Rice University’s “Arc” to Boost Houston Innovation Corridor
A new 200,000-square-foot facility aims to enhance Houston’s tech and research landscape.
FEATUREDTEXAS ICONS
Houston, TX — Rice University, in partnership with Rice Real Estate and Lincoln Property Company, announced the development of “The Arc” at the Ion District, a 200,000-square-foot research, lab, and office facility, as detailed in a press release.
The Details:
The Arc will serve as a hub for energy, AI, data science, and robotics, co-locating Rice University researchers, startups, and corporate partners like Chevron and Microsoft, with construction starting in 2026 and completion targeted for early 2028.
The Ion District, already 90% leased, will accelerate innovation from lab to market, creating hundreds of jobs and reinforcing Houston’s status as a global tech leader.
Rice University President Reginald DesRoches said, “The Arc will drive economic growth by fostering collaboration and cutting-edge research.”
The project builds on Houston’s energy capital foundation, attracting further investment.
Why It Matters:
This development strengthens Houston’s innovation ecosystem, boosting Texas’s economic competitiveness.