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New Houston bioindustrial accelerator to spark biotech-based sustainability

supporting startups

The BioWell, founded by biotech investor First Bight Ventures, was established to support sustainability-focused bioindustrial startups. Photo via Getty Images

Bioindustrial technologies have a high potential for impacting sustainability — but they tend to need a little bit more help navigating the startup valley of death. That's where the BioWell comes in.

Carlos Estrada, head of Venture Acceleration at BioWell, says the idea for the accelerator was came to First Bight Ventures, a Houston-based biomanufacturing investment firm, as it began building its portfolio of promising companies.

"While we were looking at various companies, we found ourselves finding different needs that these startups have," Estrada says on the Houston Innovators Podcast. "That's how the opportunity for the BioWell came about."

Specifically, bioindustrial companies, which are tapping into life science innovation to create more sustainable products or services, need early funding, lab space, and strategic corporate partners to help research and develop their startups.

"The very direct challenge that we are seeing is that these companies very often have to spend their funds to build out their own lab spaces," Estrada says, "so by the time they're trying to focus back on the product itself, they are starting to run out of funding."

Carlos Estrada, head of Venture Acceleration at BioWell, joins the Houston Innovators Podcast to share why Houston is already a great hub for bioindustrial innovation. Photo courtesy of BioWell

BioWell is currently selecting its inaugural cohort and is also actively searching for its physical location to build out the program and facilities. Last year, BioWell secured $741,925 of the $53 million doled out as a part of the "Build to Scale" Grant program from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

In addition to solving for specific challenges bioindustrial companies face, Estrada says the program will provide support for general startup and entrepreneurial guidance, like business plan development, navigating investors and grant funding, and more.

Just as First Bight Ventures was founded strategically in Houston to make the most of the local resources, the BioWell will operate out of the Bayou City — a market Estrada says has everything the industry needs.

"We have the right talent — our universities produce great researchers. We have the energy companies that are utilizing (a workforce) with transferable skills," he says on the show. "We also have the infrastructure, the square footage, and various real estate companies creating shells for lab space. We have the know how, the universities, and all at a lower cost, which plays a big role in the equation."

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This article originally ran on InnovationMap.

Calling all biotechnology startups focusing on sustainable feedstocks, commercially viable yields, and purpose fit microbes. Photo via Getty Images

Houston organization rolls out new accelerator to support companies tackling 'pressing global challenges'

CALLING FOR APPLICANTS

A Houston organization — freshly funded by a $700,000 U.S. Economic Development Administration’s “Build to Scale” grant — is seeking its first accelerator cohort of industrial biology startups.

Founded by Houston-based First Bight Ventures, the BioWell has launched a virtual accelerator program that will provide programming, networking, mentorship, and financial resources to its inaugural cohort of 10 bioindustrial startups. The selected companies will also have access to specialized pilot bioproduction infrastructure throughout the nine-month program.

“BioWell equips startups with more than just capital. We provide a foundation for breakthrough innovations by combining access to cutting-edge bioproduction facilities with expertise that nurtures scalability. This comprehensive support is crucial for transforming pioneering ideas into market-ready solutions that can address pressing global challenges,” Carlos Estrada, head of venture acceleration at BioWell, says in a news release.

Applications for the program are open until May 15, and the cohort will be announced in June. Specifically, BioWell is seeking seed or pre-seed startup applicants that have a technology readiness level of 3 to 5, focusing on areas including low-cost and sustainable feedstocks, commercially viable yields, and purpose fit microbes.

“During our selection process, we'll prioritize startups that demonstrate a commitment to not only hitting milestones but also to building sustainable revenue streams for long-term survival. This phase necessitates keen awareness of market dynamics, customer demands, and sound financial management,” adds First Bight Ventures and BioWell Founder Veronica Wu.

In December, BioWell secured $741,925 of the $53 million doled out as a part of the "Build to Scale" Grant program that the U.S. Economic Development Administration, a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce, has established. First Bight was one of 60 organizations to receive funding.

Ex-Apple exec Wu founded First Bight Ventures in Houston in 2022 after relocating from Silicon Valley and seeing the region's potential for biotech.

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This article originally ran on InnovationMap.

First Bight Venture's BioWell has received a $741,925 grant to continue supporting bioindustrial startups. Photo via Getty Images

Houston nonprofit accelerator receives grant funding to advance bioindustrial startups

the biowell

A Houston-based nonprofit accelerator that works with early-stage synthetic biology startups has secured nearly $750,000 to support its mission.

First Bight Ventures' accelerator, BioWell, secured $741,925 of the $53 million doled out as a part of the "Build to Scale" Grant program that the U.S. Economic Development Administration, a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce, has established. First Bight was one of 60 organizations to receive funding.

