These are the most-read Houston energy transition startup news stories of the year. Photo via Getty Images

Editor's note: As the year comes to a close, EnergyCapital is looking back at the year's top stories in Houston energy transition. EnergyCapital covers the entire energy transition ecosystem, including the businesses from major public corporations to small but growing startups with promising technologies. This year, top energy startup news included award-winning innovators, a new hub for energy tech startups, big deals, and more. Check out each of the most-read stories below — be sure to click to continue reading each article.

Local energy innovators recognized at annual Houston Innovation Awards

At an event celebrating Houston innovation, these four energy transition leaders were recognized. Photos courtesy

This week, the Houston innovation ecosystem celebrated big wins from the year, and members of the energy transition community were recognized alongside other innovators.

The Houston Innovation Awards honored over 40 finalists across categories, naming the 12 winners and honoring the two Trailblazer Legacy Awards at the event. The event, hosted at TMC Helix Park on November 14 named and celebrated the winners, which included four energy transition innovators. Click to see what energy leaders secured wins.

Houston startup taps new corporate partner for AI-backed sustainability consumer tech

IBM and Boxes recently partnered to integrate the IBM watsonx Assistant into Boxes devices, providing a way for consumer packaged brands to find out more than ever about what its customers like and want. Photo courtesy of Boxes

With the help of a new conversational artificial intelligence platform, a Houston startup is ready to let brands get up close and personal with consumers while minimizing waste.

IBM and Boxes recently partnered to integrate the IBM watsonx Assistant into Boxes devices, providing a way for consumer packaged brands to find out more than ever about what its customers like and want.

The Boxes device, about the size of a 40-inch television screen, dispenses products to consumers in a modern and sustainable spin on the old-fashioned large vending machine.

CEO Fernando Machin Gojdycz learned that business from his entrepreneur father, Carlos Daniel Machin, while growing up in Uruguay.

“That’s where my passion comes from — him,” Gojdycz says of his father. In 2016, Gojdycz founded Boxes in Uruguay with some engineer friends

Funded by a $2,000 grant from the University of Uruguay, the company's mission was “to democratize and economize affordable and sustainable shopping,” in part by eliminating wasteful single-use plastic packaging. Click to continue reading.

Houston startup selected for inaugural climatetech global entrepreneur competition

Syzygy Plasmonics is going to be competing in Gastech's new startup competition. Photo via Getty Images

A global natural gas, LNG, hydrogen, low-carbon solutions, and climate technology convention is coming to Houston next month — but only one Houston startup is geared up for the event's new startup competition.

Gastech invited 20 promising companies for its inaugural Gastech Start-Up Competition, and 11 companies have signed on to participate so far. Houston-based Syzygy Plasmonics, which created and is scaling a sustainable photocatalytic reactor, is currently the only local company among the participants.

“Gastech's focus on creating a low-carbon, affordable energy future aligns perfectly with Syzygy's drive to produce low-carbon, low-cost hydrogen, liquid fuels, and syngas," Syzygy Plasmonics CEO Trevor Best says. "We can't wait to represent Houston as the only startup from the area to be included among the 11 finalists in the Gastech Climatetech Global Entrepreneur Competition.” Click to continue reading.

Houston leaders launch new downtown hub to support energy transition innovation

Energy Tech Nexus has opened in downtown Houston. Photo by Natalie Harms/EnergyCapital

Three Houston energy innovators have cut the ribbon on a new space for energy transition innovation.

The Energy Tech Nexus, located in the historic Niels Esperson Building at the corner of Travis and Rusk Avenue, opened on September 10, which was proclaimed Energy Tech Nexus Day by the city.

Jason Ethier and Juliana Garaizar, formerly in leadership roles at Greentown Labs, teamed up with Nada Ahmed, previously headed innovation and transformation at Aker Solutions, launched ETN as a community for energy transition startups. The new hub plans to host incubation programs, provide mentorship, and open doors to funding and strategic partnerships for its members.

"We are creating more than a space for innovation," Garaizar says in a news release. "We are crafting a community where pioneers in technology and energy converge to challenge the status quo and accelerate the shift to sustainable energy solutions." Click to continue reading.

Houston bio-based materials founder rebrands, evolves future-focused sustainability startup

Zimri T. Hinshaw, founder and CEO of Rheom Materials, joins the Houston Innovators Podcast. Photo courtesy of Rheom

At first, Zimri T. Hinshaw just wanted to design a sustainable, vegan jacket inspired by bikers he saw in Tokyo. Now, he's running a bio-based materials company with two product lines and is ready to disrupt the fashion and automotive industries.

