It’s been a big year so far for North Texas, especially when it comes to innovation.

As we wrap up January, we’re reflecting on the stories behind the people and places grabbing readers’ attention the most. From an annual publication (Dallas Innovates 2020: The Magazine), to the ‘world’s first all-digital hotel’ (The Sinclair), to a new innovation district (The IQ), our most popular stories highlighted what’s new and next in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Here’s a roundup of our top 10 most-read stories on dallasinnovates.com for January 2020.

1. Dallas Innovates 2020: The Magazine

Let’s raise our flag: A new generation of innovators is taking its place in Dallas-Fort Worth lore, creating the next wave of great companies, services, and ideas.

Front row from left: Joshua King and Tatiana Flores. Back Row: Tatum Lau, Ed Chao, Craig Lewis, Dave Copps, and Arjun Dugal. [Photo: Michael Samples]

2. It’s Tyme: Local Organizers Apply to Form a New Bank in Dallas

The de novo applications have been filed for the Farmers Branch-based community bank that its founders—who have, until recently, been operating in stealth—say will serve startups, enterprises, and regular folks who want a locally owned bank.

[Photo: Michael Samples]

3. Uber Starts its Hiring Process in Dallas

Uber has laid out its plan for the 3,000 jobs it’s bringing to The Epic in Deep Ellum. Here’s how to potentially get hired, what to expect with the Uber Dallas hub, and what Uber plans to offer the workforce here.

Uber future hub will go in The Epic in Deep Ellum. [Rendering: Courtesy Uber]

4. The Sinclair, the ‘World’s First All-Digital Hotel,’ Opens in Downtown Fort Worth

The Sinclair, Autograph Collection celebrated its grand opening last week with a Roaring Twenties party, and Intel hosted a drone show in its honor. The firework-like display featured 500 drones that shifted between themed scenes (and had passersby wondering what was going on in the sky).

[Photos: Dallas Innovates]

5. The IQ: Richardson Innovation District Unveils New Name and Branding

In December, the Richardson City Council approved rezoning for higher density development and a variety of uses to provide a foundation for an innovation-focused, urban mixed-use environment.

“The Richardson Innovation Quarter happens to abbreviate quite nicely into a lovely nickname: The IQ,” according to officials at the unveiling of the new logo designed by Dodd Creative. [Image: Courtesy Richardson Innovation District]

6. Meaning, Mission, Immersion: How the Dallas Region Draws Top IT Talent

Some of the biggest names in tech have major operations in North Texas, whether it be through regional corporate offices, headquarters, or relocations. In fact, the region is ranked fourth as a top destination for IT professionals. But what are companies doing to keep them here?

The interactive and collaborative Plano office of global IT service provider NTT Data offers digitally immersive experiences for both employees and clients. When it comes to talent, while education and experience are important, the company looks for applicants “who have the ability and desire to learn, contribute as a team player, and think innovatively,” says Elizabeth Towson, head of human capital. [Photo: Courtesy NTT Data]

7. A Front Row Seat: Debra von Storch Looks Back on Four Decades in the DFW Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

The EY Partner and Americas Entrepreneur Of The Year Leader has witnessed 38 years of entrances and exits, and has played many parts in the Dallas-Fort Worth entrepreneur ecosystem. Now, she is orchestrating her own exit from the EY stage—and preparing for her next act.

[Image: maystra/iStock]

8. UNT’s College of Merchandising, Hospitality, and Tourism is Overhauling Denton Square

With artist and retail industry veteran Kristen Kendrick Bigley brought in as the CoLaboratory’s new director, the work on the University of North Texas’ Denton Square space is underway.

[Image: Courtesy Denton Economic Development Partnership]

9. CES 2020 Recap: Dallas-Fort Worth Shows Up and Shows Off

From Toyota’s city of the future to Ericsson’s connected cars, AT&T’s 5G phone lineup to Polte’s tracking devices, the region was well-represented at this year’s annual Consumer Electronics Show.

[Photo: Courtesy CES]

10. Kanna’s Home Base is Dallas, But It’s Growing Outside the State

The managed marketplace for gigs in cannabis helps legal businesses connect with hourly help. But cannabis isn’t legal in Dallas. So its co-founders are finding other ways to work toward becoming an “evangelist” for all workers in the industry.

[Photo: Courtesy Kanna]

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