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HCC drives innovation and entrepreneurship at HTR 2025: A week of tech, talent and transformation across Houston
Jun 9, 2025
Houston Community College (HCC) played a pivotal role in HTR 2025, a week-long celebration of tech, innovation and entrepreneurial impact held from March 23-27, across Houston.
Aligned with HTR 2025's mission to unite innovators, entrepreneurs and tech talent, HCC hosted a series of impactful programs across three campuses, contributing significantly to the event's core programming, which remained free to participants thanks to generous ecosystem partners.
HTR 2025, organized by Houston Exponential (HX), aimed to foster a vibrant tech and entrepreneurial ecosystem in Houston, featuring inspiring keynote speakers, interactive workshops, startup showcases, and networking opportunities.
HCC's participation amplified these goals, providing hands-on experiences and educational opportunities to a diverse audience. Notably, HCC hosted three of the six days of HTR programs, highlighting key themes of youth entrepreneurship, technological innovation, and cybersecurity.
HCC Central Campus hosts dynamic Youth Entrepreneur & Investing Forum
HCC kicked off its HTR 2025 involvement on March 23 at its Central Campus with the Youth Entrepreneur & Investing Forum, a cornerstone event designed to empower the next generation of founders, innovators, and business leaders.
Dr. Maya Durnovo and Dr. Ravi Brahmbhatt welcomed the youth and initiated the forum, providing a real-world startup experience. The program featured financial literacy from Third Coast Bank, entrepreneurial mindset training, and breakout workshops focusing on networking, business growth, and pitch competitions.
The day culminated in a Youth Business Marketplace showcasing young entrepreneurs. Goodwill Houston sponsored lunch, reinforcing their commitment to the community.
“Seeing the energy and passion of these young entrepreneurs is truly inspiring,” Dr. Durnovo, Associate Vice Chancellor of Economic Development, said. “HCC is committed to providing the resources and support they need to succeed.”
Durnovo expressed appreciation to HCC Central President Dr. Edmund “Butch” Herod for opening the campus to host the event.
“Being an entrepreneur requires commitment, dedication, and hard work,” Dr. Herod said. “These young people are proving at a young age that success hinges on an individual’s ambition, enthusiasm and access to resources.”
West Houston Institute showcases tech innovation and entrepreneurial resources
HCC West Houston Institute contributed to HTR 2025 by showcasing cutting-edge technology and entrepreneurial resources. The program included demonstrations of the OneButton Studio video recording lab, tours of the IDEAStudio makerspace tours, and a showcase of immersive AR/VR technologies. Late morning panels on "Start and Grow Your Business" were moderated by Dr. Durnovo and included Dr. Jennifer Holmes (Executive Director, Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business), Marshette Turner (Executive Director, Houston Minority Business Development Center), Sandra Louvier (Director, HCC Center for Entrepreneurship - Northwest), Susie Molina (Director, HCC Center for Entrepreneurship - Southeast), and Dr. Brahmbhatt (Director, HCC Center for Entrepreneurship - Southwest), who shared vital programs and resources to grow businesses in Houston.
“We are excited to showcase the innovative technologies and entrepreneurial resources available at HCC,” Jordan Carswell, Director of the West Houston Institute, said. “This event highlights our commitment to fostering a culture of innovation among our students, educators and communities.”
HCC’s Israel Garza, IDEAStudio Manager, and Ruben Duran, Reality COLLAB Founder, were thanked for facilitating interactive technology sessions in the morning at West Houston Institute.
HCC West Loop Campus hosts cybersecurity Capture the Flag competition
The week concluded with a thrilling Capture the Flag Competition (CTF), organized by Allthenticate and HCC Digital Info & Tech, challenging participants' cybersecurity skills in a thrilling two-hour contest.
The CTF competition, held at the HCC West Loop Campus thanks to the sponsorship of Dean Samir Saber and President Dr. Mike Webster, recognized and celebrated top cybersecurity talent. Students and professionals alike vied for the highest scores in a series of challenges.
"Cybersecurity is a critical field, and we are dedicated to providing our students with the skills they need to excel," Dean Saber said.
"This competition showcases the talent and dedication of our students and the importance of cybersecurity education," Dr. Webster, President of HCC West Loop Campus, said.
The following individuals achieved the highest scores in the competition:
• #1 – Jordan Dixon - $250
• #2 – Nyaknno Anthony Umoren - $250
• #3 – Dmytro - $100
• #4 – Mustafa Malla - $100
• #5 – Pauline Nguyen - $100
“HCC’s active participation in HTR 2025 underscores our commitment to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship in Houston,” Dr. Durnovo said. “By providing hands-on experiences and educational opportunities, we are empowering the next generation of leaders and contributing to the region’s economic growth.”
Special thanks were given to Natara Branch, CEO of Houston Exponential, for bringing the HX community to HCC campuses.