UH and Rice Introduce the 2024 Business Accelerator Cohort

The University of Houston and Rice University are joining forces once again to support Houston entrepreneurship with the announcement of the latest cohort of their startup and small business accelerators, RED Labs and OwlSpark. This summer, the accelerators will be hosting their ventures at the Ion, the heart of the Houston innovation corridor in Midtown.

This collaboration between the two universities aims to provide tailored support to emerging startups and small businesses, further solidifying Houston’s position as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. By bringing together founders from RED Labs and OwlSpark, the partnership creates an environment that fosters collaboration, idea-sharing, and access to valuable resources.

Liana Gonzalez-Schulenberg, Managing Director of RED Labs, highlighted the unique opportunity this collaboration provides for founders to grow alongside their peers in the larger Houston community. The 11-week accelerator program will offer participants an immersive experience with industry leaders, mentors, and investors, as well as access to Houston’s thriving entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The Ion, Houston’s innovation hub powered by Rice, will serve as the ideal location for the accelerator programs, offering collaborative spaces and a community where ideas can flourish. Jessica Fleenor, Managing Director of OwlSpark, emphasized the dynamic alliance between the universities in fostering entrepreneurship and propelling Houston to the forefront of innovation.

Both RED Labs and OwlSpark have a track record of supporting founders and fostering innovation at their respective universities. The accelerator programs will culminate in the Bayou Startup Showcase on August 1, where participants will showcase their ventures to the Greater Houston community.

With a diverse range of sectors represented in the cohort, including smart plant care devices, online grocery retailers, and immersive mixed reality solutions, the future looks bright for these aspiring entrepreneurs as they work towards turning their visions into reality and driving positive change in the community.