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HETI members to cover key energy transition topics at CERAWeek 2024

the view from HETI

The sessions feature dozens of HETI Steering Committee leaders covering key energy transition topics. Photo via htxenergytransition.org

CERAWeek 2024, the world’s preeminent energy conference, will explore strategies for a multidimensional, multispeed and multifuel energy transition. More than 8,000 thought leaders, policymakers, and executives from across energy, finance, technology, and governments are convening in Houston to openly discuss our industry’s greatest challenges.

Taking place from March 18–22, 2024, the CERAWeek 2024 conference program will explore themes related to: energy markets, policy and geopolitics, company strategies, power markets in transition, new supply chains for net zero, capital transition, and technology and innovation.

The sessions feature dozens of HETI Steering Committee leaders covering key energy transition topics, including:

Session Theme: Energy Markets

Innovating the Energy Mix for Mobility
Monday, March 18, 2024 | 3:45 pm – 4:25 pm (CST)

Speakers: Meg Gentle, Executive Director of the Board, HIF Global; Emma Delaney, EVP, customers & products, bp

For over a century, the modern economy has been made possible by a global fossil fuel system that has delivered low-cost, scalable energy. Now after optimizing transportation fuels, engines and infrastructure, monumental changes are needed to power our future cars, trucks and airplanes while producing significantly less emissions. What’s next?

Energy Security in a Volatile World: The importance of markets
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 | 9:15 am – 9:50 am (CST)

Speaker: John Hess, Chief Executive Officer, Hess Corporation

Across the world, markets continue to seek visibility into what the post-pandemic normal will look like. How will supply and demand balance in a world of uncertainty?

Co-Location: The new duo of power generation and storage
Wednesday, March 20, 2024 | 12:00 pm – 12:50 pm (CST)

Speaker: Meghan Nutting, Sunnova Energy International, Inc.

Business models for grid-connected energy storage are being solidified around the world, leading to accelerated growth. In addition, “co-location” projects—pairing battery storage with renewable generation—are an increasingly attractive option for developers because of the flexibility and added value they place on generation assets.

Natural Gas for a Growing Global Economy
Wednesday, March 20, 2024 | 2:30 pm – 3:10 pm (CST)

Speakers: Peter Clarke, Senior Vice President, Global LNG, ExxonMobil International Limited; Lorenzo Simonelli, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Baker Hughes; Clay Neff, President, International Exploration and Production, Chevron

Natural gas continues to play a major role in the global economy. How will the industry reconcile security of supply, environmental considerations, and the need to be affordable?

Session Theme: Climate & Sustainability

Accelerating Carbon Management
Monday, March 18, 2024 | 11:50 am – 12:30 pm (CST)

Speakers: Richard Jackson, President, U.S. Onshore Resources and Carbon Management Operations, Oxy; Zoe Yujnovich, Integrated Gas and Upstream Director, Shell

According to the International Plant Protection Convention (IPCC), large-scale Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) is required to limit warming to 1.5 °C. What is the technology outlook for difficult-to-decarbonize sectors like heavy industry, and emissions-mitigation scenarios?

Measuring Tomorrow’s Risks: Quantifying physical risks in a warmer world
Monday, March 18, 2024 | 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm (CST)

Speaker: Lynda Clemmons, Chief Sustainability Officer, NRG Energy

As climate change intensifies, understanding and measuring the physical risks associated with changing climate are paramount. With 2023 being the hottest year on record, and the U.S. experiencing extreme weather events costing over $150 billion annually, managing and adapting to physical climate risks is becoming increasingly critical.

CCUS Infrastructure: The key to commercializing decarbonization
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 | 8:30 am – 9:00 am (CST)

Speakers: Carl Fortin, Global Marketing for Carbon Capture Utilization & Storage, ExxonMobil; Fred Majkut, Senior Vice President, Carbon Solutions, SLB

As CCUS projects become more developed globally, there will be more frequent requirements for long-distance and cross-border business dealings to connect players across the chain from carbon capture, transportation and storage. What sort of policies, financing, stakeholder engagement and economic solutions are required to realize the potential of CCUS in these situations?