The funding will support the BioWell's mission to establish a "vibrant bioeconomy" by helping startups scale and commercialize "through access to a unique combination of pilot bioproduction infrastructure," according to a news release from First Bight.

"Startups at BioWell will gain access to a robust ecosystem, expertise, mentorship, and financial resources essential for successfully commercializing their bio-industrial innovations," BioWell Executive Director Paul Palmer says in the release.

The BioWell is still working toward establishing a physical space and has worked out of the East End Maker Hub in the meantime. The organization has partnered with Urban Partnerships Community Development Corporation, or UP CDC, which led the application process on this federal grant.

"BioWell chose to partner with UP CDC for the EDA grant, to continue the successful model that UP CDC has created at the East End Maker Hub for advanced manufacturing. UP CDC looks forward to continuing our partnership with BioWell in the UP CDC's BioCity project that will position Houston at the forefront of bio-manufacturing," UP CDC's CEO Patrick Ezzell says in the release.

First Bight Ventures Founder Veronica Wu established the BioWell to target high-potential startups, which usually have to overcome lack of funding challenges early on.

"Often times, early-stage startups gain momentum and hit important milestones, but ultimately find themselves heading toward the 'Valley of Death,' where progress is made on their enterprise, but no sufficient revenue is generated for the company's stability and longevity," Wu says in the release. "This 'Build to Scale' program's support will help offset these inevitable challenges in our bio-industrial space."

She shares more about her mission for First Bight Ventures on the Houston Innovators Podcast. Listen to the interview from March below.

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This article originally ran on InnovationMap.

Algenesis bills its patented Soleic technology as the world’s first renewable, high-performance, fully biodegradable, and backyard-compostable polyurethane made from plants and algae. Photo via AlgenesisMaterials.com

Houston VC invests in early stage California biodegradable plastics startup

seed funding

Houston-based venture capital firm First Bight Ventures led a $5 million seed round for Encinitas, California-based startup Algenesis, a developer of biodegradable plastics.

Algenesis bills its patented Soleic technology as the world’s first renewable, high-performance, fully biodegradable, and backyard-compostable polyurethane made from plants and algae. Each year, 25 million tons of hard-to-recycle polyurethane are produced for the footwear, medical, and textile industries. Polyurethane, typically made from petroleum, usually ends up as landfill waste or environmental microplastics.

Algenesis says Soleic can biodegrade in compost within a matter of months and does not contain harmful PFAS chemicals found in other plastics.

Algenesis says the new funding will enable it to expand beyond soft-foam applications, such as midsoles and insoles for footwear, and into injection-molded products such as smartphone cases along with waterproof textiles.

Aside from First Bight Ventures, investors in the seed round are Singapore-based Circulate Capital, India-based MIH Capital, Chesapeake, Virginia-based Diamond Sports Group, and France-based Rhinoshield.

The investment comes on the heels of a $5 million grant Algenesis received from the U.S. Department of Energy to scale up production of biochemicals.

“To save our planet and ourselves, we must move away from petroleum-based plastics and toward bio-based alternatives. Algenesis is clearly at the forefront of making this possible,” says Veronica Wu, founder of First Bight Ventures.

First Bight, which launched in 2022, invests in early-stage startups working on synthetic biology.

“First Bight is investing to bring the best and the brightest — and most promising — synthetic biology startups from around the country to Houston,” Wu said last year.

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Houston PE firm makes latest nuclear industry acquisition

nuclear deal

Houston-based private equity firm Pelican Energy Partners has acquired California-based Veridiam for an undisclosed amount in an effort to further increase the firm’s focus on the nuclear energy sector.

Veridiam is a strategic manufacturer that specializes in the precision fabrication of components and assemblies made from exotic metals or advanced alloys for the nuclear, aerospace, defense, space and medical fields.

Following the acquisition, Veridiam will continue to operate under its existing name and will led by its current management team, including CEO Brian Joyal.

“Joining the Pelican platform accelerates our strategic trajectory," Joyal said in a news release. "With Pelican's support, we will accelerate the modernization and expansion of our manufacturing capabilities to meet unprecedented demand across the nuclear, aerospace, defense, and medical sectors. This partnership also enables us to expand our portfolio of mission-critical products and engineered solutions while maintaining the uncompromising quality, precision, and reliability standards that have defined Veridiam for more than 60 years."

Since 2011, Pelican has raised over $1 billion in committed capital and has realized over 15 investments. Currently, Pelican is investing from its fourth fund, which aims to support and advance companies that provide critical services and products to the nuclear power industry.

In 2024, Pelican raised a $450 million fund to invest in nuclear energy services and equipment companies.

