4 biggest challenges of Houston-based sustainability startups

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The six finalists for the sustainability category for the 2023 Houston Innovation Awards weigh in on their challenges overcome. Photos courtesy

Six Houston-area sustainability startups have been named finalists in the 2023 Houston Innovation Awards, but they didn't achieve this recognition — as well as see success for their businesses — without any obstacles.

The finalists were asked what their biggest challenges have been. From funding to market adoption, the sustainability companies have had to overcome major obstacles to continue to develop their businesses.

The awards program — hosted by EnergyCapital's sister site, InnovationMap, and Houston Exponential — will name its winners on November 8 at the Houston Innovation Awards. The program was established to honor the best and brightest companies and individuals from the city's innovation community. Eighteen energy startups were named as finalists across all categories, but the following responses come from the finalists in the sustainability category specifically.

Click here to secure your tickets to see who wins.

1. Securing a commercial pilot

"As an early-stage clean energy developer, we struggled to convince key suppliers to work on our commercial pilot project. Suppliers were skeptical of our unproven technology and, given limited inventory from COVID, preferred to prioritize larger clients. We overcame this challenge by bringing on our top suppliers as strategic investors. With a long-term equity stake in Fervo, leading oilfield services companies were willing to provide Fervo with needed drilling rigs, frack crews, pumps, and other equipment." — Tim Latimer, founder and CEO of Fervo Energy

2. Finding funding

"Securing funding in Houston as a solo cleantech startup founder and an immigrant with no network. Overcome that by adopting a milestone-based fundraising approach and establishing credibility through accelerator/incubator programs." — Anas Al Kassas, CEO and founder of INOVUES

"The biggest challenge has been finding funding. Most investors are looking towards software development companies as the capital costs are low in case of a risk. Geothermal costs are high, but it is physical technology that needs to be implemented to safety transition the energy grid to reliable, green power." — Cindy Taff, CEO of Sage Geosystems

3. Market adoption

"Market adoption by convincing partners and government about WHP as a solution, which is resource-intensive. Making strides by finding the correct contacts to educate." — Janice Tran, CEO and co-founder of Kanin Energy

"We are creating a brand new financial instrument at the intersection of carbon markets and power markets, both of which are complicated and esoteric. Our biggest challenge has been the cold-start problem associated with launching a new product that has effectively no adoption. We tackled this problem by leading the Energy Storage Solutions Consortium (a group of corporates and battery developers looking for sustainability solutions in the power space), which has opened up access to customers on both sides of our marketplace. We have also leveraged our deep networks within corporate power procurement and energy storage development to talk to key decision-makers at innovative companies with aggressive climate goals to become early adopters of our products and services." — Emma Konet, CTO and co-founder of Tierra Climate

4. Long scale timelines

"Scaling and commercializing industrial technologies takes time. We realized this early on and designed the eXERO technology to be scalable from the onset. We developed the technology at the nexus of traditional electrolysis and conventional gas processing, taking the best of both worlds while avoiding their main pitfalls." — Claus Nussgruber, CEO of Utility Global

Houston-based INOVUES CEO Anas Al Kassas joins the Energy Tech Startups podcast to discuss his company's energy-saving tech. Photo via inovues.com

Houston innovator on the impact of facade enhancement on the energy transition

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Imagine a world where outdated building facades transform overnight into modern marvels without the chaos of construction or the burden of exorbitant costs.

In the recent podcast episode on Energy Tech Startups, Anas Al Kassas, the CEO of INOVUES, unveils a groundbreaking technology that promises just that. This isn't just about a facelift; it's about revolutionizing energy efficiency, embracing smart-class innovations, and redefining the aesthetics of urban landscapes.

