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

where to be

Hear startup pitches, panels and fireside chats from energy transition leaders next week. Photo via Greentown Labs

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.

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At a recent event in Houston, energy transition experts shared opportunities in renewables and sustainability. Photo by Lindsey Ferrell/EnergyCapital

Energy transition opportunities are heading to Texas and beyond, according to these experts

incoming

The energy industry in Houston, Texas, and beyond is gearing up for new opportunities within the energy transition, as a recent Houston event and its lineup of experts shared.

At the inaugural ENERGYEAR USA 2023, panelists outlined how their companies are opting into a more personable approach to building sustainable energy solutions – and sustainable communities.

“Most of our renewable projects are in very rural areas. We come to communities that don’t have enough money to invest in their schools, their kids. There’s not a lot of opportunity,” explains David Carroll, chief renewables officer and senior vice president of the North America region for Engie.

“We come in and invest a lot in the construction phase, but after that, we have workers that live there. We are often one of the largest taxpayers in that area,” Carroll continues. “We can provide them cash profit, provide them the tax base, so that we can help provide a future in many of these rural communities that were struggling before we got there.”

Engie, which has closed several coal plants globally ahead of schedule to work toward meeting their commitment to Net Zero by 2045, isn’t the only organization that emphasizes purpose in its pursuit of energy equity.

Power Electronics, the global leader in renewable energy storage, finds purpose through re-purposing field technicians. For the past five years, the organization has transformed talent with electrical equipment experience from the oil and gas industry into renewables. The company doesn’t plan on slowing down, either.

“We are proud to announce here today [that over] the next two years, we will create more than 500 jobs as the largest ever manufacturer of solar inverter and intermediate scale battery inverters in the U.S.,” shares David Salvo, CEO of Power Electronics. “We start manufacturing EV chargers in Houston later this year and are committed to U.S. manufacturing job creation.”

The company saw a need for setting up a Texas manufacturing facility to support growth and was impressed by the volume of Houston talent possessing a deep understanding of both mechanical and electrical equipment from their tenure in upstream oil and gas.

“It is easier to find people here [like that] than anywhere else,” Salvo tells EnergyCapitalHTX. “That is a fact.”

Explosive growth for the region has barely even begun, with expected investments in Texas alone exceeding $60 billion dollars in large scale renewables.

“Because of these investments that we are making, we are able to create good paying jobs… and meet climate goals of getting to a Net Zero economy by 2050,” Jeff Marootian, U.S Department of Energy senior advisor, tells Katie Mehnert, CEO of Ally Energy and DOE Ambassador, during their fireside chat.

“Partnership between government and private sector, ultimately, is creating these opportunities,” Marootian says. “Our challenge is to help identify, help train, help build up that generation of workforce.”

As a final note on the trifecta of purpose, partnering, and governance, Erika Bierschbach, vice president of energy market operations and resource planning for Austin Energy, challenges the power and utilities industry to embrace statistical models over deterministic ones when forecasting energy supply and demand. The upstream oil and gas sector embraced this practice years ago to improve production optimization processes.

On the subject of green energy employment, a recent report found that Houston is a successful hub when it comes to clean energy jobs. SmartAsset, a personal finance website, recently ranked the Houston metro area as the fifth best place in the U.S. for green jobs, which pay an average of 21 percent more than other jobs. And actually, the study found that 2.23 percent of workers in the Houston area hold down jobs classified as “green.”

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Greentown Labs names new COO, appoints new Head of Houston

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Greentown Labs has reshuffled its leadership, elevating Houston leaders into new roles.

Lawson Gow was named COO of the Houston- and Boston-based climatech incubator in February 2026. In his new role, he will focus on optimizing Greentown's structure, building new internal and external systems and developing a plan for growth.

Gow was named Head of Houston in July. He previously founded The Cannon, a coworking space with eight locations in the Houston area, with additional partner spaces. He also recently served as managing partner at Houston-based investment and advisory firm Helium Capital. Gow is the son of David Gow, founder of Energy Capital's parent company, Gow Media.

Kelsey Kearns, who previously served as Director of Community Strategy at Greentown, was named as Gow's replacement in the Houston-focused role. As the new Head of Houston, she will lead daily operations, work to connect the city's climate and innovation ecosystem and founders, strengthen partnerships and accelerate solutions.