The Veridiam deal comes after Pelican has completed several nuclear acquisitions. The PE firm acquired New Hampshire-based Environmental Alternatives Inc., which provides nuclear decontamination services, in April; it acquired Georgia-based WSI Welding Solution in December, which services the nuclear sector.

"Veridiam sits at the center of our investment thesis and reflects the kind of deal Pelican does best," Mike Scott, managing partner and founder of Pelican Energy Partners, added in the news release. "With the right capital and operating support, we see a clear opportunity to strengthen the business, invest in its capabilities, and create long-term value for customers and shareholders."

How Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America is advancing the hydrogen economy

The View from HETI

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America (MHIA), a steering-level member company of the Houston Energy Transition Initiative, is leveraging engineering expertise and global capabilities to develop and deploy technologies that will decarbonize existing infrastructure and build the hydrogen economy of the future. The company’s recent investment in Koloma, a Colorado-based geologic hydrogen exploration startup, demonstrates its commitment to breakthrough innovations that can transform how the world produces and uses clean energy.

Traditional hydrogen production methods, whether from natural gas with carbon capture or from electrolysis using renewable electricity, require significant energy inputs and infrastructure investments. Geologic hydrogen represents a potentially transformative alternative: naturally occurring hydrogen deposits that can be extracted from underground reservoirs.

Koloma is pioneering the exploration and commercialization of geologic hydrogen using proprietary technology, unique data sets, and specialized expertise to identify and develop these resources globally. If successful at scale, geologic hydrogen could provide clean, affordable hydrogen without the energy penalty of production.

MHIA’s investment in Koloma joins a syndicate of strategic partners committed to accelerating hydrogen development:

  • Breakthrough Energy Ventures: Bill Gates’ climate investment fund focused on breakthrough technologies
  • Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund: Supporting technologies that enable Amazon’s path to net zero
  • United Airlines’ Sustainable Flight Fund: Investing in solutions for aviation decarbonization

This partnership brings together technology innovation, capital, and potential customers to create the ecosystem needed to move from exploration to commercial deployment.

MHIA’s investment in geologic hydrogen is part of the company’s broader strategy to develop the complete hydrogen value chain:

Production: Beyond geologic hydrogen, MHIA is advancing technologies for hydrogen production from diverse sources, including natural gas with carbon capture and renewable-powered electrolysis.

Infrastructure: The company is developing the compression, storage, and transportation systems needed to move hydrogen from production sites to end users.

End-Use Applications: MHIA’s expertise spans power generation, industrial processes, and transportation applications that can utilize hydrogen as a clean fuel.

Integration: The company is working to integrate hydrogen systems with existing infrastructure, enabling decarbonization without requiring complete infrastructure replacement.

While new technologies like geologic hydrogen offer exciting possibilities, MHIA recognizes that much of the world’s energy infrastructure will continue operating for decades. The company is also investing in technologies that decarbonize existing systems:

  • MHIA is developing and deploying carbon capture systems that can be retrofitted to existing power plants and industrial facilities, allowing them to continue operating while dramatically reducing emissions.
  • The company’s gas turbine technologies can operate on blends of natural gas and hydrogen, enabling progressive decarbonization as hydrogen availability increases.
  • Through advanced controls, materials, and designs, MHIA is improving the efficiency of existing infrastructure—reducing fuel consumption and emissions without requiring replacement.

MHIA’s approach to the energy transition is guided by a clear mission: develop innovative technologies that help achieve a decarbonized society while maintaining energy security and affordability. This mission recognizes several important realities:

Energy Access Matters: Billions of people still lack access to reliable, affordable energy. Solutions must scale globally and work across diverse economic contexts.

Existing Infrastructure Represents Enormous Investment: The world has trillions of dollars invested in energy infrastructure. Solutions that work with this infrastructure can deploy faster than those requiring complete replacement.

Multiple Pathways Are Needed: No single technology will solve the climate challenge. Success requires parallel development of multiple solutions—hydrogen, carbon capture, renewables, nuclear, efficiency, and others.

Speed Matters: Climate change is a time-sensitive challenge. Technologies that can deploy at scale in the 2020s and 2030s matter more than perfect solutions that might be available in the 2040s or 2050s.

From Technology to Impact

MHIA’s investment in Koloma reflects the company’s belief that breakthrough technologies require patient capital, technical expertise, and strategic partnerships to move from concept to commercial reality. Geologic hydrogen has the potential to provide clean, affordable hydrogen at scale—but only if exploration techniques are validated, production methods are proven, and commercial models are demonstrated.

By investing early and providing both capital and technical support, MHIA is helping to accelerate this timeline. If Koloma succeeds, the impact could extend far beyond a single project and could unlock a vast new resource for the global energy transition.