The Advantages of Facade Technology

One of the key advantages Al Kassas highlighted was the ability to significantly reduce both the cost and environmental impact of upgrading building facades. Al Kassas explained that by utilizing INOVUES' technology, the existing systems can be updated and improved without the need for removing or discarding the windows. This approach not only saves on material costs but also avoids disruption during installation. Additionally, the fast installation process and lower labor costs further contribute to the overall cost-effectiveness of the solution.

The Role of Design Aesthetics in Building Upgrades

While energy efficiency is a primary driver for building upgrades, Al Kassas emphasized the importance of design aesthetics in the commercial real estate market. He explained that modernizing the appearance of older buildings, which may still perform well but suffer from outdated perceptions, can attract more tenants and make them more competitive. With INOVUES' solution, building owners have the opportunity to improve the aesthetics of their facades by incorporating the latest glass technologies, colors, and frit patterns (translucent patterns on glass). This not only enhances the building's appearance but also contributes to glare reduction and customization options for different tenants' needs.

The Potential for Rentable Facades

During the conversation, Al Kassas speculated about the potential for rentable facades powered by INOVUES' technology. Just as Apple offers an upgrade plan for its devices, this concept proposes a similar model for building owners to continually incorporate the latest technologies every few years. By avoiding upfront costs and providing immediate benefits such as lower energy bills, improved tenant satisfaction, and a more sustainable building, this rentable facade approach could revolutionize the industry and make energy-efficient upgrades more accessible for a wider range of buildings.

The Current Funding Landscape and Future Growth

INOVUES' journey in securing funding, as discussed in the podcast, sheds light on the challenges faced by energy tech startups. The CEO highlighted the importance of timing and identifying the right investors who share the vision and understand the industry landscape. Despite the difficulties, INOVUES has successfully raised capital, including participation from a multinational building technology company. The company's next goal is to secure a series A funding round to scale their operations and expand their footprint in the market.

INOVUES' technology represents a sustainable solution for upgrading building facades without the need for extensive removal or disruptions. The combination of energy efficiency, improved design aesthetics, and the potential for rentable facades showcases the versatility and value of the company's technology. As the demand for sustainable building solutions continues to grow, and regulatory changes support energy efficiency projects, INOVUES is poised to make a significant impact in the industry. By focusing on both environmental and economic benefits, they are positioning themselves as a key player in the energy tech startup landscape.

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Hosted by Jason Ethier and Nada Ahmed, the Digital Wildcatters’ podcast, Energy Tech Startups, delves into Houston's pivotal role in the energy transition, spotlighting entrepreneurs and industry leaders shaping a low-carbon future.

This innovative window treatment startup announced new global patents. Photo courtesy of INOVUES

Houston sustainability startup secures major milestone for energy efficient tool

patent progress

A Houston company that retrofits windows with smart glass innovations to reduce energy use is celebrating a handful of patents across North America and China.

INOVUES announced it secured several new patents from the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the Canadian Intellectual Patent Office, and the China National Intellectual Property Administration.

“These newly awarded patents reinforce our commitment to innovation and position us as a trusted partner for investors and industry partners,” says Anas Al Kassas, INOVUES founder and CEO, in a news release.

The company now has a total of four patents granted in the United States, Canada, and China, and four more patents pending in the United States, Canada, and the European Union. Additionally, INOVUES has trademark protection granted in the EU, United Kingdom, and China.

INOVUES's unique window treatment — its Insulating Glass Retrofit (IGR) and Secondary Glass Retrofit (SWR) technologies — directly impacts the built environment. The process includes 70 percent fewer materials compared to traditional methods and building owners see a 40 percent reduction in reduction in energy consumption following installation.

Last year, the company raised $2.75 million in venture funding. Kassas said at the time that the funding was slated o be used to scale up the team and identify the best markets to target customers, adding that he was looking for regions with rising energy rates and sizable incentives for companies making energy efficient changes.

"We were able to now implement our technology in over 4 million square feet of building space — from Boston, Seattle, Los Angeles, New York City, Portland, and very soon in Canada," he said in a December episode of the Houston Innovators Podcast.