Reducing Emissions in Supply Chains
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 | 10:30 am – 11:00 am (CST)

Speaker: Heloisa Schmidt, Corporate Sustainability Manager, Bechtel

Reducing emissions through the supply chain is an important priority for all energy producers and suppliers. Which state-of-the-art practices can best reduce embedded carbon or operational emissions from supply chain operations?

Managing Carbon Projects: Lessons and solutions
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 | 3:10 pm – 3:50 pm (CST)

Speakers: Jeff Gustavson, President, Chevron New Energies; Dan Holton, Senior Vice President, Low Carbon Solutions, STRATEGY, PRODUCTS & NEW ASSETS, ExxonMobil

The development of large carbon management projects and hubs, involving large industrial partners, is a key requirement for reaching net zero. Discover the policies and programs contributing to marked growth in carbon management projects.

Balancing Act: Incentivizing decarbonization and renewables
Wednesday, March 20, 2024 | 9:30 am – 10:00 am (CST)

Speaker: Tomeka McLeod, Vice President Hydrogen & CCS, US, bp United States

There are several pathways to lower emissions. The world will probably need an all-of-the-above strategy instead of an either-or strategy to get to net zero. Are today’s policy tools creating adequate incentives for investment in both decarbonization pathways such as CCS, H2, DAC and renewable energy?

Future-Proofing Energy Assets: Repurposing for low-carbon
Wednesday, March 20, 2024 | 1:30 pm – 2:00 pm (CST)

Speaker: Edward Stones, Business Vice President, Dow, Inc.

Repurposing of energy assets to enable low-carbon energy projects is an increasingly common strategy across the energy sector—in upstream, downstream, and in the power sector. Which drivers enable industry players to take advantage of their existing assets in this way? What regulatory support is most helpful? Which regions offer the most potential?

Session Theme: Company Strategies

Strategic Choices in a Net Zero World
Monday, March 18, 2024 | 11:00 am – 11:40 am (CST)

Speaker: Meg O’Neill, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Woodside Energy

While the world needs a growing supply of affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy in line with net-zero goals, companies need to choose their own path through the energy transition. Divergent strategies are emerging as companies seek growth opportunities while responding to pressures from investors and governments.

The Global Energy Company
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 | 10:45 am – 11:15 am (CST)

Speaker: Olivier Le Peuch, Chief Executive Officer, SLB

The push to decarbonize the global economy is opening new vistas of opportunity and risk for major international energy companies. Global companies are continuing to invest in their core businesses as they look for new growth opportunities in the energy transition.

The Multidimensional Energy Transition: A world of choices
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 | 12:55 pm – 2:10 pm (CST)

Speaker: Vicki Hollub, President & Chief Executive Officer, Oxy

Pushing for a single, global energy transition path is unrealistic and could derail efforts to reach net-zero emissions. Energy security and affordability come to the fore when lives and livelihoods are at stake. What are the paths for energy transition that also support economic growth and global prosperity in different regions and different sectors?

Carbon Credits: Opportunities and challenges as a policy tool
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 | 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm (CST)

Speaker: Barbara Harrison, Vice President, Offsets & Emerging, Chevron New Energies, Chevron

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This article originally ran on the Greater Houston Partnership's Houston Energy Transition Initiative blog. HETI exists to support Houston's future as an energy leader. For more information about the Houston Energy Transition Initiative, EnergyCapitalHTX's presenting sponsor, visit htxenergytransition.org.

The pitch day will feature more than 40 energy ventures driving efficiency and advancements toward the energy transition showcasing their companies. Photo via htxenergytransition.org

HETI, collaborators open pitch competition applications for annual CERAWeek event

the view from heti

The Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship, the Houston Energy Transition Initiative (HETI) and TEX-E have opened applications for their Energy Venture Day and Pitch Competition at CERAWeek, set to take place in the Agora program on March 20.

The pitch day will feature more than 40 energy ventures driving efficiency and advancements toward the energy transition showcasing their companies. The fast-paced competition is designed to connect energy startups with venture capitalists, corporate innovation groups, industry leaders, academics and service providers.

