“ION DISTRICT AND ION — ACTIVATING HOUSTON’S INNOVATION CORRIDOR”

Ion District is an intentionally accessible, walkable and integrated urban community. It spans 12 city blocks (16 acres) in Houston's Midtown, where people, ideas and businesses thrive. Initiated by Rice University, Ion District energizes a more sustainable, resilient and inclusive future. At actively programmed events and spontaneous every day moments, Ion District invites residents, startups, corporate, academic and civic leaders to unite, explore and create opportunities together. The Ion anchors Ion District and is destined to become the epicenter of Houston's innovation ecosystem. The 266,000-square-foot building accommodates multiple uses, including class-A office space, shared workspace, prototyping and maker resources, event space, classrooms, food and beverage offerings and indoor/outdoor communal areas with shared amenities. In this presentation, speakers will share the vision for the district and where we are today, and explore what steps we take to ensure that Ion District and the Ion remain authentically integrated, creating technology and innovation opportunities for all. For more information, visit https://www.iondistrict.com and https://ionhouston.com/.

Biography

Jan E. Odegard is the executive director that leads the Ion, a technology and innovation hub that connects the central downtown business district and The Texas Medical Center. The Ion anchors Ion District and the Houston innovation corridor supporting the development of an ecosystem that creates programs, pathways, and opportunities for inclusive, sustainable and resilient economic growth.