Houston-area entrepreneurs land on Forbes 30 Under 30 — and more things to know this week

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Giga Energy's co-founders landed on Forbes 30 Under 30 — plus more things to know this week. Photo via gigaenergy.com

Editor's note: It's a new week — start it strong with three quick things to catch up on in Houston's energy transition: an event not to miss, a podcast to stream, and more.

East Texas entrepreneurs score prestigious 30 Under 30 recognition

Giga Energy co-founders Matt Lohstroh and Brent Whitehead secured spots on Forbes' annual 30 Under 30 ranking in the energy category. The Texas A&M University alumni founded the company in 2019. The startup's technology uses flare gas to generate clean and sustainable energy that is redirected into powering shipping containers full of bitcoin miners they put on top of oil wells.

Event not to miss

There's one last energy-related event for the year. On December 19, the UH Tech Bridge's Innov8Hub Pitch Day is your last chance of the year to network with industry experts, and discover the next big thing. Register.

Podcast to stream: Peter Rodriguez, dean of Rice University's Jones Graduate School of Business, on the Houston Innovators Podcast

Houston is known as the energy capital of the world, and the industry is ingrained into Rice University's DNA — especially the university's business school.

"We are deeply connected — and have been for a long time," says Peter Rodriguez, dean of Rice University's Jones Graduate School of Business. "One of the five pillars of our strategy is to be the leading business school in the country for the studying and the advancement for the energy transition and decarbonization of the economy. We think we can be the premiere school for training people for this rapidly evolving field of energy and to promulgate great research."

Rodriguez shares more about what he's accomplished in his tenure as dean on the Houston Innovators Podcast.

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Houston foundation doles out $700K for Texas chemical research

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Houston-based The Welch Foundation has issued $700,000 in additional funding to support chemical research through two of its newest grant programs.

The foundation has named the recipients of its Welch eXperimental (WelchX) Collaboration Retreat and Pilot Grants and the Welch Postdoctoral Fellows of the Life Sciences Research Foundation Grants.

The WelchX grants were awarded to teams of two Texas researchers who presented "innovative and collaborative ideas" addressing challenges in the clean energy space, according to the foundation.

Researchers from Texas universities gathered in Houston earlier this summer to discuss the theme “Chemical Research for Grand Challenges." They then paired off into nine teams and submitted proposals for the $100,000 pilot grants. The seven selected teams, several with ties to Houston, and their research topics include:

Yimo Han, Rice University, and Yuanyue Liu, The University of Texas at Austin, “Stabilizing Copper Electrocatalysts for CO2 Conversion”
Ognjen Miljanic, University of Houston, and Indrajit Srivastava, Texas Tech University, “Ping-Pong' Afterglow Luminescence in Self-Assembled Molecular Cubes”
Raúl Hernández Sánchez, Rice University, and Andy Thomas, Texas A&M University, “Accelerating Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agent Discovery via Rapid Injection NMR: Improving the Detection of Lithium for Disease Diagnostics”
Benjamin Janesko, Texas Christian University, and MD Masud Rana, Lamar University, “Cyber Twin Chemical Ensembles for Near-Infrared-Emitting Graphene Quantum Dot Therapeutics”
Ivan Korendovych, Baylor University, and Dino Villagrán, The University of Texas at El Paso, “Selective Bio-Inspired Electrochemical Probes for PFAS Analysis and Degradation”
Samantha Kristufek, Texas Tech University, and Kayla Green, Texas Christian University, “CIRCUIT: Critical Ion Recovery using Conductive and Ultrafiltration Intelligent Technology”
Fang Xu, The University of Texas at San Antonio, and Hong Wang, University of North Texas, “Visualize Molecular Adsorption on Supported Ni-porphyrin Model Catalysts via Substitute Effect”

The Welch Postdoctoral Fellows of the Life Sciences Research Foundation provides three-year fellowships to recent PhD graduates to support clinical research careers in Texas.

The foundation previously announced that it would name fellows from Rice University and Baylor University who would receive $100,000 annually for three years. This year's recipients and their research topics include:

Teng Yuan, Rice University, “Unlocking New Chemistry of Nonheme Iron Enzymes for α-Amino Acids and γ-Lactones Synthesis”
Katelyn Baumler, Baylor University, "Crystal Growth of Ln2Fe4Sb5 Phases Toward the Study of Novel Quantum Properties”

“As these programs become more established, it is thrilling to see the new research our awardees are exploring,” Adam Kuspa, president of The Welch Foundation, said in a news release. “The Foundation is very pleased by the applications that we continue to receive describing exciting new research projects to advance chemical research.”