Ventures will be showcased across three industry tracks, spanning materials to clean energy. Industry experts and investors will judge the pitches, and the top three ventures from each track will be named at the conclusion of the event. The pitches from energy ventures will include a university track, the TEX-E Prize, highlighting the innovation of five Texas student-led energy startups. With mentorship leading up to the competition, these student startups will compete for $50,000 in cash prizes.

“The goal of the TEX-E Prize is to support, encourage and inspire students across the state of Texas to pursue entrepreneurship as a means of reducing emissions and building a healthier, more resilient society,” said David Pruner, executive director at TEX-E.

Energy ventures for all tracks of the competition are asked to apply by Feb. 9. More details about eligibility can be found at alliance.rice.edu/EVD.

“The Energy Venture Day and Pitch Competition at CERAWeek bring together key members of the energy ecosystem, investors and startups to showcase innovations and emerging technologies that create value from the world’s transition to low-carbon energy systems,” said Jane Stricker, senior vice president at the Greater Houston Partnership and executive director of HETI. “We are thrilled to partner with our ecosystem partner, Rice Alliance, on this exciting event at CERAWeek and build on the momentum of the last few years.”

“In addition to the access to investors and awareness at CERAWeek, this is an invaluable opportunity to pitch in front of active investors, corporates and key players in the energy industry,” said Brad Burke, executive director of the Rice Alliance and vice president for industry and new ventures in Rice’s Office of Innovation. “The Energy Venture Day and Pitch Competition at CERAWeek is a platform designed to foster innovation, collaboration and investment in the ever-evolving energy landscape.”

Learn more about this year’s pitch day here.

The Houston Energy Transition Initiative has added six new members. Photo via htxenergytransition.org

Houston organization names 6 new members working toward a low-carbon future

the view from heti

The Greater Houston Partnership’s The Houston Energy Transition Initiative welcomes six new member companies including, one executive level and five investor level. HETI members are champions in their fields, each creating innovative solutions for a sustainable and low-carbon future. Our members are critical to continue to position our region to lead the global energy transition.

Executive Member

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace, and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world.

Investor Level Members

Eni Next LLC is a corporate venture capital company, created to integrate corporate research, with open innovation, enhancing the value of dynamic and innovative start-ups through early-stage financing and successive capital increases. Eni Next evaluates and invests in companies developing technologies with a lower carbon footprint for energy production, improved efficiency for our industrial operations and digital solutions.

Honeywell International Inc. invents and commercializes technologies that address some of the world’s most critical challenges around energy, safety, security, air travel, productivity, and global urbanization. They are a leading software-industrial company committed to introducing state of the art technology solutions to improve efficiency, productivity, sustainability, and safety in high growth businesses in broad-based, attractive industrial end markets.

Natixis Investment Managers is a global asset management company. Ranked among the world’s largest asset managers, Natixis delivers a diverse range of solutions across asset classes, styles, and vehicles. The company is dedicated to advancing sustainable finance and developing innovative ESG products.

Stantec is a global design and delivery leader in sustainable engineering, architectural planning, and environmental services. Stantec’s multidisciplinary teams address climate change, urbanization, and infrastructure resiliency. The company is at the forefront of innovations to enhance environmental and social opportunities. The Stantec community unites more than 26,000 employees working in over 400 locations across six continents.

Vopak North America is an independent infrastructure provider with an unrivaled network of 78 terminals in 23 countries and 25+ joint venture partners, connecting the supply and demand for products that are essential to the economy and the daily lives of people around the world. Vopak takes pride in improving access to cleaner energy and feedstocks for a growing world population, ensuring safe, clean and efficient storage and handling of bulk liquid products and gases.

———

This article originally ran on the Greater Houston Partnership's Houston Energy Transition Initiative blog. HETI exists to support Houston's future as an energy leader. For more information about the Houston Energy Transition Initiative, EnergyCapitalHTX's presenting sponsor, visit htxenergytransition.org.

"In reflecting upon my journey through Houston’s energy landscape, it’s evident that the city stands on the cusp of a transformative era." Photo via Getty Images

Houston’s revolutionary energy shift: A personal journey of discovery

the view from heti

The following was written by Pavan Kumar Medepalli, MBA candidate at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School.

