Voting season is in full swing in Houston, and in addition to determining the nation’s next political leader, the local innovation ecosystem is being asked to participate in one category of the Houston Innovation Awards.
Voting for this year’s People’s Choice: Startup of the Year is officially open online. Read about each company below and click here to vote. You can vote once a day until November 8, when the portal closes. The winner will be announced at the event on November 14th. Click here to secure your ticket and see who wins in this and 10 other categories.
corrosive substances
Founded by CEO Anwar Sadek, this minority-owned startup uses patented electrochemical technology to detect and monitor corrosion. Unlike other products on the market, Corrolytics enables on-site, real-time, accurate corrosion detection, helping to protect industrial assets and extend their lifespan.
Last month, Corrolytics, which is also a finalist in the Minority-Started Business category, was named one of the most promising energy technology startups by the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship’s Energy Tech Venture Forum. , won the People’s Choice Award. It was part of the Rice Alliance Clean Energy Accelerator earlier this year.
What significant milestones has your company reached this year?
The Company launched comprehensive in-lab services in the fourth quarter of 2023, generating $100,000 in revenue. By 2024, we tripled our revenue and confirmed our initial product-market fit, serving four major customers in the energy sector. Now that we have completed the durable and scalable design of our test kit, we plan to begin field trials in the next quarter. Additionally, Corrolytics has entered into co-development agreements with major oil and gas service providers, expanding our reach across global energy markets.
What advice do you wish you had been given before starting your company?
Embrace challenges early on, as they provide valuable learning opportunities. Focus on building a strong network, especially with mentors and industry leaders who can help you navigate the unknowns. Finally, never underestimate the importance of a clear mission to prepare for the unexpected, remain adaptable, and inspire both your team and your customers.
Why did you choose Houston as your headquarters and what has been your experience growing the company here?
Houston is the energy capital of the world, offering unparalleled access to major industry players, talent and resources. The city’s focus on innovation and its thriving clean energy ecosystem makes it a perfect fit for Corrolytics. Growing the company here has been a great experience. Houston’s vibrant startup community, world-class accelerators like Rice Alliance, and strategic location have accelerated our growth and opened the door to valuable partnerships. Houston provides the ideal environment for cleantech startups like ours to scale and advance a sustainable energy future.
flow care
FlowCare is focused on addressing menstrual inequality by providing schools and businesses with flagship dispensers with free 100% organic pads and tampons, while also reaching millions of people. raising awareness about issues affecting the world.
The startup was founded in January and is led by founder and CEO Tanu Jain.
What significant milestones has your company reached this year?
Below is a summary of the key milestones FlowCare achieved this year.
Building a supportive community: We’ve established a vibrant community of FlowCare cheerleaders and advisors who are passionate about FlowCare’s mission. Newsletter success: Launched just two months ago, the newsletter now reaches 2,000 people each month and has an impressive open rate of 50-60 percent. We were also moved by the personal stories our readers shared about menstrual pain. Contest Accomplishments: Secured 4th place in the Houston Community College Business Plan Contest, won $1,000, and raised awareness about period product accessibility. FlowCare also placed in the top four out of 200 participants at the TiE Dallas Global Pitch Competition. Successful pilot at ION: We launched a paid pilot at ION where women tell us how FlowCare has positively impacted their day and eased their embarrassment by providing menstrual products in the bathroom. I received a heartfelt text message from. ”
What advice do you wish you had been given before starting your company?
This journey is expected to be difficult and take longer than expected. You will face financial hardships and setbacks, but remember to be patient and resilient. Embrace the journey and enjoy the small victories along the way. Build a network of supportive individuals who believe in your mission and can help you get through difficult times. You will experience self-doubt and impostor syndrome, but remember that even high-profile leaders experience these feelings. Stay focused on your mission and trust in your ability to make a difference.
Why did you choose Houston as your headquarters and what has been your experience growing the company here?
I chose Houston for Flocare’s headquarters because it’s my home base. Having grown up here, it felt natural to found a company in a place I know and love. My experience growing my company here has been incredibly positive. Houston boasts a strong, supportive community with a strong network of people always willing to help. As an entrepreneur, having access to people who can spend time with you, provide guidance, and introduce you to the right connections is invaluable. Local support is a key element in helping us continue to move toward our mission of period equity.
innovent renewable energy
InnoVent Renewables is a circular economy business that has developed a unique net-zero process to convert waste tires, plastics and biomass into fuels and chemicals. We estimate that emissions will be reduced by 80 million pounds when the production facility is operational.
