Rice University has been selected as having the top university business incubator in the world according to a just-released study by UBI. I have been working for more than a year now to support/enhance/catalyze entrepreneurship at Rice by teaching, mentoring, and helping to launch the OwlSpark Accelerator, which received special mention in the announcement. ItContinue reading “Rice Named Top University Incubator”
Category Archives: Rice & Texas
A Spark of Entrepreneurship at Rice
Although I haven’t posted much about it on this blog, many of you know that I have spent the last year and a half helping to foster more/better entrepreneurship at my alma mater, Rice University. Six months ago I officially accepted the role of Entrepreneur in Residence at the Rice Center for Engineering Leadership, anContinue reading “A Spark of Entrepreneurship at Rice”
The Dude Ranch
Two weekends ago Katie and I were excited to host our first house guests since remodeling our house. Peter, a good friend from business school, and his girlfriend came into town from New York and it was the first time in Houston for both of them. They arrived late Friday night, so we just wentContinue reading “The Dude Ranch”
What is it like to attend Rice?
I was recently asked to answer the question, “What is it like to attend Rice?” on Quora. My answer: There is no better word than “magical” to describe my experience as an undergrad at Rice University. Indeed, Rice often invites comparisons with Hogwarts due to its Residential Colleges (much like being sorted into Hogwarts Houses),Continue reading “What is it like to attend Rice?”
A Meaningful Award for Smart OES
Yesterday we were honored to receive first place in the Goradia Innovation Prize competition! When I first announced that I would move back to Houston from Switzerland to launch Smart Office Energy Solutions, people thought I was crazy. “Why Houston?” “They don’t have startups there – just big oil companies!” I assured them – orContinue reading “A Meaningful Award for Smart OES”
The First Cleanweb Hackathon in Texas
Last weekend marked the culmination of a special project I’ve been working on for many months: bringing the Cleanweb Hackathon to Houston! Cleanweb is a global movement of people developing IT-based “clean” technologies instead of the traditional “cleantech” like solar and wind which require massive investments and decades to commercialize. The purpose of a cleanweb hackathonContinue reading “The First Cleanweb Hackathon in Texas”
Morning Run in Houston
With the temperature down to 19° C (66° F) for the first time in several months, I took advantage and rose early for a morning jog along Buffalo Bayou in the heart of Houston. When I began, it was still dark and the crescent moon stood guard brilliantly in the cloudless sky. As I ranContinue reading “Morning Run in Houston”
Why I Donate to Rice Part 2
18 months ago I responded to a Thresher op-ed that advocated for withholding donations. Now I find myself doing the same. The original Thresher article is here. My initial response was as follows: “As humans we fear change and we always long for our alma mater to remain the [often idealized] snapshot of our ownContinue reading “Why I Donate to Rice Part 2”
Rice Centennial Celebration in Istanbul, Turkey
Katie and I spent last weekend in Istanbul, Turkey as part of the Rice Centennial Celebration there. When Edgar Odell Lovett, Rice’s first president, traveled the world collecting ideas for the institution he was about to launch, Istanbul was an important stop on his journey. Therefore, as one of many celebrations Rice has organized thisContinue reading “Rice Centennial Celebration in Istanbul, Turkey”
33rd Birthday Musings
Birthdays are always good times for reflection and this year I’m feeling particularly introspective. Perhaps it is because 33 is a number of great significance to one of my good friends or perhaps it is because my last multiple of 11 year was so impactful (graduating from college, meeting Katie) that this birthday feels .Continue reading “33rd Birthday Musings”