As I reflect on my past visit to Houston, it’s not the usual sights or activities that linger but the pulse of a city redefining its energy narrative. The vibrant energy, the breakthroughs in innovation, and the spirited conversations with passionate individuals left an indelible mark. To my LinkedIn community, I invite you to join me on this journey into the heart of Houston’s transformative landscape.

Houston, traditionally known as the “Energy Capital of the World,” is now pioneering a new path. My recent trip provided a deep dive into its evolution from a primary energy hub to a beacon of global energy transition. At the forefront of this change are entities like HETI, Ion, Renewable Energy Alliance Houston, and Greentown Labs, each shaping a vibrant ecosystem of innovation.

During my recent three-day trip to Houston, I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in some of the city’s most groundbreaking and influential spaces dedicated to energy innovation and sustainability. The experience was nothing short of transformative, and I’m eager to share some of the highlights and personal takeaways from this journey.

Houston Energy Transition Initiative (HETI):

HETI, with its compelling mission to revolutionize the energy landscape, stands out as a beacon of Houston’s dedication to sustainable change. This initiative capitalizes on Houston’s rich energy heritage, tapping into its vast infrastructure, expertise, and financial prowess, aiming to facilitate the global transition towards a cleaner, sustainable energy future.

One of the highlights of my trip was the privilege of interacting with Jane Stricker, Vice President of HETI. Her insights were invaluable. As the VP elaborated, HETI’s goal is not just about innovating for cleaner energy but establishing a framework where the transition is inclusive, impactful, and resilient. The organization aims to bring together diverse stakeholders, from industry stalwarts to budding researchers, forging a collective vision for the energy future.

It was quite interesting to know that HETI is backed by its member companies like ExxonMobil, Chevron, BP, SABIC and their strategy is to:

  • Jumpstart efforts in the sectors where Houston has a strategic advantage, Like CCUS, Clean Hydrogen, Circular Economy, and Energy Storage Solutions.
  • Attract and support companies in established new energy industries like Wind, Solar, RNG, Low-carbon LNG, and biofuels.

I truly appreciate the efforts of HETI and Greater Houston Partnership for their continuous efforts to be at the forefront of Energy Transition.

Ion

The Ion has provided a perfect ecosystem for founders, researchers, innovators, investors and corporate leaders to build scalable enterprises.

Navigating the vibrant ecosystem of the Ion innovation hub in downtown Houston, I quickly realized its uniqueness. This hub isn’t just about co-working spaces or networking events; it offers a dynamic platform where founders and innovators come to life with their ideas. I sensed the entrepreneurial spirit in every corner, every discussion, and every presentation.

In my exploration, I discovered that startups, both budding and established, frequently have opportunities to pitch their ideas. This isn’t just a standard pitch session; it’s a transformative experience. Founders present their innovations and visions to an audience that’s a blend of seasoned professionals, industry experts, and potential investors. Each pitch session felt like a grand performance, filled with passion, determination, and vision.

What’s even more impressive is how these sessions cater to investors. For them, the Ion hub becomes a treasure trove of opportunities. As an investor, sifting through numerous pitches can be a daunting task. But here, the environment ensures they witness only the most promising and aligned pitches, allowing them to identify the right investment opportunities that match their portfolios and interests.

The frequency of these pitches ensures a continuous flow of fresh ideas, and as a founder, you’re always in front of an audience that matters. It’s a win-win: founders get regular feedback and potentially find the right partners, while investors stay updated with the latest innovations and can quickly spot the next big thing.

Immersing myself in this environment, I felt the palpable excitement. Founders eagerly prepping for their pitches, investors actively engaged in discussions, and the continuous buzz of potential collaborations. The Ion hub has successfully created a space where ideas meet capital, where dreams meet reality, and where every pitch could be the beginning of the next big success story.

Greentown Labs

As I delved deeper into the ecosystem of Greentown Labs after my engagement with The Ion, I was struck by the holistic approach this hub takes toward nurturing innovation. Beyond being a space for clean tech and sustainable ventures, Greentown Labs offers a myriad of resources tailored for startups.

One of the standout features is their state-of-the-art prototyping labs. Founders have access to cutting-edge equipment, enabling them to transform their visionary ideas into tangible prototypes, fast-tracking the path from concept to realization.