Hinshaw founded Rheom Materials (née Bucha Bio) in 2020, but a lot has changed since then. He moved the company from New York to Houston, built out a facility in Houston's East End Maker Hub, and rebranded to reflect the company's newest phase and extended product lines, deriving from dozens of different ingredients, including algae, seaweed, corn, other fruits and vegetables, and more.

"As a company, we pivoted our technology from growing kombucha sheets to grinding up bacteria nanocellulose from kombucha into our products and then we moved away from that entirely," Hinshaw says on the Houston Innovators Podcast. "Today, we're designing different materials that are more sustainable, and the inputs are varied." Click to continue reading.

Over 500 people attended the 21st annual Energy Tech Venture Forum hosted by the Rice Alliance. Photo courtesy of Rice

Investors name most-promising energy tech startups at annual Houston event

big winners

Investors from around the world again identified the most-promising energy tech startups at the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship's annual event.

"The recognition that Houston is the epicenter of energy transition is growing. It's something we are championing as much as possible so that the world can know exactly what we're doing," Paul Cherukuri, chief innovation officer at Rice University says at the 21st annual Energy Tech Venture Forum.

The event took place during the inaugural Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week, and nearly 100 startups from 23 states and seven countries pitched investors Wednesday, September 11, and Thursday, September 12. At the conclusion of the event, the investors decided on 10 companies deemed "most promising" from the presentations.

This year's selected companies are:

  • Revterra, a Houston-based company innovating within kinetic battery technology to enable faster and cleaner electric vehicle charging.
  • From Austin, 360 Mining is a modular data center provider for the oil and gas producers.
  • New York company Andium is a centralized and optimized operations platform for large energy companies.
  • Elementium Materials, a local Katy-based company, created its battery technology that originated out of MIT.
  • Splight is a San Mateo, California-based technology platform that provides real-time operational data based on inverter-based resources assets.
  • Los Angeles-based Mitico, one of the Rice Alliance Clean Energy Accelerator's class 4 participants, provides services and equipment for carbon capture through its granulated metal carbonate sorption technology.
  • From Cambridge, Massachusetts, Osmoses is changing the way molecular gas separations are performed within the chemical, petrochemical, and energy industries.
  • Rice Alliance Clean Energy Accelerator class 4 participant CORROLYTICS, based in Houston, has a corrosion detection and monitoring technology. The company also won over the crowd and secured the People's Choice win too.
  • Ardent, based in New Castle, Delaware, has developed a membrane technology for point-source carbon capture.
  • New Haven, Connecticut-based Oxylus Energy produces an alternative fuel from converting CO2 into green methanol.

Last year, investors named its selection of most-promising companies at Rice.

"We have a responsibility as a city to lead energy transition," Cherukuri continues. "A lot of the investments we're making at Rice are going to change the world."

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This article originally ran on InnovationMap.

Houston can take inspiration from this young professionals workforce development program. Photo via Getty Images

What Houston energy companies can learn from a new workforce development program

guest column

In Appalachia, a region known for its economic highs and lows, CNX is redefining what success looks like for the region. Through its Mentorship Academy, CNX is not just filling jobs, but creating meaningful careers that keep young people rooted in their communities. This program, designed to bridge the gap between education and the workforce, has been a game-changer for students who might otherwise not come across the same opportunities.

For those of us in Houston and across Texas, the CNX Mentorship Academy offers a powerful blueprint that could be replicated in our own communities. The challenges faced by young people in Appalachia — limited career options, economic downturns, and the pressure to leave home in search of better opportunities — are not unique to that region. Here in Texas, particularly in our rural areas and economically challenged neighborhoods, many young people face similar hurdles. But what if we could offer them the same kind of opportunities that CNX is providing in Appalachia?

At a recent graduation event held at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, the impact of the CNX Mentorship Academy was evident. The students who graduated that day were not just receiving diplomas; they were stepping into new careers and brighter futures. These young people, who had once been uncertain about their paths, are now equipped with the skills and confidence to succeed in high-paying jobs within their own communities.

