The Gala
Houston Exponential and InnovationMap are joining forces to host the Houston Innovation Awards Gala - an event bringing together the best of both events, formerly known as the InnovationMap Awards and the HX Listie's Gala.
In our inaugural event on Wednesday, November 9, we will both shine a spotlight on the movers and shakers within Houston's burgeoning innovation community, and come together to celebrate their robust list of accomplishments across our city this year.
This is one event you won't want to miss.
The Awards
InnovationMap and HX will be honoring startups and innovators across 11 categories. See this year's finalists!
BIPOC-Owned Business
Honoring an innovative company founded or co-founded by BIPOC representation
Female-Owned Business
Honoring an innovative company founded or co-founded by a woman
Hardtech Business
Honoring an innovative company developing and commercializing a physical technology across life science, energy, space, and beyond
B2B Software Business
Honoring an innovative company developing and programming a digital solution to impact the business sector
Green Impact Business
Honoring an innovative company providing a solution within renewables, climatetech, clean energy, alternative materials, and beyond
Smart City Business
Honoring an innovative company providing a tech solution within transportation, infrastructure, data, and beyond
New to Hou
Honoring an innovative company, accelerator, or investor that has relocated its primary operations to Houston within the past three years
DEI Champion
Honoring an individual who is leading impactful diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and progress within Houston and their organization
Investor of the Year
Honoring an individual who is leading venture capital or angel investing
Mentor of the Year
Honoring an individual who dedicates their time and expertise to guide and support budding entrepreneurs
People's Choice: Startup of the Year
Selected via an interactive voting portal during of the event
The Partners
Houston Exponential and InnovationMap have teamed up to combine their annual awards and event efforts to premiere a brand new program.
The Houston Innovation Awards Gala is sponsored by the Ion, Softeq, JP Morgan, Halliburton Labs, Veritex Bank, Houston Community College and T-Minus Solutions.
The Judges
Carolyn Rodz
Founder & CEO of Hello Alice
Wogbe Ofori
Founder of Wrx Companies
Scott Gale
Executive Director of Halliburton Labs
Ashley Danna
Senior Manager of GHP
Kelly McCormick
Professor at the University of Houston
Paul Cherukuri
Vice President of Innovation at Rice University
Lawson Gow
CEO of Houston Exponential