But it’s not just about physical resources. Greentown Labs champions a collaborative ethos. Shared resources mean startups can lean on each other, pooling knowledge and skills and fostering an environment of mutual growth. This spirit of collaboration extends to their mentorship programs. New ventures can tap into a wealth of experience, gaining insights and guidance from seasoned professionals who’ve walked the path before.

Engaging with founders from CLS Wind and Mars Materials, it became evident how such an integrated support system propels their ambitions. Greentown Labs, in essence, is more than just a hub; it’s a community. A community where sustainability meets innovation, where ideas are nurtured with the right tools and mentorship, and where the future of clean tech is being crafted.

A special thank you to Jane Stricker from Houston Energy Transition Initiative (HETI), whose passion and vision for a sustainable energy future left a profound impact on me; Kay McCall from Renewable Energy Alliance – Houston, whose leadership and insights were truly enlightening; Barbara Burger, whose innovative approach to bridging traditional energy with emerging technologies is commendable; and Joey Sanchez from Ion Houston, whose deep understanding of Houston’s business ecosystem and dedication to fostering change enriched my perspective immensely. Each of you played a pivotal role in making my experience memorable and filled with invaluable learnings. Thank you for your time, willingness to share, and for being such inspiring figures in this transformative journey Houston is undertaking.

In reflecting upon my journey through Houston’s energy landscape, it’s evident that the city stands on the cusp of a transformative era. The concerted efforts of organizations like HETI, Ion, and Greentown Labs exemplify Houston’s unwavering commitment to reimagining its energy identity. This isn’t just about evolving from its storied past as the “Energy Capital of the World.” It’s about setting the gold standard for what energy transition on a global scale looks like. Houston’s evolution, fueled by innovation, collaboration, and sheer determination, sends a resounding message to the world: the energy transition is not just feasible; it’s already underway. The endeavors and successes in this space are a testament to Houston’s vision and resilience, proving that any city can redefine its narrative with the right framework and community. As I conclude my reflections, I’m filled with a profound sense of optimism. Houston, you’ve not only lived up to your legacy but are also charting a new course that will inspire generations to come.

———

This article originally ran on the Greater Houston Partnership's Houston Energy Transition Initiative blog. HETI exists to support Houston's future as an energy leader. For more information about the Houston Energy Transition Initiative, EnergyCapitalHTX's presenting sponsor, visit htxenergytransition.org.

The Energy Institute High School is uniquely positioned to build a lifelong foundation for those pursuing degrees and careers in the energy industry. Photo via htxenergytransition.org

Building the future of STEM leadership at Houston's energy-focused high school

the view from heti

Established in 2013, Houston’s Energy Institute High School is the first of its kind in the United States. Houston Independent School District (HISD), the nation’s seventh-largest school district, opened the innovative, STEM-focused magnet high school to support Houston’s increasing demand for STEM education and align with the city’s status as a major energy hub.

As the Energy Capital of the World, Houston is the leading domestic and international center for virtually every segment of the energy industry. It’s home to more than 4,700 energy-related firms, employs nearly a third of the nation’s jobs in oil and gas extraction, and boasts the world’s fourth-largest concentration of engineers. Houston’s economic vitality and growth is inextricably tied to the energy industry and depends on a strong STEM talent pool for the future.

The Energy Institute High School is uniquely positioned to build a lifelong foundation for those pursuing degrees and careers in the energy industry. The specialized high school prepares students for careers in the energy sector, as well as related fields such as environmental science and engineering, by providing a specialized learning experience centered around science, technology, engineering, and math. The Energy Institute High School integrates the energy theme into its entire STEM curriculum through a wide array of technology, hands-on projects, and experiential learning designed to inspire students and fuel continued interest in the energy field. And with up to 60% of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, the school plays a crucial role in fostering equal education opportunities and breaking down barriers to success that many students face.

“As principal of the first high school devoted to preparing students for careers in the energy field, my goal is to deliver extraordinary firsts in learning,” said Lori Lambropoulos, Principal of Energy Institute High School. “I am thrilled to be the leader of a school that is participating in a thematic approach to the school experience—mingling the exploration of energy careers with cutting-edge education.”

