“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

Sam Dike joined Rice Management Company in 2020 as manager of strategic initiatives. In this role, Dike is responsible for ensuring strategic investments, public policy and external partnerships align with RMC’s core real estate strategy. Prior to joining RMC, Dike was vice president of programs for the Houston Land Bank, where he was responsible for managing programs to develop affordable housing as well overseeing partnership development and intergovernmental relations. Prior to joining the Houston Land Bank, he spent nine years on staff at Houston City Council with seven of those years as chief of staff for the vice mayor pro-tem. Dike received a B.S. in political science from the University of Houston and is a Texas Legislative Intern Program (TLIP) Alum. Dike was appointed by Houston City Council to serve on the board of directors for Harris County Improvement District No. 23 and is actively involved in community and economic development efforts around Houston; serving as a member of the board of directors of local nonprofits, TXRX Labs Inc., East End Maker Hub, Architecture Center Houston Foundation and Truly Home Inc.