Editor’s note: Kick off 2026 by hearing insightful talks and making meaningful connections in Houston’s innovation scene. From networking workshops to presentations from major industry leaders, here’s what not to miss and how to register. Please note: this article may be updated to include additional event listings.<\/p>\n
Jan. 13 \u2013 Financing the Future<\/p>\n
Hear from James Blake, head of capital markets at Fervo Energy, in this informative talk. Blake will cover the current investment landscape for geothermal power, how geothermal projects are structured and the role of policy incentives and innovative financing models in moving the industry forward. A small reception follows. <\/p>\n
This event is Tuesday, Jan. 13, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Ion. Register here.<\/a><\/p>\n Jan. 14 \u2014 A Conversation with Dr. Wayne J. Riley on Leading Through Healthcare Transformation<\/p>\n Rice Business Partners will host Dr. Wayne J. Riley, president of SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, for a moderated discussion with Dean Peter Rodriguez. Riley will share insights on leading complex healthcare organizations in an era of unprecedented industry challenges and reflect on his time at the Jones Graduate School of Business. <\/p>\n This event is Wednesday, Jan. 14, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at McNair Hall on Rice University’s campus. Register here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Jan. 14 \u2014 VDW: Igniting Connections for Startup Success<\/p>\n Entrepreneurial communications instructor Diana Massaro will lead Lilie’s latest Venture Development Workshop, focused on soft skills like clear communication, active listening and compelling introductions. Attendees will gain a personalized networking game plan and communication tools to turn casual encounters into meaningful relationships to support their ventures or careers.<\/p>\n This event is Wednesday, Jan. 14, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Liu Idea Lab for Innovation and Entrepreneurship on Rice University’s campus. Register here.<\/a><\/p>\n Jan. 21 \u2014 Upstream: Digital Tech Meetup<\/p>\n This month’s Upstream: Digital Tech Meetup will explore how AI and real-time monitoring are being applied in safety-critical offshore environments, what\u2019s working today, where the biggest gaps remain going into 2026 and how operators and service companies are approaching adoption. Expect to hear from leaders at NOV, Incom Solutions, Timbergrove and others. <\/p>\n This event is Wednesday, Jan. 21, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the Ion. Find more information here.<\/a><\/p>\n Jan. 22 \u2014 HEAD AND HEART: Leading Technology with Humanity While Everything Changes <\/p>\n Hear from Chris Hyams, former CEO of Indeed, at the latest installment of Rice’s Master of Engineering Management & Leadership Seminar Series. Hyams will present on the intersection of technology, humanity and change\u2014and how AI is reshaping all three.<\/p>\n This event is Thursday, Jan. 22, at 6 p.m. at Duncan Hall on Rice University’s campus. Find more information here.<\/a><\/p>\n Jan. 22 \u2013 NASA Tech Talk<\/p>\n This month’s NASA Tech Talks will feature a special delegation from the UK Science and Technology Network. Expect to hear from a panel of UK space experts, followed by a fireside chat featuring David Alexander, head of the Rice Space Institute, and Meganne Christian, ESA reserve astronaut and senior exploration manager. <\/p>\n This event is Thursday, Jan. 22, from 6-7 p.m. at the Ion. Find more information here.<\/a><\/p>\n Jan. 29 \u2013 Ignition Hub Startup Career Fair<\/p>\n Lilie will host the Ignition Hub Startup Career Fair this month in partnership with Rice University\u2019s Center for Career Development and Career Development Office. The fair will bring together some of the most innovative, high-growth companies to offer Rice students exciting opportunities. Startups can apply to be considered for the fair. The event is open to Rice University undergraduate, graduate, MBA, and PhD students. <\/p>\n This event is Thursday, Jan. 29, at Grand Hall on Rice University’s campus. Find more information here.<\/a><\/p>\n Jan. 29 \u2013 Health Policy Symposium: Value-Based Care & the Health Care Workforce<\/p>\n The Humana Integrated Health Systems Science Institute at the University of Houston will host its latest Health Policy Symposium this month, focused on the evolving landscape of value-based care and the importance of preparing and strengthening the health care workforce. Hear keynote addresses from leaders at Humana, UH, the American Medical Association and Houston Health Department. <\/p>\n This event is Thursday, Jan. 29, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine on Rice University’s campus. Find more information here.<\/a><\/p>\n Jan. 30 \u2014 GHP Annual Meeting<\/p>\n The Greater Houston Partnership’s premier event will highlight the region\u2019s progress, honor visionary leadership and set the tone for the year ahead. Hear reflections from outgoing board chair, Gretchen Watkins (former -president of Shell USA); welcome incoming board chair, Armando Perez (EVP of H-E-B Houston); and more <\/p>\n