Over the years, the school has cultivated partnerships with local energy companies, organizations, and institutions—including HETI founding members bp, Chevron, ExxonMobil, and lyondellbasell—to provide students with real-world experiences and coveted industry connections. The Energy Institute High School works closely with an advisory board comprised of energy industry leaders and higher-education professionals to provide programs and enrichment opportunities for students, including:

  • A biweekly guest speaker series
  • University campus tours
  • Field trip sponsorships
  • Mentorship opportunities
  • College scholarships
  • Internships and externships

These partnerships have provided students from Energy Institute High School with invaluable networking opportunities and firsthand insights into the energy industry.

As the energy industry shifts toward a more efficient and sustainable, low-carbon future, graduates from the Energy Institute High School will play a vital role in accelerating the energy transition, not only in Houston, but across the world.

Learn more about Energy Institute High School and how you can support their mission through Friends of Energy Institute.

———

This article originally ran on the Greater Houston Partnership's Houston Energy Transition Initiative blog. HETI exists to support Houston's future as an energy leader. For more information about the Houston Energy Transition Initiative, EnergyCapitalHTX's presenting sponsor, visit htxenergytransition.org.

Jeremy Pitts of Activate joins the Houston Energy Transition Initiative for a Q&A. Photo via LinkedIn

Q&A: Houston organization empowers science entrepreneurs paving the way to a low-carbon future

THE VIEW FROM HETI

Founded in 2015, Activate Global Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that partners with US-based funders and research institutions to support scientists at the outset of their entrepreneurial journey by providing personalized expertise, tools, and resources that may otherwise be inaccessible. The organization recently launched its fifth community in Houston, and just closed the application window for the 2024 Activate Fellowship Cohort.

We recently connected with energy industry veteran and Activate Houston Managing Director Jeremy Pitts to learn more about how Activate is empowering scientists and engineers as they pave the way to a low-carbon future.

HETI: Activate was founded in 2015 and has established fellowship programs in Silicon Valley, Boston, New York, and a remote Anywhere Community. Why was Houston the next logical choice for an Activate Community?   

JeremyPitts: There is no doubt that Houston is going to be a major player in the energy transition, so it’s a logical place for Activate to be as we do our part to help bring ground-breaking technology out of the lab and deploy it to solve the world’s biggest challenges.

Houston is already the best place to scale a company working on the types of hard tech solutions that Activate focuses on. Houston has the talent, capital, and resources to build and deploy things at the scale needed to have a global impact. There is a good chance that many of our current Activate companies and alumni will end up in Houston as they pursue their scale-up plans. Activate alum Tim Latimer and Fervo Energy are great examples of this.

Houston is also an interesting fit for Activate as we believe we can fill a gap in the current ecosystem by providing support for entrepreneurs at the earliest stages of their journey. By providing funding and support, we can keep those entrepreneurs in Houston as opposed to moving to the coasts. We are hopeful that not only can we directly support a small number of the most promising entrepreneurs, but we can indirectly support many more by creating an ecosystem where early-stage capital starts to find its way to Houston to support these revolutionary and impactful technologies.

HETI: Activate Communities work closely with climate tech programs at leading colleges and universities, including UC Berkeley, U Mass Boston, and Columbia University. What can you tell us about Activate Houston’s plans for collaboration with area colleges and universities?

JP: Activate’s goal is to be as inclusive as possible. One of our main goals is to find fellows who we can have as big of an impact on as possible, potentially being the difference between whether they are successful or not. To that end, we plan to partner and engage with all of the research institutions across Houston and the surrounding areas. In just our first few months of being on the ground in Houston and recruiting for our first cohort, we have already engaged with Rice, UH, Prairie View A&M, TSU, Texas A&M, UT, and the Texas Medical Center. We have also begun outreach and preliminary conversations with institutions outside of the Houston area, like UT Dallas, SMU, Baylor, UTEP, etc. Our goal is to find the most promising entrepreneurs and the most impactful technologies that we can help and support, regardless of where they come from.

We will also be looking to engage with some of these institutions to make resources available to our fellows to support the research they are doing once in the Activate program. These conversations are in the early stages, but the facilities at UH Technology Bridge and TMC’s Innovation Factory are great examples of how the Houston ecosystem can support our fellows.

