Association of Rice Alumni - Austin

Calling all Austin-area alums and startup enthusiasts! 🦉💡 -Austin and are excited to host “Translating Materials Science into Startup Success” an exciting panel discussion spotlighting materials science shaping Austin’s . 🎙

Explore the academic and research origins of startups and how those innovations evolve into successful companies. This brings together founders and experts who are leveraging cutting-edge research to drive real-world impact and strong business growth across . Join us for an engaging evening of , , and . Beer, wine, and light appetizers will be served.

🎤 Panelists
Dr. Haotian Wang, Professor, Rice University
DexMat
Nanoscale Labs
Nabaco
Juan Thurman (Moderator)

📅 Schedule
6:30-6:45 PM: Networking with light bites & drinks
6:45-7:00 PM: Opening remarks & introductions
7:00-7:45 PM: Panel discussion + Q&A
7:45-8:30 PM: Continued networking

📍 Event Details
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Time: 6:30-8:30 PM
Location: Opportunity Austin, 200 W 6th St, C Floor, Austin, TX

Garage parking available for a fee; rideshare or street parking recommended.

🎟 Tickets
$25 General Admission
$15 Early Bird (by Feb 19 with promo code RAAlastchance)
Registration Link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/feb-26-panel-event-presented-by-rice-alliance-austin-and-rice-engineering-alumni

Contact Info:
For questions, please contact [email protected].

A special thank you to our sponsors Latham & Watkins, Baker Tilly US, and Opportunity Austin for making this event possible.
We hope to see you there -- come , , and !

Austin alums: Save a spot now for your future Owl in Rice’s own summer tech camp for HS students! Created by the Rice Center for Engineering Leadership, the Rice ELITE Tech Camp has sessions at Rice from June 17-July 19 as well as sessions in Los Angeles (June 24-28) and Atlanta (July 8-12). Residential camp, day camp, and virtual options are available. ELITE Tech is a one-of-a-kind technology + leadership camp designed by Engineering faculty and taught by Rice students.
View detailed schedules, enroll, or get more info at

Rice ELITE Tech Camps - Rice Center for Engineering Leadership Rice ELITE Tech Camp is the premier pre-college engineering summer program for high school students, with a unique focus on preparing young people to be tomorrow’s leaders in technology and engineering. Created and managed by engineering faculty from the Rice University School of Engineering and t...

CALL FOR EXPERTISE: In late February, a team of two students will represent Rice at the national Ethics in Engineering Case Competition. This year’s case problem involves a hypothetical NASA system that would use satellite-deployed infrared telescopes and AI image analysis to detect and assess potentially dangerous Near-Earth Objects that elude existing detection systems.

If you have expertise that can help the Rice team prepare, we would love 30-60 minutes of your time. Subjects of particular interest include orbital geometry, infrared imaging, satellite communication, AI image analysis, and NASA contracting.

If you can help, please contact George Webb, RCEL Industry Relations Director, at (713) 348-2704 or [email protected]. Thank you for your support!

Rice Engineering Alumni Rice Engineering Rice Space Institute