The Ion, Houston's innovation hub developed by the Rice Management Co., unveiled its latest building feature Jan. 31 and named its operation partner for the space.
The Ion, located in Midtown, opened its The Ion Prototyping Lab (IPL) with the announcement that Houston nonprofit TXRX Labs will be the operator. The IPL’s 6,500-square-foot space will include access to tools such as laser cutters, computer numerical control mills and lathes, electronics assembly equipment and 3D printers as well as programming, training and support.
The unveiling event was attended by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Houston), Rice President David Leebron, Provost Reginald DesRoches and Rice Management Co. President Allison Thacker.
“With its close proximity to Houston’s Central Business District and the Texas Medical Center, the Ion is thrilled to provide the Houston tech community the Prototyping Lab operated by TXRX as an essential resource for businesses,” Jan Odegard, executive director of the Ion, said in a news release. “The Ion serves as a driver and convener of activity, while TXRX's successful model of hands-on training and technological innovation is being leveraged to jump-start the activity of entrepreneurs, corporations and researchers. You think it, we make it.” (Photos by Jeff Fitlow/Rice University)