The energy transition requires engineering excellence, patient capital, and willingness to back breakthrough innovations before they’re fully proven. Through HETI member companies like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, Houston is demonstrating the leadership, technical capabilities, and strategic vision needed to build a hydrogen economy that can help decarbonize the world’s energy system.

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This article originally appeared on the Greater Houston Partnership's Houston Energy Transition Initiative blog. Learn more about MHIA’s energy transition initiatives at MHI Group Sustainability and read the full analysis here.

Energy expert: Houston welcomed the world — can Texas power what's next?

guest column

For a few weeks this summer, Houston welcomed the world.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 showcased our city's ability to host one of the largest international events on the planet. Millions watched from around the globe while hundreds of thousands of visitors experienced firsthand what Houston has become: a world-class destination for business, culture and global events.

But once the final match is played and the visitors return home, a more important question remains: Can Texas build the energy infrastructure needed to power what comes next?

The World Cup wasn't the finish line. It was a glimpse into the future.

That future is being shaped not only by population growth, but also by artificial intelligence, hyperscale data centers, advanced manufacturing, electrification, LNG expansion and continued industrial investment. Together, these forces are creating an unprecedented demand for electricity and placing new expectations on the infrastructure that supports it.

Energy Has Become Economic Infrastructure

For decades, economic development centered around highways, ports, airports and workforce.

Today, another asset has moved to the top of that list: energy infrastructure.

Reliable electricity is no longer simply a utility service. It has become a competitive advantage.

Companies evaluating where to build the next AI campus, manufacturing facility or industrial complex are increasingly asking different questions. How quickly can power be delivered? Is there enough transmission capacity? Can substations support future expansion? Is water infrastructure available? What is the long-term reliability of the local grid?

These questions are becoming just as important as tax incentives and available real estate.

Recent comments from Governor Greg Abbott that future AI developments should provide their own power generation and water illustrate just how dramatically the conversation has evolved. The challenge is no longer limited to meeting today's demand. It is preparing for a future where entirely new industries require unprecedented amounts of electricity while ensuring existing homes and businesses continue to receive reliable, affordable service.

The Next Energy Race Has Already Begun

Texas remains the nation's energy leader, producing more electricity than any other state while continuing to expand natural gas, wind, solar and emerging technologies.

But leadership in the next decade will be measured differently.

Success will depend on how quickly we can expand transmission infrastructure, modernize distribution systems, accelerate interconnection, strengthen grid resilience and support new generation where economic growth is occurring.

The conversation has shifted from producing more electricity to delivering it smarter.

That requires planning years before demand arrives.

Houston Is the Proving Ground

Houston sits at the center of this transformation.

Already recognized as the Energy Capital of the World, the region continues attracting major employers, global headquarters, industrial expansion and technology investment. The Port of Houston continues to grow. Advanced manufacturing is expanding. AI companies are evaluating Texas alongside other national markets.

Every one of these investments depends on reliable infrastructure.

While the World Cup demonstrated Houston's ability to manage a temporary surge of visitors, the more significant challenge lies ahead. Permanent economic growth creates sustained electricity demand that cannot be addressed with temporary solutions.

Meeting that demand will require coordinated investment across generation, transmission, distribution, storage and increasingly, digital technologies capable of forecasting and managing electricity in real time.

Smarter Infrastructure for a Smarter Grid

The future electric grid will look very different from the one that built modern Texas.

Artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, advanced sensors and distributed energy resources will allow operators to anticipate demand, identify equipment failures before they occur and optimize energy delivery across increasingly complex networks.

Infrastructure is no longer simply about building more. It is about building smarter.

At the same time, resilience must remain central to every investment. Texans understand better than most that hurricanes, flooding, winter storms and prolonged heat waves are no longer rare events. Modern infrastructure must not only support growth but also withstand increasingly volatile weather.

Building Beyond the Headlines

The World Cup generated headlines because of what happened on the field.

Its lasting legacy may be what it revealed about the city beyond the stadium.

Houston demonstrated that it can host the world. The next challenge is ensuring it can continue to power one of the fastest-growing economies in North America.

That will require continued investment, thoughtful policy and long-term planning that recognizes energy infrastructure as essential economic infrastructure.

Texas has spent decades leading the world in energy production.

The next opportunity is even greater.

To become the global leader in how energy systems are planned, built and operated for a future defined by artificial intelligence, industrial growth and rapidly evolving consumer demand.

Because the cities that lead tomorrow won't simply generate the most energy.

They'll be the ones best prepared to deliver it where opportunity is growing.

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Sam Luna is director at BKV Energy, where he oversees brand and go-to-market strategy, customer experience, marketing execution, and more.

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