Project Metis is a Center for Houston’s Future initiative focused on life-long brain health to enhance human flourishing and spur economic growth across the Greater Houston region.
Brain health is the defining frontier of this century. Named after the Greek goddess of wisdom and deep thought, Project Metis reflects the Center for Houston’s Future’s commitment to advancing understanding, prevention, and treatment across the full life cycle of the brain, from early development to healthy aging.
Working with powerhouse medical, academic, and business institutions, we are establishing Houston/Galveston as the epicenter of the emerging brain economy—a new era where brain health and cognitive skills (“brain capital”) serve as key levers for economic growth and human potential.
Project Metis works across five interconnected fronts
Supporting optimal brain development from prenatal through childhood years.
Promoting cognitive health, mental wellness, and peak performance in the working population.
Advancing prevention, early detection, and care for age-related cognitive conditions.
Accelerating research breakthroughs in neuroscience, treatment, and recovery.
Building an ecosystem to recruit, incubate, and scale brain health startups and technologies.
Over the next 18 months, Project Metis will
Launch expert working teams focused on brain health across all life stages, scientific advances, and innovation.
Develop a regional Brain Health Index to track outcomes and equity.
Implement breakthrough projects in clinical care, education, workplace wellness, and community health.
Recruit and support neuro-startups, connect researchers with entrepreneurs, and foster commercialization.
Share Houston’s progress and learnings at major international forums, including Davos and the UN General Assembly.
Host high-visibility events and thought leadership to engage the community and drive momentum.
Founding Chair
Dr. Jochen Reiser, MD, PhD
CEO & President, UTMB; CEO, UTMB Health System
Project Chairs
Amy Dittmar
Executive Vice President & Provost, Rice University
Dr. David L. Callender
CEO, Memorial Hermann Health System
Brain Capital HTX is the online home for Project Metis — funding activity, partner institutions, and the latest research updates. Visit for the current-state view of the initiative.
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