Anas Al Kassas is the CEO and founder of INOVUES. Photo courtesy

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3 energy transition cos. in the running for Houston Startup of the Year

People's Choice

We're just two weeks away from the 2025 Houston Innovation Awards, presented by InnovationMap.com, and while an expert panel of judges will determine the winners in most categories, one award is up to the public.

Voting is now open for 2025 Houston Startup of the Year, the people's choice award. Six exceptional finalists are in the running for the title, including three from the energy transition sector.

From next-gen biobased materials to technology that creates chemicals without carbon emissions, these companies are shaping the future.

Read about all of the Startup of the Year finalists and their missions below, then cast your vote. You can vote once per day through November 12.

The winner, along with winners in all other categories, will be revealed live on November 13 at Greentown Labs. Tickets to the 2025 Houston Innovation Awards are available now — get yours today.

2025 Houston Startup of the Year finalists:

Eclipse Energy

Eclipse Energy, previously known as Gold H2, is a climatetech startup converting end-of-life oil fields into low-cost, sustainable hydrogen sources. The company completed its first field trial this summer, which demonstrated subsurface bio-stimulated hydrogen production. Eclipse Energy says Its technology could yield up to 250 billion kilograms of low-carbon hydrogen.

Rheom Materials

Rheom Materials is a next-generation startup developing biobased materials for a more sustainable future. Its two flagship offerings are Shorai, a sustainable leather alternative that is usable for apparel, accessories, car interiors, and more, and Benree, an alternative to plastic without the carbon footprint.

Solidec

Solidec is a chemical manufacturing company developing autonomous generators that extract molecules from water and air and convert them into pure chemicals and fuels that are free of carbon emissions. The technology eliminates the need for transport, storage, and permitting.

FlowCare

FlowCare is developing a period health platform that integrates smart dispensers, education, and healthcare into one system to make free, high-quality, organic period products more accessible. FlowCare is live at prominent Houston venues, including Discovery Green, Texas Medical Center, The Ion, and, most recently, Space Center Houston, helping make Houston a “period positivity” city.

MyoStep

MyoStep is a next-generation, lightweight, soft exoskeleton developed at University of Houston for children with cerebral palsy. The soft skeleton aims to address motor impairments that impact their ability to participate in physical activities, self-care, and academics, via an affordable, child-friendly solution that empowers mobility and independence.

Persona AI

Persona AI is a humanoid robotics startup that is creating rugged, autonomous robots for skilled, heavy industry work for various "4D" (dull, dirty, dangerous, and declining) jobs. In May, the company announced a memorandum of understanding with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, HD Hyundai Robotic, and Vazil Company to create and deploy humanoid robots for complex welding tasks in shipyards. The project will deliver prototype humanoids by the end of 2026.

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The Houston Innovation Awards program is sponsored by Houston Community College, Houston Powder Coaters, FLIGHT by Yuengling, and more to be announced soon. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact sales@innovationmap.com.

What to expect from the 2025 Greentown Labs' Climatetech Summit Houston

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Greentown Labs' Climatetech Summit Houston will take place next Tuesday, Nov. 4, bringing together philanthropists, executives and innovators in the energy transition space.

John Arnold, co-founder and co-chair of Arnold Ventures, will participate in the keynote fireside chat with Greentown CEO Georgina Campbell Flatter. The conversation will explore "top priorities and opportunities in energy innovation today—with a special focus on how these dynamics are playing out in Houston," according to Greentown.

