Houston enters 'Internet of Things' partnership with Microsoft

Mayor Sylvester Turner will announce details of an "Internet of Things" alliance between Houston and Microsoft on Friday morning. Mayor Sylvester Turner will announce details of an "Internet of Things" alliance between Houston and Microsoft on Friday morning. Photo: Altaf Qadri, STF Photo: Altaf Qadri, STF Image 1 of / 68 Caption Close Houston enters 'Internet of Things' partnership with Microsoft 1 / 68 Back to Gallery

Microsoft will provide STEM education at schools, teach computer literacy skills to adults and transform Houston into a "Smart City" as part of a new partnership announced Friday.

"These sort of efforts become infectious and contagious," said Mayor Sylvester Turner. "Because of their presence, and the strength of their presence ... I would venture to say that others will be motivated to do the same."

Microsoft's educational efforts will help boost the existing workforce while fostering the next generation of technology innovators. The Smart Cities element will look at improving city functions by adding sensors, collecting data and finding more efficient solutions.

Sensors, for instance, could be used to track buses and find more optimal routes that would have less congestion while being convenient for more people. It could also be used to determine if a bus is being driven too aggressively and consuming more gasoline than it otherwise would, said Cameron Carr, director of Internet of Things and Solutions for Microsoft.

After events like Hurricane Harvey, drones could be used to find people needing assistance or to determine areas that are flooded and impassible.

"We are right on the edge of creating this bold new world," Carr said.

The Microsoft announcement is the latest in a string of technology developments as Houston seeks to become a hub for high-tech startups and venture capital.

Today I am excited to announce an alliance between @HoustonTX and @Microsoft – the first of its kind in the United States #Microsoft#MakeWhatsNext pic.twitter.com/Orat0F1j4a — Sylvester Turner (@SylvesterTurner) May 4, 2018

This announcement comes as Houston gains momentum in its efforts to become a destination for high-tech startups and venture capital. Last month, Rice University announced that it will transform the former Sears property in Midtown into an innovation center for technology companies.

MORE: Rice, partners envision innovative future for retired Sears building in Midtown

Houston Exponential recently named serial entrepreneur Russ Capper as its executive director. This nonprofit was announced in October and combined the Houston Technology Center with the Mayor's Technology and Innovation Task Force and the Greater Houston Partnership's Innovation Roundtable.

And leaders of the Texas Medical Center recently unveiled TMC³, a medical research campus across 30 acres that they said would unite four powerhouse research institutions and make Houston an international hub for biomedical innovations and commercialization.

"I set a goal for Houston to become the next hotbed in our nation for innovation and technology and the digital universe," Turner said. "Well, I would advise anyone to not blink unless they want to miss what's going on in the city of Houston."