This first MEST Conference was initiated to highlight Houston as an emerging technology hub and to help increase collaboration across specific fields. This year’s Conference had a particular emphasis on applications, technology development and entrepreneurship in medicine. A primary purpose was to provide a dynamic platform for information exchange and learning that can clear the pathway to collaboration and new discoveries and ventures.
After a nice networking breakfast, co-chair of the MEST Conference Dr. Jan Odegard offered welcoming remarks. The Conference program consisted of highly qualified speakers, within their respective fields. Among the speakers was Consul General Jostein Mykletun, who informed about the close relationship the Norwegian Consulate General has with the major universities in Texas, and particularly with Rice University. Mr. Mykletun pointed out the uniqueness of this Conference, combining medicine, energy, space and technology.
In addition to the expert speakers, there were three pitch competitions, where teams had theopportunity to present their idea in a two minute pitch, followed by a three minute Q&A session. The best team from each competition went on to the final, where they competed for the main prize of a $5,000 stipend. The winner of the pitch competition was
Medicasafe, a controlled-access pill dispenser that prevents drug abuse.
This event was a part of our great collaboration with Rice University, and we look forward to next year’s MEST Conference.