HETI: How do fellowships like Activate differ from traditional accelerator programs and why are they such an important component of the energy transition?

JP: Accelerators in general are a great resource for entrepreneurs to quickly learn the fundamentals around building a company and gain access to a network of investors, mentors, and partners that they would have trouble accessing on their own.

While Activate has a lot of overlap with accelerators in terms of what we provide, we classify ourselves as a fellowship and not an accelerator. The reasons for this primarily lie in the fact that we are a non-profit. This allows us to do a few things different from traditional accelerators. First, our program does not charge any fees or equity. Because our success is not tied to the financial outcomes of the companies, we are able to take much bigger risks in terms of the technology we support and we are also able to take a fellow first approach, as sometimes the best outcome for the fellow as a person is not the best financial outcome for the company. Second, we are much more patient, offering a full two years of support for our fellows and continuing to support our alumni community after they have left the program.

Activate’s unique fellowship program can play an essential role because many of the technologies and breakthroughs necessary to solve the world’s biggest challenges are really hard. It can take a long time to develop these technologies and often they are too risky and unproven at the early stages to be able to attract the capital they need to turn the technology into a commercial solution. Activate can support these hard technologies and provide a two-year safety net for our fellows as they work through those early challenges and progress their solution to a point that the private markets will support the business coming out of our program. We have been quite successful with this approach thus far, as the 145 companies we have created have raised nearly $1.4B in follow-on funding, representing a 23X multiplier on the funds Activate has directly deployed to support the fellows.

HETI: You’re the co-founder of Greentown Labs, now the nation’s biggest climate tech incubator. How does that experience help in your new role as MD at Activate Houston?

JP: The biggest takeaway for me from my time building Greentown is the power of community. Early-stage deep tech founders face monumental challenges. Having a community of like-minded individuals nearby who are facing their own similar challenges and serve as both a support network and a sounding board to help work through those challenges can be the difference between success and failure. I hope to leverage those learnings to really focus on Activate Houston being an incredibly strong community where the founders can lean on each other, and me, for the support they need.

In addition, Greentown also serves as a gathering place for bringing the larger climate community together, which is so vital in pushing forward the energy transition. In the early days of Greentown, those events happened on an almost ad hoc basis, as there wasn’t previously a place for people interested in climate to gather. Greentown has changed a lot over the years – the facilities are quite a bit nicer than where we started – but it has done an amazing job continuing to fill that role as the center of the climate ecosystem and bringing together a community of like-minded individuals. Anyone who attended the recent Greentown Climatetech Summit and experienced the standing-room-only crowds of passionate people can attest to that. Certainly, Greentown already fills that role for Houston and does it well, but my experience with the power of community will lead me to lean into Houston’s climate community and encourage our fellows to do the same, to be active members in strengthening the entire climate and innovation ecosystem in Houston. All boats rise together in the rising sea that is Houston’s climate and innovation ecosystem.

HETI: What are you most looking forward to with the upcoming launch of Houston’s 2024 Cohort?

JP: I’m looking forward to getting started – welcoming our first cohort into Houston and showing the rest of the country that Houston can hold its own when it comes to hard tech and world-changing innovation.

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This article originally ran on the Greater Houston Partnership's Houston Energy Transition Initiative blog. HETI exists to support Houston's future as an energy leader. For more information about the Houston Energy Transition Initiative, EnergyCapitalHTX's presenting sponsor, visit htxenergytransition.org.

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Chevron, TotalEnergies back energy storage startup's $15.8M series A

money moves

A California startup that's revolutionizing polymer cathode battery technology has announced its series A round of funding with support from Houston-based energy transition leaders.

LiNova Energy Inc. closed a $15.8 million series A round led by Catalus Capital. Saft, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies, which has its US HQ in Houston, and Houston-based Chevron Technology Ventures, also participated in the round with a coalition of other investors.

LiNova will use the funds with its polymer cathode battery to advance the energy storage landscape, according to the company. The company uses a high-energy polymer battery technology that is designed to allow material replacement of the traditional cathode that is made up of cobalt, nickel, and other materials.

The joint development agreement with Saft will have them collaborate to develop the battery technology for commercialization in Saft's key markets.

