Changing the Future

Major energy conference returns to Rice University with invaluable networking opportunities

Photo by Natalie Harms

The 20th Annual Rice Alliance Energy Tech Venture Forum, which unites energy ventures with industry investors, is returning Thursday, September 21, at Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business.

For two decades, the Energy Tech Venture Forum — hosted by the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship — has served as the premier conference, bringing together energy industry leaders, venture capital investors, and promising energy and cleantech ventures to propel the future of energy.

Across interactive panels, keynotes speeches, and venture pitches, attendees can explore emerging energy sources, enhancements and efficiencies within existing energy resources, and advances in clean or renewable technologies — and, perhaps most importantly, learn where investors are contributing to the acceleration of these advancements.

More than 90 startup technology ventures commercializing energy transition innovations will participate and meet investors looking for disruptive energy technologies that can accelerate clean and renewable energy.

The full list of both presenting companies and pitching startup can be found here.

Keynote speakers include:

  • Christina Karapataki, partner at Breakthrough Energy Ventures, the venture capital fund cofounded by Bill Gates
  • Scott Nyquist, vice chairman at Houston Energy Transition Initiative, founded by the Greater Houston Partnership
  • Jeff Tillery, chief operating officer at Veriten, founded by Rice alumus Maynard Holt, formerly with Tudor Pickering Holt

The event also includes pitches from Rice Alliance’s Clean Energy Accelerator Class 3 Demo Day, plus the announcement of “Most Promising Company” chosen by the energy tech industry experts and participating investors.

You'll want to register now for this invaluable conference, but if you still need some convincing then check out the forum's agenda here.

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A View From HETI

The company has developed thermal insulation technology that improves efficiency and safety in buildings and outdoor infrastructure. Photo via LinkedIn

Houston-based NanoTech Materials has closed a $29.4 million Series A.

The round was led by Austin-based HPI Real Estate & Investments. Houston-based Goose Capital and Austin-based Milliken & Company also participated.

Nanotech has developed its patented Insulative Ceramic Particle (ICP) technology, which reduces heat transfer in buildings and outdoor infrastructure, improving efficiency and safety. It's known for its Cool Roof Coat, Wildfire Shield and Insulative Coat: Cool Touch product lines.

With the new funding, Nanotech plans to scale operations and expand its market reach for its products.

“We’re addressing one of the pressing and urgent challenges facing infrastructure owners today: controlling energy costs and extending asset life,” Mike Francis, CEO and co-founder of NanoTech Materials, said in a news release. “This financing marks a transformative moment for us. It allows us to rapidly scale production and bring our high-performance materials to market faster, while delivering measurable cost savings and redefining what resilience looks like in today’s built environment.”

Nanotech launched in 2020 and was the first company selected for Halliburton Labs. It moved into a 43,000-square-foot space in Katy in 2023. It brought on new partners that expanded the company's reach in the Middle East and Singapore the following year. Its technology was recognized as one of Time magazine's 200 Best Inventions of 2024.

“We were early investors in Nanotech Materials and are pleased to continue supporting the company as it becomes a leader in breakthrough materials science and technology,” John Chaney, investor at Goose Capital and board member at NanoTech, added in the release. “NanoTech’s ability to elevate fire resilience and energy efficiency in the built environment is critical for strengthening and hardening infrastructure. Its pioneered approach is transforming current building standards and making our lives safer.”

The company has secured $34.4 million in total to date, according to the release. It raised an oversubscribed funding round in 2023 and a $5 million seed round in 2020.

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