"I'm honored and grateful to step into this new role," Kearns said in an email. "My goal is for Greentown to thrive so our founders can thrive! That means supporting their connection to the capital, pilots, and customers they need to grow while building partnerships across Houston's innovation ecosystem. I want Greentown Houston to become the playbook for every future Greentown expansion."

Before joining Greentown Houston, Kearns served as director of business development at Howdy.com, an Austin-based technology staffing company.

"Kelsey is such a perfect fit to lead Greentown Houston," Gow added in an email. "She's deeply passionate about the entrepreneurial community here and has worked throughout and across the ecosystem for years. She's built an awesome dream team here and has helped reinvigorate Greentown's presence and role in Houston's innovation economy."

Earlier this year, Greentown also named Julia Travaglini as the Head of its Boston incubator. Travaglini has held multiple leadership roles at Greentown since 2016. The organization named Georgina Campbell Flatter as its new CEO in early 2025.

Texas sees 5th highest surge in gas prices in the U.S. since 2025

Pay at the Pump

Residents all around Texas are seeing soaring prices for regular and diesel fuel in 2026.

In fact, the Lone Star State has seen the fifth-highest percentage increase in gas prices in the country from April 2025 to April 2026, a just-released SmartAsset study has found. The current cost of a regular gallon of gas is 36.1 percent higher now than it was a year ago, and diesel is 60.9 percent more expensive.

The report, "Gas Prices Hit Records in 2026: State by State Breakdown," compared average gas prices from AAA from April 1, 2025 and April 1, 2026 and calculated the one-year change across all 50 states. The study looked at the price of a gallon of regular, premium, and diesel.

According to AAA, the cost of a regular gallon of gas in Texas at the start of April was $3.77, while premium is $4.62 per gallon. Diesel ticked over $5 a gallon — ouch — at $5.11.

Houston gas prices aren't much cheaper than the statewide average. A gallon of regular costs up to $3.76 at some Houston-area pumps, and diesel is $5.05 per gallon. AAA says the highest recorded average price for gas in the city was in June 2022, when a gallon of regular cost $4.68 and diesel cost $5.24.

Though Texas' gas prices are continuing to climb, it ranks 35th in the national ranking of states with the highest cost for regular gas as of April 2026. Texas' diesel prices are the 14th highest nationwide.

With the national average price for gas at $4.06, SmartAsset said the sudden surge in prices can be attributed to the United States' war on Iran, and "subsequent pressure on the Strait of Hormuz."

"Many states have experienced a 33 percent year-over-year increase in the cost of a gallon of regular gas – and in some places it’s even higher," the report's author wrote. "Commercial and public programs may be feeling similarly pinched, with diesel prices upwards of $6.00 per gallon in many states."

California currently has the highest average price for regular and diesel — $5.89 per gallon and $7.52 per gallon, respectively.

Arizona leads the nation with the highest one-year increase in gas prices. Regular gas in the Grand Canyon State is nearly 38 percent more expensive than it was last year, at $4.70 per gallon, and diesel is about 69 percent higher at $6.04 for a gallon.

The state with the cheapest gas prices in April is Oklahoma, where regular costs $3.27 per gallon, premium is $3.97, and diesel is $4.49.

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This article originally appeared on CultureMap.com.

Here are 10+ must-attend Houston energy events for Q2 2026

Mark Your Calendars

Editor's note: Q2 is underway, with a host of must-attend events for those in the energy transition sector. Houston will welcome some of the world's top energy conferences, expos, and forums over the next few months, so mark your calendars and begin registering now.

April 8-9, 2026 — AI in Oil & Gas Conference

In a world where data is the most valuable asset, how do you turn mountains of information into decisive, real-time action while also meeting ever-tightening emissions targets? The 2026 AI in Oil & Gas Conference will address these challenges and opportunities by bringing together 500+ senior executives, technical innovators, and operational leaders who are ready to push the energy industry forward.

The conference begins April 8 at Hyatt Regency Houston West. Register here.

April 20-21, 2026 — EMC25

Energy Marketing Conferences is thrilled to host EMC25 in Houston. This is one of the largest retail energy conferences in North America, and it plays host to some of the most influential energy providers, brokers, and suppliers in the energy industry.