This additional funding comes on the heels of the foundation doling out $27 million for chemical research, equipment and postdoctoral fellowships earlier this summer. The foundation made 85 grants to faculty at 16 Texas institutions at the time. Read more here.

This article originally appeared on our sister site, Innovationmap.com.

10+ Houston energy transition events to attend in September 2025

Must-Attend Meetings

Editor's note: September is here, and the calendar is full of must-attend energy transition events. Get the details on the top energy happenings in September 2025, and begin registering today. Please note: this article may be updated to include additional events.

September 3 — Houston Energy + Climate Tech Startup Week Preview Happy Hour

Head to the Ion for a networking happy hour to preview Houston Energy + Climate Startup Week 2025. Industry leaders, investors, startups, and key partners from Houston’s energy and climate innovation ecosystem will gather to share the inside scoop on the upcoming event's programming and opportunities.

This event takes place Wednesday, September 3 at 5:30 pm at the Ion. Click here to register.

September 3-4 — 11th Annual Digitalization in Oil & Gas Conference

This conference will delve deep into the intersection of digitalization and decarbonization, highlighting the transformation required for the oil and gas sector to stay relevant, resilient, and achieve business value. This year, the focus is on leveraging AI and generative AI, driving sustainability and workforce development, and achieving operational excellence through digitalization. Key objectives include building future-ready facilities, planning for a lower carbon market, and realizing business value through innovative solutions.

This event begins Wednesday, September 3 at Hilton Americas Houston. Click here to register.

September 8-10 — SPE Energy Transition Symposium

The SPE Energy Transition Symposium brings together professionals from multiple disciplines across the energy sector, offering a comprehensive platform for learning, networking, and collaboration. Its primary objective is to facilitate the exchange and dissemination of knowledge drawn from the insights of industry leaders, technical experts, academics, practitioners, representatives from the financial community, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) leaders. This year's symposium is titled "Synergizing Innovation and Collaboration: Transforming Energy for a Sustainable Future."

This event begins Monday, September 8 at Houston Marriott Sugar Land. Click here to register.

September 12 — Workforce of the Future

UH Energy collaborates with the Society for Underwater Technology and SPRINT Robotics to host an immersive, full-day event spotlighting how AI and robotics are reshaping the energy industry. Industry leaders, innovators, and educators will converge to discuss how to empower the next generation of talent to lead the digital transformation of energy.

This event takes place Friday, September 12 at University of Houston Student Center South – Houston Room. Click here to register.

September 15-19 — Houston Energy & Climate Week

Houston Energy & Climate Week utilizes Houston's potential to propel global climate action. This gathering welcomes an unparalleled selection of global energy leaders and communities, giving participants opportunities to interact and discuss capital, technology, workforce, and policy needs. It is organized by Allies in Energy, a nonprofit dedicated to building energy and climate literacy and a pathway to the workforce of the future.

Following an invite-only dinner on Sunday, September 14, this event begins with Opening Ceremonies on Monday, September 15. Click here for details.

September 15-19 — Houston Energy + Climate Startup Week

Launched in 2024, the official Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week returns for its second year, showcasing how Houston is developing and scaling real solutions for the dual challenge of meeting growing global energy demand while reducing carbon emissions. Join leading energy and climate venture capital investors, industry leaders, and startups from around the world for this showcase of the most innovative companies and technologies that are transforming the energy industry while driving a sustainable, low-carbon energy future.

This event begins Monday, September 15 with a kickoff event at the Ion Plaza. Click here for details.

September 16 — Pilotathon 2025 & Company Showcase

EnergyTech Nexus hosts its annual Pilotathon — a high-impact event designed to fast-track pilot deployments for climate and energy tech startups. Expect a full day of curated startup pitches, a 50-plus company innovation showcase, and direct engagement with corporate partners, investors, and ecosystem leaders. The afternoon will also feature participants from the ETN CoPilot Accelerator. Startup applications and event registration is now open at www.pilotathon.com.

This event takes place Tuesday, September 16 at 8 am at GreenStreet. Click here to register.