One of the key takeaways from CNX’s approach is the importance of exposure. In many cases, students simply aren’t aware of the opportunities that exist in their own backyard. As industries like coal and automotive have declined in Appalachia, many young people believed their only option was to leave the region or settle for low-paying jobs. The shale revolution, however, has brought new life to the area, particularly in the energy sector. CNX recognized this and decided to use it as a platform to uplift the next generation.

The Mentorship Academy targets students who might not be on the traditional college-bound track. These are the kids who show up to school every day but don’t necessarily have a clear direction. This approach has allowed the program to tap into the potential of students who might otherwise be overlooked.

What truly sets the CNX Mentorship Academy apart is its hands-on approach. The students don’t just learn about career opportunities; they experience them. Whether it’s through site visits, internships, or working directly with mentors from companies like Evolution and CNX, these young people are getting a real taste of what their future could look like. “It's all about exposure. Like, you know, we can pour all the money into the schools you want... but if they don't have the opportunities to actually see it for themselves, experience it for themselves, it doesn't stick,” another speaker emphasized at the event.

The success stories coming out of the CNX Mentorship Academy are inspiring. One graduate, who initially entered the program disengaged and uncertain, has since become one of its biggest advocates. After securing a job with his preferred company, he’s now leading the charge in getting other students involved, showcasing his newfound leadership skills. “You can have multiple dreams... It's just, you know, being willing to take a risk, step outside and try something new,” he said, reflecting on his journey.

For Houston and Texas as a whole, the CNX Mentorship Academy offers a model worth emulating. The program’s success lies not just in its ability to place students in jobs, but in its focus on preparing them for careers that provide stability and growth. By connecting students with local industries and giving them the tools they need to succeed, CNX is helping to ensure that the next generation of workers is both capable and motivated.

The best part? The CNX Mentorship Academy’s blueprint is open-source, designed to be replicated in other regions. “There is no secret sauce. Everything is wide open... So this can be copied and scaled in Colorado or in Texas or anywhere else where you would want to duplicate this,” the program leaders shared.

As Houston continues to grow and evolve, programs like the CNX Mentorship Academy offer a valuable lesson: success isn’t just about getting a job; it’s about building a career and a future that benefits both the individual and the community. By adopting and adapting this model, we can create similar opportunities for our own youth, ensuring that they too have the chance to stay and thrive in their own backyards.

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Julie McLelland is co-founder and head of product at Digital Wildcatters, a Houston-based company creating and cultivating a community for the next generation of energy professionals.

The event "will showcase energy tech innovations to shift towards a more sustainable, reliable and lower carbon future across interactive panels, inspiring keynotes and over 50 dynamic venture pitches." Photo via Rice.edu

Houston organization calls for startup submissions to pitch at inaugural climatetech week

Apply now

Calling all energy tech startups — you don't want to miss the opportunity to pitch at the inaugural Energy and Climate Startup Week in Houston.

Applications are open now for Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship's Energy Tech Venture Forum, which will take place on September 12 as a part of the first Energy and Climate Startup Week in Houston that is taking place September 9 to 13. While ETVF has been hosted by Rice every year for over 20 years, this will be the first time startups will be pitching as a part of the bigger, citywide event.

The event "will showcase energy tech innovations to shift towards a more sustainable, reliable and lower carbon future across interactive panels, inspiring keynotes and over 50 dynamic venture pitches," according to Rice Alliance.

Ninety selected startups will get one-on-one time with the 75 investors who attend the event — each company will have around four to 10 meetings set up for them — and then 40 companies will continue on to pitch to the attendees of the event. Additionally, the Class 4 of the Rice Alliance Clean Energy Accelerator, which was recently announced on EnergyCapital, will also be featured for 10 Demo Day pitches.

Startup founders have until July 12 to apply online.

In addition to the pitches, the September 12 event will feature keynote addresses, panels, and investor-only office hours.

Learn more about the event from last year:

The conversation with Jason Beck of ZettaWatts offers a glimpse into the exciting world of energy transition.

Houston energy tech founder envisions enhanced clean energy marketplace

Q&A

For Jason Beck, a cleaner future is personal. That's why his company, ZettaWatts, is making clean energy more affordable and available.

In this Energy Tech Startups episode, we dive deep into the world of energy transition technologies with Beck from ZettaWatts. Jason shares his unique perspective on the evolving energy landscape, the importance of climate journeys, and the innovative solutions ZettaWatts is bringing to the table.



The conversation with Beck offers a glimpse into the exciting world of energy transition. As we move towards a more sustainable future, it's essential to stay informed and engaged with the latest developments in the sector.

