Join us for the Twelfth Annual Bayou Startup Showcase on Thursday, July 31, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Ion. The Bayou Startup Showcase is a dynamic celebration of entrepreneurship, spotlighting the newest startups and small businesses from Rice University’s OwlSpark and the University of Houston’s RED Labs accelerators.
Attendees will hear pitches, discover ways to support and grow these businesses, and engage with founders during the showcase. Celebrate the spirit of Houston by supporting our hometown universities, innovative founders, and the vibrant entrepreneurial community that makes the Bayou City so special.
Pre-registration is closed, but walkup registration is available today starting at 3:30pm. See you there!
BestFit Learning
OwlSpark | Rice University
Nolan Connolly, Hitarth Thanki
BestFit Learning enables K–5 homeschool families to cut through the noise and build a curriculum that matches their goals and child’s learning style in minutes.
Bleed
RED Labs | University of Houston
Marcel Darden, Anahi Yeverino
Bleed is a Houston-based art agency that develops local artists, prints their original work, and connects collectors to high-quality prints and originals.
Brain Haven
RED Labs | University of Houston
Gail Aflalo, Jokubas Ziburkus
Brain Haven is pioneering a non-invasive, terpene-powered nasal inhaler that integrates olfaction to preserve neuroplasticity and improve cognitive health in dementia care.
Candi Wands
RED Labs | University of Houston
Angela Lian
Candi Wands’ automated machines create colorful cotton candy on demand, turning guest interaction into passive revenue for family-focused venues.
ChérieCollectible
RED Labs | University of Houston
Ansley Brown
ChérieCollectible hosts live events where collectors buy, sell, and trade modern collectibles in a trusted, social setting.
EasilyBEE
OwlSpark | Rice University
Jessica Faith Carter
EasilyBEE empowers K-12 school leaders to drive measurable family engagement through event management, community partner coordination, and a rewards-based incentive system for parents.
IntimaVision
OwlSpark | Rice University
Aiman Rahman
IntimaVision is a speculum-free solution that enables pediatric gynecologists to perform pelvic exams more comfortably and efficiently, improving visualization and patient experience.
JobRadar
RED Labs | University of Houston
Ross Rezvani
Unlike traditional job boards, JobRadar finds and applies to the best-fit roles for you, automatically and instantly.
Just.Kind.Humility
OwlSpark | Rice University
Lisa Lee
Just.Kind.Humility designs purpose-driven travel journals that blend cultural insights, guided reflections, and journaling space to foster meaningful and spiritual experiences.
Klix
OwlSpark | Rice University
Romanus Ang’ina
Klix automates patient recruitment and follow-up for clinical trials, helping research clinics manage outreach, scheduling, and retention more efficiently.
Lizzie’s Gourmet Gains
OwlSpark | Rice University
Saika Esani, Veni Peter
Lizzie’s Gourmet Gains offers high-protein, savory dips that provide a flavorful way for health-conscious snackers to meet their nutrition goals.
NextStep
OwlSpark | Rice University
Halbert Kim, Sandeep Ramlochan
NextStep streamlines social care by guiding patients to the right resources and equipping care teams with tools to track progress, manage risk, and prioritize those with the greatest need.
PeriShield
OwlSpark | Rice University
Summan Rahman
PeriShield is developing an infection sensor that alerts nephrologists to the early signs of peritonitis in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis.
P-LEGS
RED Labs | University of Houston
Jesus Rodriguez Toscano, Elena Grassi, Jose Contreras-Vidal, Gabriel Baquero
P-LEGS is developing a wearable exoskeleton that provides safe, consistent walking exercises for children with disabilities
Roll ‘N’ Reel
RED Labs | University of Houston
Lexie Borja, Zach Traylor
Roll ‘N’ Reel offers premium photo booth rentals that elevate events with interactive, shareable experiences.
Spinal Cord Computer Interface
RED Labs | University of Houston
Debolina Das, Jose Contreras-Vidal
Spinal Cord Computer Interface enhances spinal injury diagnosis by utilizing neural signal analysis to deliver safer, faster, and more affordable results.
StageSelect
RED Labs | University of Houston
Alex Rizk, Logan Smalley
StageSelect partners with emerging artists to activate underused venue space through curated experiences that draw local crowds.
Stayzy
RED Labs | University of Houston
Sunay Panda
Stayzy automates guest messaging and maintenance for short-term rental companies, eliminating the need for extra staff and boosting operational efficiency.
UCoreAlly
OwlSpark | Rice University
Jen Lu
UCoreAlly connects skilled stay-at-home moms to flexible, pre-vetted project-based and part-time roles at startups and small businesses.
Your Right Design
OwlSpark | Rice University
Lipi Gandhi
Your Right Design markets freelance medical artists, providing custom branding and securing visual communication projects from science and healthcare teams.