'Thrilled': The Ion opens new prototyping lab, Houston nonprofit tabbed as operator

A 266,000-square-foot innovative hub located in Midtown, The Ion, has stated that it will be opening the Ion Prototyping Lab (IPL), which will be operated by TXRX Labs.

“With its close proximity to Houston’s Central Business District and The Texas Medical Center, The Ion is thrilled to provide the Houston tech community the Prototyping Lab operated by TXRX as an essential resource for businesses,” Ion Executive Director Jan Odegard said. “The Ion serves as a driver and convener of activity, while TXRX's successful model of hands-on training and technological innovation is being leveraged to jumpstart the activity of entrepreneurs, corporations and researchers.”

The prototyping lab will be operated by TXRX Labs in hopes that Houston will become a global manufacturing hub, according to a news release.

TXRX’s services at the IPL will account for 6,500 square feet of space that consist of laser cutters, CNC mills and lathes, 3D printers, devices for electronics assembly and other small-batch manufacturing tools, according to a news release.

“The Houston community’s growing need for these services has led to our growth from a small community organization to a partnership with Houston’s leading center for innovation, The Ion,” said Roland von Kurnatowski, president of TXRX Labs. “With our presence at The Ion and in its Prototyping Lab, we are able to join together innovative ideas and technology to create a social and collaborative space to support tomorrow’s entrepreneurs' needs and challenges. You think it, we make it.”

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner added that the need for startup services in the city was growing and being able to execute ideas was paramount for organizations and the IPL will facilitate hurdling obstacles that often hinder tech growth in the city.