This event begins April 20 at Hilton Post Oak Galleria. Register here.

April 20-21, 2026 7th American LNG Forum

Join LNG industry professionals, innovators and policymakers in Houston—one of the world’s leading energy hubs, to discover groundbreaking technologies that are driving the future of liquified natural gas. From market dynamics to decarbonization strategies, this is your chance to connect, learn and become part of the LNG revolution at American LNG Forum.

This event begins April 20 at the Houston Marriott West Loop by The Galleria. Register here.

April 22, 2026 — 6th American Hydrogen & CCUS Forum

Connect with hydrogen industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers at the American Hydrogen & CCUS Forum in Houston — one of the world’s foremost energy hubs. Discover groundbreaking technologies and strategies showcased at the Hydrogen Conference and Hydrogen Expo, focusing on hydrogen fuel cell technology, hydrogen energy, and low-carbon hydrogen solutions.

This event takes place April 22 at the Houston Marriott West Loop by The Galleria. Register here.

April 23-24, 2026 — American Data Centers Forum

American Data Centers Forum: From Building to Powering is a national forum dedicated to the energy, infrastructure, and innovation behind America’s next generation of data centers. The event will bring together developers, utilities, energy providers, policymakers, and technology leaders to address the critical challenge of scaling digital infrastructure sustainably and securely. From hydrogen and small modular reactors (SMRs) to microgrids, renewables, and carbon capture (CCUS), the discussions will explore real pathways to decarbonizing and strengthening the nation’s digital backbone.

This event begins April 23 at the Houston Marriott West Loop by The Galleria. Register here.

April 27-29, 2026 — PPMD Energy Data Convention

This flagship conference is dedicated to exploring the latest advancements and trends in energy data, offering opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration. Gain insights into cutting-edge data management practices and how they can enhance operational efficiency, support strategic decision-making, and contribute to achieving long-term objectives. This year's theme is "From Chaos to Clarity: Data-driven Value in the Energy Evolution. Highlights include keynote presentations from renowned experts, interactive panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and an exhibitor showcase.

This event begins April 27 at Norris Conference Center. Register here.

May 4-6, 2026 — Enverus Evolve Conference

Staying ahead of the curve in the energy sector is critical. This conference is designed to equip energy leaders with foresight in the energy market, providing cutting-edge technological know-how, sessions and networking opportunities industry leaders, and offering practical guidance on how to apply technology to solve big problems.

This event begins May 4 at Marriott Marquis, Downtown Houston. Register here.

May 4-7, 2026 — OTC 2026

The world’s largest offshore energy technology event returns to Houston beginning May 4. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, president of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, will officially open the 2026 Offshore Technology Conference, delivering the Opening Address on May 4. This year's event will be cover the theme of "Steering Offshore Energy Innovation into the Future," emphasizes the pivotal role oil and gas, along with other emerging offshore energy sources, will play in shaping a sustainable and energy-secure future.

This event begins May 4 NRG Park. Register here.

May 18-19, 2026 — Geothermal Transition Summit North America

This two-day summit serves as the meeting point for the geothermal and oil and gas industries and will focus on geothermal energy, including scaling plants and navigating state regulations. The event promises 40 expert speakers, 15 exhibition spaces, and networking opportunities with 250 industry decision makers.

This event begins May 18 at Norris Conference Center. Register here.

June 1-4, 2026 — CLEANPOWER 2026 Conference and Exhibition

CLEANPOWER unites policymakers, experts, and corporate leaders to solve the challenges that none can solve alone. This must-attend, four-day conference is packed with cutting-edge discussions about wind, solar, storage, and transmission; dealmaking; networking; and fun.

This event begins Jun 1 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Register here.

June 16-17, 2026 — Energy Projects Conference & Expo

The Energy Projects Conference & Expo (EPC Show) is the largest event in North America for professionals working at the heart of major energy projects. The essential event for engineering, construction, commissioning, operations and maintenance across multiple energy sectors brings together five leading conferences under one roof. Conference subjects span LNG exporting, hydrogen and ammonia, midstream, petrochem and refining, and sustainable aviation fuels.

This event begins June 16 at George R. Brown Convention Center. https://www.epcshow.com/

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