Join us in advancing innovation, research translation, and entrepreneurship at the intersection of academia and industry [Update]
Nexus Resource Suite
Mentors in Residence
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Craig Ceccanti
Craig is a Professional EOS Implementer, lecturer at Rice Business, and business coach who helps entrepreneurial leadership teams gain clarity, control, and traction using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). What sets Craig apart is his unique background as a multi-time founder with successful exits, combined with over eight years of experience operating as both a Visionary and an Integrator. He’s led companies through startup, scale, and turnaround—giving him unmatched empathy for the challenges leaders face. This dual-lens perspective allows Craig to implement EOS with a practical, results-driven approach that resonates deeply with entrepreneurial teams.
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Kitric Kerns
Kitric Kerns is one of the Mentors-in-Residence at Rice Nexus. He helps teams simplify product–market fit, refine early go-to-market plans, and navigate the messy parts of digital execution. With more than 25 years in product and strategy roles across organizations such as Disney, ExxonMobil, CNN, Cartoon Network, and Globant, he brings a pattern-recognition mindset that helps teams move quickly and get unstuck. He is also well-connected to nearshore and offshore talent networks for teams needing additional hands or technical support.
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Wade Pinder
Wade Pinder, founder of Product Houston, identifies as an "Ecosystem Wayseeker" and is the founder of Product Houston. A former product manager at Blinds.com, he has been deeply engaged in Houston’s startup and innovation scene since 2012. Over the years, he has supported hundreds of founders, product leaders, and community builders across the Houston area. In 2023 and 2025, he was honored as Mentor of the Year in the Houston Innovation Awards and Trailblazer Award by Innovation Map, respectively.
Rice Nexus Prototyping Lab
Lead Engineer: Grant Belton
Office Hours: Tues/Thurs: 12-5pm
Services Offered
CAD design
3D printing tutorial
Carbon printing tutorial
Prototype design
Current Nexus Companies in the Prototyping Lab
Kinnections
Feather Medical
Healthseers
Dialysafe
Additional Nexus Resources
SBIR/STTR Consulting
Legal Office Hours with Baker Botts