🔥What's hot in Houston's Innovation Ecosystem this week?

Howdy!

Let’s start with some useful information for startups.

If you are a founder, you should apply to Startup Battlefield - APPLY

But what is it?

Look, if you’re an early-stage startup, TechCrunch Startup Battlefield is basically the Olympics of tech. For over 15 years, TC Disrupt has been the stage where world-class founders show up, pitch, and walk away with a reputation (and sometimes a big ol’ check) that changes everything.

Back in the day, TechCrunch picked 20 early-stage companies to spotlight. Now, with the ecosystem going bananas, they’ve upped that number to 200. These lucky 200 get to pitch on the Pitch Showcase Stage, mingle with top investors, attend private events, score pitch coaching, and basically gain infinite bragging rights.

From those 200, the final 20 move on to the Disrupt Stage – prime time. They each get a six-minute pitch, live Q&A with tier-1 VCs, and a shot at $100K in equity-free money plus the famous Disrupt Cup. It’s the ultimate “make it or break it” moment. And if you doubt the power of this platform, just look at the alumni: Trello, Mint, Dropbox, Yammer… the list goes on.

In short: Startup Battlefield is where you go if you’re ready to launch your rocket ship… Also, connect with Isabelle Johannessen - she runs the program! APPLY

 
🚀 Young Inventors Showcase is recruiting 30 judges! 🚀

Love engaging with 1st–8th grade young inventors and seeing creativity in action? This is your chance to inspire the next generation of innovators!

📅 Learn more & sign up: younginventorsshowcase.org/events
📩 Reach out to Greg Micek: [email protected]

🚀 Houston Startup Speedrun – Class of 2025 is HERE! 🚀

The first session kicks off Thursday, March 20th at Ion Houston! Hosted by Wade Pinder, "the father of Product Management," this intensive, one-day, 10-hour program is designed to equip entrepreneurs, aspiring founders, and professionals with the knowledge and resources to navigate Houston’s innovation ecosystem.

🔥 What to Expect:
✅ 10 back-to-back 50-minute sessions covering key startup essentials
✅ Actionable insights, practical tools, and expert guidance
✅ A fast-track deep dive for anyone at the idea, prototype, launch, or scale stage

💰 Worth the investment – $495/seat, and you can use code "speedrun15" for 15% off!
📍 Details & sign-up: LINK

🚀 I’ll be running Speedrun sessions throughout 2025, available on Thursdays & Saturdays! Know an aspiring founder? Share this with them!

📩 Want updates on future sessions & special offers? Fill out this quick form: https://lnkd.in/g5hvQsTC

🚀 #Houston, don’t miss this unique opportunity to level up your venture investment skills! 💰🦄

Through Venture University, the first VU Houston cohort is launching—an immersive program led by experienced venture investors. This program is designed to equip participants with real-world knowledge, hands-on experience, and a powerful network to excel in venture capital and private equity.

🔥 Why join?
✅ Deep dive into the venture asset class and learn from top investors
✅ Hands-on experience in sourcing, evaluating, and closing deals
✅ Expand your investor network and contribute to Houston’s growing VC ecosystem

This is more than just a learning opportunity—it’s a chance to actively shape Houston’s investment landscape and drive innovation forward.

📩 Want to learn more? Reach out to Jan E. Odegard or Jenna Fernandes and mention you’re interested in VU Houston!

LET'S ROCKET NETWORK!


We are using emojis to guide subscribers in our event list 📅📍

HERE ARE OUR PICKS FOR THIS WEEK

Monday, March 10

_♻️🌍 Climate & Energy Ventures (CEV) and Prize (CEP) Reunion @ CERAWeek

How do we build a successful startup while staying true to humane tech principles? - Online

Tuesday, March 11

🚀Cup of Joey at Sugar Land Town Square

_⚡The Hydrogen Industry and its Ecosystems: USA & EU

_⚡CERAWeek'25 5K Run

_⚡FOAK Nightcap in Houston ( FOAK includes: standing up early climate infrastructure…Investors, startups, developers, and everyone / anyone with a particular interest in this topic is welcome!)

_🌶️⚡Pitch Preview: Energy Venture Day at the Ion

Ion Prototyping Lab Office Hours

Pitch Practice for Startups Entering the U.S. Market, featuring SelectUSA - Online

Wednesday, March 12

🤓💻Houston Linux Users Group Meetup at Ion Prototyping Lab

Co-Founder Networking: Sales and Marketing Partner Matchmaking - Online

Thursday, March 13

🤓💻Introduction to the Actor Model with Akka.NET

🎖️🚀Cup of JoeY FT Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce

_⚡🚀Energy Tech Market

🎖️🚀VETERANS BUSINESS BATTLE - Day 1

_⚡♻️CERAWeek Transition On Tap at Greentown Labs

🤓💻React HTX Meetup at Ion Prototyping Lab

🤓💻Code4Y’all Meetup

Friday, March 14

🎖️🚀VETERANS BUSINESS BATTLE - Day 2

🚀Ion Networking with Cup of Joey

From Connections to Customers, Social Sales Without the Ick!

Ion Prototyping Lab Office Hours

SCORE Office Hours

From Connections to Customers, Social Sales Without the Ick!

Saturday, March 15

IPL Learning: 3D CAD with Fusion360

Houston Robotics Group at Ion Prototyping Lab

⚠️Hosting a tech meetup or startup event? Submit it via the RocketNetwork Event Submission Form to boost your visibility!

HOPEFULLY, USEFUL LINKS

FEATURED EVENTS

FEATURED JOBS

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_{Disclaimer: The content in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by any sponsors. All opinions and information are those of the author and not of the sponsors or affiliated organizations}.