“We are proud to collaborate with LiNova in scaling up its technology, leveraging the extensive experience of Saft's research teams, our newest prototype lines, and our industrial expertise in battery cell production," Cedric Duclos, CEO of Saft, says in a news release.

CTV recently announced its $500 million Future Energy Fund III, which aims to lead on emerging mobility, energy decentralization, industrial decarbonization, and the growing circular economy. Chevron has promised to spend $10 billion on lower carbon energy investments and projects by 2028.

Houston innovation leaders secure SBA funding to start equitability-focused energy lab

trying for DEI

A group of Houston's innovation and energy leaders teamed up to establish an initiative supporting equitability in the energy transition.

Impact Hub Houston, a nonprofit incubator and ecosystem builder, partnered with Energy Tech Nexus to establish the Equitable Energy Transition Alliance and Lab to accelerate startup pilots for underserved communities. The initiative announced that it's won the 2024 U.S. Small Business Administration Growth Accelerator Fund Competition, or GAFC, Stage One award.

"We are incredibly honored to be recognized by the SBA alongside our esteemed partners at Energy Tech Nexus," Grace Rodriguez, co-founder and executive director of Impact Hub Houston, says in a news release. "This award validates our shared commitment to building a robust innovation ecosystem in Houston, especially for solutions that advance the Sustainable Development Goals at the critical intersections of industry, innovation, sustainability, and reducing inequality."

The GAFC award, which honors and supports small business research and development, provides $50,000 prize to its winners. The Houston collaboration aligns with the program's theme area of Sustainability and Biotechnology.

“This award offers us a great opportunity to amplify the innovations of Houston’s clean energy and decarbonization pioneers,” adds Juliana Garaizar, founding partner of the Energy Tech Nexus. “By combining Impact Hub Houston’s entrepreneurial resources with Energy Tech Nexus’ deep industry expertise, we can create a truly transformative force for positive change.”

Per the release, Impact Hub Houston and Energy Tech Nexus will use the funding to recruit new partners, strengthen existing alliances, and host impactful events and programs to help sustainable startups access pilots, contracts, and capital to grow.

"SBA’s Growth Accelerator Fund Competition Stage One winners join the SBA’s incredible network of entrepreneurial support organizations contributing to America’s innovative startup ecosystem, ensuring the next generation of science and technology-based innovations scale into thriving businesses," says U.S. SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman.

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This article originally ran on InnovationMap.

Texas-based Tesla gets China's initial approval of self-driving software

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Shares of Tesla stock rallied Monday after the electric vehicle maker's CEO, Elon Musk, paid a surprise visit to Beijing over the weekend and reportedly won tentative approval for its driving software.

Musk met with a senior government official in the Chinese capital Sunday, just as the nation’s carmakers are showing off their latest electric vehicle models at the Beijing auto show.

According to The Wall Street Journal, which cited anonymous sources familiar with the matter, Chinese officials told Tesla that Beijing has tentatively approved the automaker's plan to launch its “Full Self-Driving,” or FSD, software feature in the country.

Although it's called FSD, the software still requires human supervision. On Friday the U.S. government’s auto safety agency said it is investigating whether last year’s recall of Tesla’s Autopilot driving system did enough to make sure drivers pay attention to the road. Tesla has reported 20 more crashes involving Autopilot since the recall, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In afternoon trading, shares in Tesla Inc., which is based in Austin, Texas, surged to end Monday up more than 15% — its biggest one-day jump since February 2020. For the year to date, shares are still down 22%.

Tesla has been contending with its stock slide and slowing production. Last week, the company said its first-quarter net income plunged by more than half, but it touted a newer, cheaper car and a fully autonomous robotaxi as catalysts for future growth.

Wedbush analyst Dan Ives called the news about the Chinese approval a “home run” for Tesla and maintained his “Outperform” rating on the stock.

“We note Tesla has stored all data collected by its Chinese fleet in Shanghai since 2021 as required by regulators in Beijing,” Ives wrote in a note to investors. “If Musk is able to obtain approval from Beijing to transfer data collected in China abroad this would be pivotal around the acceleration of training its algorithms for its autonomous technology globally.”

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