Other highlights will include:

Welcome remarks from Houston Mayor John Whitmire
A course led by TEX-E Executive Director Sandy Guitar
A philanthropy panel featuring Greentown Labs new Head of Philanthropy Stacey Harris
The Energy Jobs of the Future, featuring Sameer Bandhu, GE Vernova’s managing director, ventures and licensing
An Energy-transition Roadmap, featuring Monica Krishnan, Hermann Lebit and Bobby Tudor and moderated by Varun Rai
What is Climatetech? featuring Kyle Judah, Emerson Denka Wangdi, Laureen Meroueh and Head of Greentown Houston Lawson Gow

Ten Greentown Labs startups will also present their pitches at the event. Expect to hear from:

MCatalysis Inc. CEO, President, and Founder Michael D. Irwin. Dallas-based MCatalysis develops novel, high-efficiency industrial microwave processes and catalysts to produce low-cost, clean synthetic fuels and chemicals from waste carbon resources.
Pike Robotics CEO and co-founder Connor Crawford. Austin-based Pike Robotics provides next-gen robotic solutions for in-service inspection of floating roof storage tanks.
Helix Earth CEO and co-founder Rawand Rasheed. Houston-based Helix Earth retrofits commercial HVAC systems to improve energy efficiency.
10DQ CEO Steven Reece. Greentown Boston member 10DQ has developed its Redox Loop Battery, which uses novel, water-based electrolytes to store energy in dense, low-cost, earth-abundant battery materials.
Janta Power CEO Mohammed Njie. Dallas-based Janta Power is developing 3D solar towers.
Neuralix business operations and product developer Annorah Lewis. Houston-based Neuralix offers a suite of rapid, customizable templates for the data lifecycle for the energy and manufacturing sectors.
Ententia co-founder Nishant Shah. Houston-based Etenitia develops enterprise AI platforms and systems that use domain expertise, rich multi-modal industrial datasets, and generative AI technology to power more effective and efficient business workflows.
Locoal CEO Miles Murray. Boerne, Texas-based Locoal is a waste-to-energy company that has developed a proprietary mobile containerized fluidized gasifier that diverts waste, converts it to clean energy and captures carbon in value-added co-products.
SpiralWave co-founder Adam Amad. San Francisco-based SpiralWave has developed novel electrochemical carbon capture technology that lowers costs.
Biatech founder and CEO Nathan Hartwig. Tampa-based Biatech has built an application-layer AI platform to help energy, mining and infrastructure operators optimize asset performance, reduce risk and improve decision-making.

In addition to the startup pitches, attendees will also be able to meet founders and Greentown members during the afternoon startup showcase. A networking reception at Axelrad Houston follows. A separate ticket offers admission to the showcase and networking event only.

See the full agenda here.

California company launches Tesla Megapack battery project in Houston area

power on

Oakland, California-based Nightpeak Energy announced earlier this month that its 150-megawatt battery storage project in Brazoria County, known as Bocanova Power, is now operating to address Houston’s peak capacity needs.

“This battery storage project will enhance grid reliability in the Alvin area while continuing to support integrating renewable energy,” Cary Perrin, president and CEO of the Northern Brazoria County Chamber of Commerce, said in a news release. “I believe we need energy storage now more than ever for its pivotal role in reducing strain on the grid while meeting fast-growing power demand in Texas and Brazoria County."

The project reached commercial operation in August, according to the release. The project utilizes Tesla's Megapack 2 XL battery storage system, and the facility operates under a long-term power purchase agreement with an undisclosed “investment-grade power purchaser.”

“Bocanova Power demonstrates the speed at which Nightpeak Energy is overcoming complex challenges to energize projects that support America's growing need for affordable, reliable, and secure energy,” Paris Hays, co-founder and CEO/CDO of Nightpeak Energy, added in the news release. “Unprecedented AI data center and manufacturing growth has only accelerated the need for these resources.”

Hays added in the release that the company has plans for more energy infrastructure projects in Texas and in the Western U.S.

Nightpeak Energy develops, owns and operates power plants that support the growing capacity needs of a decarbonized grid. It also owns and operates 240 MW of battery storage and natural gas generation facilities.

The company was founded in 2022 and backed by equity funding of up to $200 million from Dallas-based investment firm Energy Spectrum Capital.

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