HOUSTON’S PARTNERSHIP WITH MICROSOFT AND RICE UNIVERSITY – HOUSTON BOASTS NEW INNOVATION DISTRICT AND INTERNET OF THINGS

There has been a lot of buzz going around since the announcement from Houston’s Mayor, Sylvester Turner, that Microsoft has partnered with Houston to create the nation’s first “Internet of Things” alliance to encourage innovation and digital literacy. Turner said Microsoft will help give five communities the skills they need to develop careers in an increasingly digital world. The company will focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics education programs to help students become the next leaders in the digital community and catapult Houston to be a leader in smart devices and artificial intelligence.

The residents of Houston have long known that the city is not living up to its full potential. Luckily Rice University has chipped in and purchased the “historic” Sears Building, which has been an eyesore for years, just next to the metro rail, and is slated for an “Innovation Corridor.” The former art deco styled Sears building will be renovated to create a dynamic space for creative companies in innovation. Mayor Turner and Rice Universit have plans for a new Midtown Innovation District that will transform a 9.4-acre site, anchored by the former Sears building, into a hub designed to bring together the area’s entrepreneurial, corporate and academic communities into collaborative spaces and programs. The Sears renovation is estimated to take two years.

Being based in technology ourselves and working just outside of Houston, we are beyond excited to see the transformations in our city.

http://abc13.com/community-events/mayor-unveils-renovation-plans-at-iconic-sears-site/3331173/

https://www.click2houston.com/news/houstons-former-midtown-sears-building-will-be-centerpiece-of-planned-midtown-innovation-district