Energy Tech Startups: What is ZettaWatts' primary mission in the energy transition landscape?

Jason Beck: ZettaWatts is deeply committed to enabling energy transition technologies to reach the market and improve their financial viability. The company's primary goal is to bridge the gap between groundbreaking technologies and the financial structures that support them. By doing so, they hope to accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy solutions.

ETS: You mentioned the importance of individual "climate journeys." Can you elaborate on this concept?

JB: Absolutely. A climate journey refers to an individual's evolving understanding and commitment to sustainability and climate action. It's a personal path that often starts with a growing awareness of environmental issues and culminates in concrete actions to address them. My own journey began with a realization of the pressing need for collective action against climate change. It's essential for everyone to embark on their climate journey, as it fosters a sense of responsibility and drives impactful change.

ETS: Houston is emerging as a hub for energy transition. What makes the city stand out in this regard?

JB: Houston's energy ecosystem is vibrant and diverse. Historically known for its oil and gas industry, the city is now embracing renewable energy and sustainable solutions. This shift is evident in the increasing number of startups, research institutions, and established companies focusing on green energy in the region. The collaborative spirit and wealth of resources make Houston an ideal place for companies like ZettaWatts to thrive.

ETS: How does ZettaWatts differentiate itself as a market maker in the energy sector?

JB: Unlike traditional bilateral markets, ZettaWatts operates as a market maker by aggregating demand and supply. This unique approach allows for instant diversification, reducing risks for both buyers and sellers. By acting as a central hub, ZettaWatts can efficiently match renewable energy projects with interested investors, streamlining the process and ensuring optimal outcomes for all parties involved.

ETS:  Decarbonization by 2050 is a significant goal. How do you see renewable energy playing a role in achieving this target?

JB: Renewable energy is pivotal in addressing the carbon problem. To achieve decarbonization by 2050, we need a comprehensive plan, and renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro play a crucial role in this roadmap. I highly recommend the book "Speed and Scale" as it provides a master plan for this ambitious goal. With the right strategies and collective effort, I believe we can create a sustainable future.

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This conversation has been edited for brevity and clarity. Click here to listen to the full episode.

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. Digital Wildcatters is a Houston-based media platform and podcast network, which is home to the Energy Tech Startups podcast.

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CenterPoint launches $65B capital improvement plan

grid growth

To support rising demand for power, Houston-based utility company CenterPoint Energy has launched a $65 billion, 10-year capital improvement plan.

CenterPoint said that in its four-state service territory — Texas, Indiana, Minnesota and Ohio — the money will go toward building and maintaining a “resilient” electric grid and a safe natural gas system.

In the Houston area, CenterPoint forecasts peak demand for electricity will increase nearly 50 percent, to almost 31 gigawatts, by 2031 and peak demand will climb to almost 42 gigawatts by the middle of the next decade. CenterPoint provides energy to nearly 2.8 million customers in the Houston area.

In addition to the $65 billion capital improvement budget, which is almost 40 percent higher than the 2021 budget, CenterPoint has identified more than $10 billion in investment opportunities that could further improve electric and natural gas service.

“Every investment we make at CenterPoint is in service of our approximately seven million metered customers we have the privilege to serve,” CenterPoint president and CEO Jason Wells said in a news release.

“With our customer-driven yet conservative approach to growth, we continue to see significant potential for even more investment for the benefit of our customers that is not yet reflected in our new plan,” he added.

UH projects propose innovative reuse of wind turbines and more on Gulf Coast

Forward-thinking

Two University of Houston science projects have been selected as finalists for the Gulf Futures Challenge, which will award a total of $50 million to develop ideas that help benefit the Gulf Coast.

Sponsored by the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine’s Gulf Coast Research Program and Lever for Change, the competition is designed to spark innovation around problems in the Gulf Coast, such as rising sea levels, pollution, energy security, and community resiliency. The two UH projects beat out 162 entries from organizations based in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

“Being named a finalist for this highly competitive grant underscores the University of Houston’s role as a leading research institution committed to addressing the most pressing challenges facing our region,” said Claudia Neuhauser, vice president for research at UH.

“This opportunity affirms the strength of our faculty and researchers and highlights UH’s capacity to deliver innovative solutions that will ensure the long-term stability and resilience of the Gulf Coast.”

