Houston Innovation Commons: February Session
Houston Innovation Commons presents our second session!
Houston has world-class research institutions, energy industry expertise, and ambitious founders. But ask any innovator here and you'll hear the same thing: it's hard to find the right people to build with.
Houston Innovation Commons is changing that.
This is Session 2 of our Design Jam series.
In January, we dug into the problem — interviewing experts and founders, mapping journeys, and uncovering why it's so hard for Houston innovators to find mentors, peer-mentors, and co-founders.
Now we turn those insights into action.
What's happening at this session:
We'll pick up where we left off — reviewing what we learned, framing opportunities, and brainstorming solutions. This is the Ideation phase of design thinking: generating ideas, building on each other's thinking, and shaping concepts that could actually work.
What You'll Do
Identify patterns and craft insights as a group → Review findings from Session 1 → Frame "How Might We" opportunity questions → Brainstorm solutions (yes, with sticky notes) → Build on each other's ideas → Shape promising concepts →Connect with Houston's innovation community
What You'll Leave With
✓ Experience with ideation and brainstorming techniques ✓ Concrete solution concepts for Houston's connection challenge ✓ Continued connections with Houston's innovation community
Can I attend if I missed Session 1?
Yes — we'll do a quick recap at the start. But you'll get more out of it if you were there for the research phase.
Who Should Attend
Innovators curious about design thinking or looking to build their design skills
Community builders invested in Houston's ecosystem
Anyone who's experienced the challenge of finding the right connections
People working in design, innovation, strategy, or product development
No design experience required — just bring your stories and curiosity.
About Houston Innovation Commons
HIC is a community of practice for Houston innovators — a place to learn, build, and grow together. We believe the best way to strengthen an ecosystem is to work on real challenges, together, using proven methods.
This is our second event. We're excited to launch with something hands-on and meaningful.
Hosts
Ukeme Daniel — Designer & Co-founder, Houston Innovation Commons Andrew Baines — Co-founder, Houston Innovation Commons
Food & Drinks Provided