Texas' Largest Tech Incubator to Showcase Newest Innovations by Emerging Technology Companies

HOUSTON, Sept. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Houston Technology Center (HTC), a business accelerator that assists Houston-based emerging technology companies, will host the largest presentation of Gulf Coast emerging technology companies from the energy, information technology, life sciences, nanotechnology and NASA/aerospace sectors during its Innovation Conference & Showcase on October 5.

The conference will include presentations from early and mid-stage technology companies, highlighting research, innovation, entrepreneurship and commercialization. Presenting companies exhibiting at the event will include HTC clients, graduates, as well as other emerging technology companies from 12 participating academic and research institutions. In addition, this event will feature:

• NASA Astronaut, Dr. Sandra H. Magnus as the Keynote Speaker. Dr. Magnus has spent over 5 months in space and was aboard Atlantis for the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program.
• Michael Holthouse, Holthouse Interests and Holthouse Foundation for Kids, will serve as the Luncheon Speaker. Mr. Holthouse is an Inc. Magazine "Entrepreneur of the Year" and a two-time "Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Company" winner.
• Leadership Panel- Moderator: Catherine Mosbacher - President & CEO, Center for Houston's Future; Panelists: Dr. Andrew Barron - Associate Dean for Industry Interactions & Tech Transfer, Rice University; Michael L. Coats - Former Astronaut and Director, NASA Johnson Space Center; Dr. Ronald DePinho - President-Designate, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center; Robert L. Parker, Jr. - Executive Chairman, Parker Drilling Company; John Thornton - General Partner, Austin Ventures
• Announcement of the second annual Goradia Innovation Prize winners, a distribution of $150,000 in prize monies made by possible by donations from Mr. and Dr. Goradia and Opportunity Houston.  The Goradia Innovation Prize recognizes the best innovations from universities and research institutions; encouraging commercialization to the marketplace.

"This event highlights the cutting-edge technologies being commercialized in the Texas Gulf Coast," said Walter Ulrich, President and CEO of the Houston Technology Center. "The innovations of these thriving young companies have had significant economic impact on our community and position Houston as an international technology hub."

Individual tickets are $250 for the full day and $125 for the 2pm-4pm afternoon session and cocktail reception to follow. For additional information or general registration visit http://www.HoustonTech.org/ICS

About Houston Technology Center:  Named by Forbes' as one of "Ten Technology Incubators Changing the World," the Houston Technology Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is a business accelerator and the largest technology business incubator in Texas, advancing the commercialization of emerging technology companies in the greater Houston area. HTC serves as the nexus of new ideas, technological innovation, and entrepreneurship. Each day, the staff and partners of the Houston Technology Center work closely with entrepreneurs and startup companies providing them with in-depth strategic and tactical business guidance, fundraising advice, and connections to opportunities, allies, and capital. As a catalyst for change, economic growth and development, HTC's focus is to assist Houston-based entrepreneurs within several key sectors: energy, information technology, life sciences, nanotechnology, and NASA/aerospace. For more information visit www.HoustonTech.org or connect with HTC on Facebook or Twitter @HouTechCenter.

Media Contact:

Maggie M. Joplin
Director, Marketing & Communications
Houston Technology Center
(832) 476-9235
[email protected]

SOURCE Houston Technology Center