One project, spearheaded by the UH Repurposing Offshore Infrastructure for Continued Energy (ROICE) program, is studying ways to use decommissioned oil rig platforms in the Gulf of Mexico as both clean energy hydrogen power generators as well a marine habitats. There are currently thousands of such platforms in the Gulf.

The other project involves the innovative recycling of wind turbines into seawall and coastal habitats. Broken and abandoned wind turbine blades have traditionally been thought to be non-recyclable and end up taking up incredible space in landfills. Headed by a partnership between UH, Tulane University, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, the city of Galveston and other organizations, this initiative could vastly reduce the waste associated with wind farm technology.

wind turbine recycled for Gulf Coast seawall.Wind turbines would be repurposed into seawalls and more. Courtesy rendering

"Coastal communities face escalating threats from climate change — land erosion, structural corrosion, property damage and negative health impacts,” said Gangbing Song, Moores Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at UH and the lead investigator for both projects.

“Leveraging the durability and anti-corrosive properties of these of decommissioned wind turbine blades, we will build coastal structures, improve green spaces and advance the resilience and health of Gulf Coast communities through integrated research, education and outreach.”

The two projects have received a development grant of $300,000 as a prize for making it to the finals. When the winner are announced in early 2026, two of the projects will net $20 million each to bring their vision to life, with the rest earning a consolation prize of $875,000, in additional project support.

In the event that UH doesn't grab the grand prize, the school's scientific innovation will earn a guaranteed $1.75 million for the betterment of the Gulf Coast.

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This article originally appeared on CultureMap.com.

ERCOT steps up grid innovation efforts to support growing power demand

grid boost

As AI data centers gobble up more electricity, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) — whose grid supplies power to 90 percent of Texas — has launched an initiative to help meet challenges presented by an increasingly strained power grid.

ERCOT, based in the Austin suburb of Taylor, said its new Grid Research, Innovation, and Transformation (GRIT) initiative will tackle research and prototyping of emerging technology and concepts to “deeply understand the implications of rapid grid and technology evolution, positioning ERCOT to lead in the future energy landscape.”

“As the ERCOT grid continues to rapidly evolve, we are seeing greater interest from industry and academia to collaborate on new tools and innovative technologies to advance the reliability needs of tomorrow’s energy systems,” ERCOT President and CEO Pablo Vegas said in a news release. “These efforts will provide an opportunity to share ideas and bring new innovations forward, as we work together to lead the evolution and expansion of the electric power grid.”

In conjunction with the GRIT initiative, ERCOT launched the Research and Innovation Partnership Engagement (RIPE) program. The program enables partners to work with ERCOT on developing technology aimed at resolving grid challenges.

To capitalize on ideas for grid improvements, the organization will host its third annual ERCOT Innovation Summit on March 31 in Round Rock. The summit “brings together thought leaders across the energy research and innovation ecosystem to explore solutions that use innovation to impact grid transformation,” ERCOT said.

“As the depth of information and industry collaboration evolves, we will continue to enhance the GRIT webpages to create a dynamic and valuable resource for the broader industry to continue fostering strong collaboration and innovation with our stakeholders,” said Venkat Tirupati, ERCOT’s vice president of DevOps and grid transformation.

ERCOT’s GRIT initiative comes at a time when the U.S. is girding for heightened demand for power, due in large part to the rise of data centers catering to the AI boom.

A study released in 2024 by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) predicted electricity for data centers could represent as much as 9.1 percent of total power usage in the U.S. by 2030. According to EPRI, the share of Texas electricity consumed by data centers could climb from 4.6 percent in 2023 to almost 11 percent by 2030.

A report issued in 2024 by the federal government’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory envisions an even faster increase in data-center power usage. The report projected data centers will consume as much as 12 percent of U.S. electricity by 2028, up from 4.4 percent in 2023.

In 2023, the EPRI study estimated, 80 percent of the U.S. electrical load for data centers was concentrated in two states, led by Virginia and Texas. The University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Media Engagement reported in July that Texas is home to 350 data centers, second only to Virginia.

“The U.S. electricity sector is working hard to meet the growing demands of data centers, transportation electrification, crypto-mining, and industrial onshoring, while balancing decarbonization efforts,” David Porter, EPRI’s vice president of electrification and sustainable energy strategy, said. “The data center boom requires closer collaboration between large data center owners and developers, utilities, government, and other stakeholders to ensure that we can power the needs of AI while maintaining reliable, affordable power to all customers.”