During Entrepreneurship Industry Week, Rice Business MBA students stepped beyond the classroom and into the heart of Houston’s startup ecosystem for a dynamic, full-day Entrepreneurship Trek. From collaborative workspaces to health innovation hubs, the experience gave students a firsthand look at how founders, investors, and community leaders are building the future of business in our city.
Students started their day at The Cannon West, where they toured the space and learned about the vision behind the community founded by a Rice alumnus to strengthen Houston’s entrepreneurial landscape. After hearing key lessons from The Cannon’s growth journey, students jumped into a live case study competition focused on internal operations and team culture. Working in small groups, they brainstormed solutions, presented their ideas, and competed for the Cannon trophy. The energy in the room reflected what makes Rice MBAs distinctive: curiosity, collaboration, and a willingness to tackle real challenges with confidence.
The trek continued at TMC Helix Park, hosted by Beacon CoLab, where students gained insight into how health innovation moves from concept to commercialization. A fireside chat with Ammar Ali of ARTIDIS offered a candid look at the founder’s journey within the healthcare space, followed by a networking lunch with members of the innovation community. The visit showcased how Houston’s medical and entrepreneurial ecosystems intersect to create meaningful impact.
The final stop brought the group to the Ion District, home of the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship. Students learned how they can plug into The Ion’s expanding network of founders, corporates, and community partners. The tour and conversation highlighted the momentum building across Houston’s innovation landscape and the many ways Rice MBAs can engage, contribute, and lead.
For many students, the trek provided both inspiration and clarity. Aaron Garcia (Class of 2027) shared, “As someone who is looking for the confidence and the knowledge to pursue entrepreneurship, I believe this trek made me excited for the road ahead by connecting me with people who’ve done it and learning what it takes. Highly recommend.” Lilli Bratvedt (Class of 2027) added, “Regardless of what industry you are interested in, the Entrepreneurship Trek will help you meet leaders, discover opportunities, and connect you with groups and events to help further your career growth and development. It was fantastic. I learned so much and I feel less intimidated by the idea of being an entrepreneur.”
Experiences like this reflect the purpose behind Rice Business career treks. They are not only about exposure to companies. They are about building confidence, strengthening relationships, and helping students see themselves as future founders, operators, and investors within Houston’s thriving ecosystem. Through partnerships with organizations like The Cannon, Beacon CoLab, and the Rice Alliance, our students continue to engage with leaders who are shaping industries and investing in what comes next.
If you’re interested in recruiting top MBA talent for your organization, hosting a trek, or otherwise engaging with the Career Development Office, please contact Tyler L. Hough, Director of Employer Engagement.