September 18 — ACCEL Year 3 Showcase

As part of Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week, Greentown Labs will celebrate ACCEL, an accelerator program for startups led by BIPOC and other underrepresented founders. The third ACCEL cohort will present a showcase featuring their technologies, what they’ve accomplished in the first six months of the program, and where they’re headed next. Attendees will also have the opportunity to network with industry leaders who are passionate about and building an inclusive and sustainable future.

This event takes place Thursday, September 18 at 5 pm at Greentown Labs. Click here to register.

September 18 — 22nd Annual Energy Tech Venture Forum

The Rice Alliance Energy Tech Venture Forum will showcase energy tech innovations to shift towards a more sustainable, reliable and lower carbon future. This anchor event of Houston Energy + Climate Startup Week will showcase quality companies and conversations, giving attendees the chance to connect with other leaders and see where energy is headed.

This event takes place Thursday, September 18 at Rice University. Click here to register.

September 22-23 — Southwest Process Technology Conference

The 16th Southwest Process Technology Conference, with the theme “Process Technology in 2025: Solid Foundation, Dynamic Future,” will feature a diverse range of keynote presentations and technical sessions, addressing key topics in the technology and business environment of the rapidly evolving oil refining and chemical industries along the Gulf Coast.

This event begins September 22 at the University of Houston. Click here to register.

September 29-30 — Energy Tax Equity and Credit Markets

Infocast's Energy Tax Equity and Credit Markets two-day event brings together the top tax equity investors, financial advisors, platform providers, lenders, and insurers to give critical insights into how to accelerate the dealmaking process. They will provide invaluable insights on navigating the impacts of IRA changes, qualifying projects to take advantage of tax equity investments, strategies for accelerating project financing pipelines, and a deep dive into how to obtain tax credit investments via both traditional and transfer markets.

This event begins Wednesday, September 29 at the C. Baldwin. Click here to register.

Floating solar projects take shape and more energy transition news to know

Trending News

Editor's note: We're looking back at the biggest energy transition stories from the second half of August 2025, from floating solar projects to low-carbon ship fuel and the return of Energy Tech Venture Forum. Here are the five most-read EnergyCapitalHTX stories from August 15-31:

Rice Alliance names participants in 22th annual energy forum

Here are the 100 startups selected to participate in this year's Rice Alliance Energy Tech Venture Forum. Photo by Natalie Harms

The Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship has named the 100 energy technology ventures that will convene at the 22nd annual Rice Alliance Energy Tech Venture Forum, as part of the second annual Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week. Half of the startups, which hail from nine countries and 19 states, will pitch during the event, which culminates in the annual recognition of the “Most Promising Companies." Continue reading.

Houston environmental firm makes partnership to deliver low-carbon ship fuel

Houston-based Anew Climate will provide renewable natural gas to Canada-based Seaspan. Photo via seaspan.com

Houston-headquartered environmental services firm Anew Climate and Vancouver-based ship-to-ship marine bunkering of liquified natural gas company Seaspan Energy have entered into a first-of-its-kind strategic agreement to offer the delivery of renewable liquefied natural gas (R-LNG) to customers on the North American West Coast. Continue reading.

Houston energy hub announces first cohort for new accelerator

Energytech Nexus has named its first COPILOT accelerator cohort. Photo via Getty Images.

Energytech Nexus, a Houston-based hub for energy startups, has named its inaugural cohort of 14 companies for the new COPILOT accelerator. The eight-month COPILOT program offers mentorship, training and networking for startups. Program participants will be tasked with developing pilot projects for their innovations. Two Houston startups are members of the first COPILOT class. Continue reading.

Houston companies team up on $700M floating solar projects in Texas

Two Houston companies plan to develop 500 megawatts of floating solar installations in Texas by the end of the decade. Photo via Getty Images.

Diamond Infrastructure Solutions has given Third Pillar Solar exclusive rights to access Diamond’s Texas reservoirs for the possible launch of utility-scale floating solar installations. Both companies are based in the Houston area. The potential investment in the floating solar project exceeds $700 million, and the project is expected to generate up to 500 megawatts of solar energy. Continue reading.

Houston energy firm to develop data center projects in Matagorda County

Two new data center projects are coming to the ERCOT South Zone. Photo via Getty Images.

Houston-based Barrio Energy will develop two new projects for 10-megawatt data center sites in Matagorda County. Located in the ERCOT South Zone, the projects will assist in powering advanced computing operations, modular data centers and cryptocurrency mining. Continue reading.

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