InnoVent was founded in 2023 by Vibhu Sharma, a chemical engineer turned CEO. The company has aggressive growth plans throughout North America and Latin America.
What significant milestones has your company reached this year?
We started our business in July 2023 and raised funding in a ‘friends and family’ round, but we have exceeded our capacity. Also, there are no debts. The project will be completed from concept to commissioning stage in 14 months and is expected to begin full-scale commercial operations in the fourth quarter of 2024.
What advice do you wish you had been given before starting your company?
Always raise more cash than you think you need. We raised a round from friends and family and had to tap into that network again to get additional funding for add-ons and escalations.
Why did you choose Houston as your headquarters and what has been your experience growing the company here?
Houston is a surprisingly affordable city with exceptional talent and expertise in engineering, design, renewable energy, and oil and gas processes. Additionally, we have been able to leverage a highly qualified and experienced advisory board to guide us. Houston is well connected to the rest of the world and has easy access to our tire factory in Monterrey, Mexico.
Mendo It
MendIt Inc. was founded in 2019 with the goal of quickly and easily connecting users with small businesses and non-profits that can sustainably repair and repair clothing.
It is led by CEO and Founder Kaitlyn Allen and was a member of the gBETA Houston Accelerator in 2023.
What significant milestones has your company reached this year?
We are finally in the feasibility phase of a (stealth) B2B service for brands. We are excited that early results are positive and demonstrate scalability. We are currently in the process of contracting to provide solutions to two of our initial B2B customers.
What advice do you wish you had been given before starting your company?
Look for product-market fit from the beginning (rather than product-problem fit) and don’t invest too much until it’s proven.
Why did you choose Houston as your headquarters and what has been your experience growing the company here?
We founded MendIt in Houston because it’s our hometown and where we’ve lived. It’s interesting to grow companies outside of energy. Because so many resources are focused on that area. At the same time, we can stand out as the only “tech” startup focused on sustainability in fashion and textiles.
passport journey
Passport Journeys is a teletherapy app designed specifically for mother-daughter pairs. The app will be released on Mother’s Day 2023 and will provide users with personalized therapy, journaling opportunities, interactive worksheets, and intentional bonding activities.
The company is led by Founder and CEO Lacey Tezino.
What significant milestones has your company reached this year?
This year, we achieved several important milestones. We applied for a trademark to protect our brand, applied for the first NIH SBIR grant to secure funding for an innovative telemedicine app, and created a non-profit organization that provides free treatment to those in need. We have launched a commercial division. , demonstrating our commitment to both innovation and community support.
What advice do you wish you had been given before starting your company?
I would advise myself to secure funding and a sustainability plan for the first five years before leaving a large corporate job.
Why did you choose Houston as your headquarters and what has been your experience growing the company here?
We chose Houston for our headquarters because of its vibrant and diverse community, robust healthcare and technology sectors, and supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem. Our growth here has been a rewarding experience, characterized by strong local partnerships, access to a large talent pool, and a dynamic business environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. The City’s focus on healthcare and technology aligns well with our mission and provides a solid foundation for our growth and impact.
true leap
Ed-Tech startup TrueLeap Inc. aims to address global education inequality by providing affordable and scalable digital tools to educators in emerging markets through its e-learning platform.
Founded in 2022, the company raised $610,000 in a pre-seed round earlier this year, exceeding its $500,000 target. It is led by Sandip Bordoloi, co-founder and CEO, and Sunny Chan, the company’s chief evangelist. Dario Calogero, founder and CEO of Maya Investments Limited, who led the round, was recently appointed to the company’s board of directors.
True Leap is being developed out of Born Global Ventures, an immigrant-founded Houston venture studio focused on advancing technology, of which Zhang is a founding partner. We serve educators in schools in the United States, India, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and other countries.
What significant milestones has your company reached this year?
We have reached our next milestone, advancing our mission to make education accessible to underserved communities around the world.
1. New entry into Ghana through partnership with International Business and Opportunity Network (IBON)
2. Expanding implementation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo through partnership with the Catholic Schools Association
3. New product launches now enable educators and institutions around the world to create and distribute high-quality content to help the world’s workforce succeed.
What advice do you wish you had been given before starting your company?
Just do it.
Why did you choose Houston as your headquarters and what has been your experience growing the company here?
We chose Houston for its diversity and international connections, which align with our mission to expand access to education around the world. The city’s supportive startup scene, access to top talent, and thriving innovation ecosystem make it an ideal location for TrueLeap’s growth.
