Editor’s Note:Let’s review the top innovation news in Houston this week.Articles on the latest Houston tech and startup trends on InnovationMap included big changes at Ion, a rebranding for a data science company, and more.
Houston innovation hub restructures, attracts more Rice resources
Rice University is restructuring its operations at Ion. Photo courtesy of Ion
Rice University is building on Ion by restructuring the innovation hub team and increasing the university’s presence within the hub.
Paul Cherukuri, vice president of innovation, tells InnovationMap that the changes to Ion — Rice’s innovation center in Midtown — reflect Rice President Reginald DesRoches’ vision for the center and for the university as a leader in innovation.
“This restructuring makes us feel even closer to the community,” Cherukuri says. “This restructuring is really a result of Reggie’s vision for us to move forward by helping the community grow innovation in Houston, throughout Texas, and even around the world.”
He adds that the university is “leveraging the resources of Rice Alliance and scaling up what’s happening at Ion.” Continue reading.
Houston fintech startup acquired by California unicorn
A four-year-old Brassica was acquired. Photo via brassicafin.com
A Houston fintech innovator celebrates the exit of his latest startup.
Brassica Technologies Inc., a fintech infrastructure company that provides a platform for alternative assets, has been acquired by BitGo, a Palo Alto, Calif.-based technology company that offers digital asset services. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Joining forces with BitGo is an important step toward Brassica’s ultimate vision of building the financial infrastructure of the future,” Youngro Lee, Brassica’s founder and CEO, said in a press release. “Our strength lies in our ‘one-stop shop’ approach of providing API-enabled infrastructure for the alternative asset industry.” Continue reading.
Houston data science company rebrands to focus on intersection of AI and life sciences
Mercury Data Science has officially changed its name to OmniScience. Photo via Getty Images
A Houston organization built to provide critical data science support to its clients has rebranded and entered its latest era.
Mercury Data Science has officially rebranded to OmniScience. Founded in 2017 as a spinoff from Mercury, a local venture capital group, the data science-focused software company is led by CEO Angela Holmes, who was appointed to the role in 2022.
“OmniScience is a testament to our commitment to being a force for innovation in data science and life sciences,” Holmes said in the release. “The new brand reflects our vision for the future, where data science is a driving force for positive change in life sciences.”Continue reading.
Houston Organizations Partner to Host First Climate Startup Week
Introducing: Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week, a collaborative initiative that will showcase Houston’s ecosystem of energy technology innovators. Photo via Getty Images
Three organizations are partnering to host a week of programming and events focused on energy and climate startups.
Greentown Labs, Halliburton Labs and the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship have announced that Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week 2024 will take place September 9-13.
“These organizations will host events that will serve as a springboard to an Energy and Climate Startup Week in Houston, showcasing the city as a national hub for the energy future,” Brad Burke, executive director of Rice Alliance, said in the release. “We invite the community to host additional energy and climate-related events throughout the week, which we will promote as the dates approach.”Continue reading.
Houston mobile ordering company partners with robotic kitchen
Mobile ordering technology for hospital employees just got a major tech upgrade. Photo courtesy of Rivalry Tech
Houston-based Rivalry Tech has announced a partnership with Canada’s RoboEatz to provide hospital workers with on-demand meals 24/7.
RoboEatz is known for its autonomous robotic kitchen system, which efficiently and consistently prepares high-quality meals for healthcare organizations, businesses, higher education institutions and quick-service restaurants.
Rivalry Tech will pair RoboEatz’s system with its user interface, known as myEATZ, currently in use at several Houston Methodist hospitals, the TMC Innovation Factory and in the hospitality industry, according to the company’s website.
“At Rivalry Tech, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of cutting-edge technology with innovative partners like RoboEatz,” said Aaron Knape, CEO of Rivalry Tech, in a statement. “Partnering with RoboEatz allows us to take this commitment even further by providing an interface that gives users complete control over their dining choices and preferences.” Continue reading.