Tech Transfer Thursday: Computing Innovation (AI & Quantum)

Houston’s top research institutions are driving the next wave of foundational computing breakthroughs. Join us at The Ion District for the third installment of Tech Transfer Thursday, focused squarely on Computing: Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technologies. Whether you are an aspiring founder looking for proven IP to launch your venture, an active entrepreneur seeking an unfair technical advantage, or an investor tracking deep tech spinouts, this event bridges the gap between lab discovery and market scale. What to Expect Demystifying Tech Transfer: Rice University Office of Technology Transfer will walk through how founders and companies can identify, evaluate, and license patented inventions, algorithms, and software from university portfolios. Early-Stage IP & Startup Strategy: Keynote discussion led by Womble Bond Dickinson covering critical legal considerations for deep tech founders, including company formation, IP protection, and avoiding costly early equity mistakes. CounselConnect Launch: Official announcement of Rice OTT's CounselConnect and the Startup Counsel Award. Regional Faculty Innovation Showcase: Rapid-fire 5 to 7 minute spotlights from leading researchers presenting commercializable AI and Quantum projects out of Rice University Agenda 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM | Networking Reception Grab a drink, check in, and connect with founders, investors, researchers, and ecosystem leaders. 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Tech Transfer & Legal Strategy Overview: How to License University IP (Rice OTT) Keynote: Startup Formation & IP Strategy (Womble Bond Dickinson) Launch Announcement: CounselConnect & Startup Counsel Award 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Faculty Technology Showcase Short-form spotlights on emerging AI & Quantum Computing IP across Texas research institutions. 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Community Happy Hour Open networking and strategic connections. Location & Time Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026 Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Location: The Ion District | Room 032 | 4201 Main St, Houston, TX 77002 Parking: Free 3 hour parking