMC). The Ion is part of the Innovation District, a 3.5 million square-foot, mixed-use project. As The Ion is built, more opportunities for MWBEs are becoming available. Mpact Strategic Consulting manages the MWSDBE bids and processes.

Upcoming bid opportunities are available this summer and fall in the areas of Elevator Consulting, Lighting Protection, Exterior Landscaping, Janitorial, Security Services, and Pest Control. To bid on upcoming contracts with The Ion, Transwestern, or the District Garage, visit www.houinnovate.com.