"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
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.

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CenterPoint partners with AI and infrastructure companies to boost reliability

power partnership

Houston utilities giant CenterPoint is partnering with companies from Atlanta and Australia to use AI to increase data accuracy and strengthen the power grid.

The partnership is part of a collaboration between AI-powered predictive modeling platform company Neara and utility infrastructure asset assessment solutions company Osmose, according to a news release.

Last year, CenterPoint Energy announced an agreement with Neara for engineering-grade simulations and analytics and to deploy Neara’s AI capabilities across CenterPoint’s Greater Houston service area. Now, Neaera will work with Osmose to give energy providers like CenterPoint more up-to-date data to inform decisions on restorations and risks.

CenterPoint Energy is already using the partnership's tools to improve network reliability and enhance its storm preparedness.

"At CenterPoint Energy, we are focused every day on building the most resilient coastal grid in the nation and increasing the resiliency of the communities we are privileged to serve," Eric Easton, VP of Grid Transformation at CenterPoint Energy, said in a news release.

According to Osmose, its services to CenterPoint can result in repair cost savings of up to 70 percent and boost restoration times by up to 80 percent. Osmose also said its services assist with being 25 percent better at ensuring the most critical repairs happen first.

"By integrating Neara's AI-driven modeling with our industry-leading field services, we're giving utilities a powerful tool to make smarter, more data-driven decisions," Mike Adams, CEO of Osmose, said in a news release. "Accurate asset data is the foundation for a resilient grid, and this partnership provides the precision needed to maximize reliability and performance."

Ultimately, the companies say the partnership aims to help minimize disruptions and improve reliability for CenterPoint customers.

"As we work to leverage technology to deliver better outcomes for our customers, we're continuing to enhance our advanced modeling capabilities, which includes collaborating with cutting-edge technology providers like Neara and Osmose,” Easton added in the release.

Tesla sales tumble 13% as Musk backlash, competition and aging lineup turn off buyers

Tesla Talk

Tesla sales fell 13% in the first three months of the year, another sign that Elon Musk’s once high-flying electric car company is struggling to attract buyers.

The double-digit drop is likely due to a combination of factors, including its aging lineup, competition from rivals and a backlash from Musk’s embrace of right wing politics. It also is a warning that the company’s first-quarter earnings report later this month could disappoint investors.

Tesla reported deliveries of 336,681 globally in the January to March quarter. The figure was down from sales of 387,000 in the same period a year ago. The decline came despite deep discounts, zero financing and other incentives.

Analysts polled by FactSet expected much higher deliveries of 408,000.

Dan Ives of Wedbush said in a note to clients that Tesla is seeing soft demand in the United States and China, as well as facing pressure in Europe.

“The brand crisis issues are clearly having a negative impact on Tesla...there is no debate,” he said.

Ives said that Wall Street financial analysts knew the first-quarter figures were likely to be bad, but that it was even worse than expected, calling them a “disaster on every metric.”

The sales drop came three weeks after President Donald Trump held an extraordinary press conference outside the White House in which he praised Tesla, blasted boycotts against the company and bought a Tesla himself while TV cameras rolled in an effort to help lift sales.

“I don’t like what’s happening to you,” said Trump, before slipping into a red Model S and exclaiming, “Wow. That’s beautiful.”

After falling as much as 6% in early Wednesday, Tesla stock shot up more than 5% in afternoon trading after a report from Politico, citing anonymous sources, that Musk may soon step down from leadership of his Department of Government Efficiency, the cost-cutting group that has led to tens of thousands of federal workers losing their jobs.

Tesla investors have complained the DOGE work has diverted Musk's focus from Tesla, where he is the CEO. On Tuesday, New York City's comptroller overseeing pension funds down $300 million this year on Tesla holdings called for a lawsuit accusing a distracted Musk of "driving Tesla off a financial cliff.”

Tesla’s stock has plunged by roughly half since hitting a mid-December record as expectations of a lighter regulatory touch and big profits with Donald Trump as president were replaced by fear that the boycott of Musk's cars and other problems could hit the company hard.

Analysts are still not sure exactly how much the fall in sales is due to the protests or other factors. Electric car sales have been sluggish in general, and Tesla in particular is suffering as car buyers hold off from buying its bestselling Model Y while waiting for an updated version.

Still, even bullish financial analysts who earlier downplayed the backlash to Musk’s polarizing political stances are acknowledging that it is hurting the company, something that Musk also recently acknowledged.

“This is a very expensive job,” Musk said at a Wisconsin rally on Sunday, referring to his DOGE role. “My Tesla stock and the stock of everyone who holds Tesla has gone roughly in half."

The protests come as the Austin, Texas electric vehicle maker faces fierce competition from other EV makers offering vastly improved models, including those of BYD. The Chinese EV giant unveiled in March a technology that allows it cars to charge up in just five to eight minutes.

Tesla is expected to report earnings of 48 cents per share for the first quarter later this month, up 7% from a year earlier, according to a survey of financial analysts who the car company by research firm FactSet.

Nearly all of Tesla’s sales in the quarter came from the smaller and less-expensive Models 3 and Y, with the company selling less than 13,000 more expensive models, which include X and S as well as the Cybertruck.

Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week announces 2025 dates, key events

comeback tour

Six local organizations focused on the energy transition have teamed up to bring back Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week.

The second annual event will take place Sept. 15-19, according to an announcement. The Ion District will host many of the week's events.

Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week was founded in 2024 by Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship, Halliburton Labs, Greentown Labs, Houston Energy Transition Initiative (HETI), Digital Wildcatters and Activate.

“Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week was created to answer a fundamental question: Can we achieve more by working together than we can alone?” Jane Stricker, senior vice president at the Greater Houston Partnership and executive director of HETI, said in the release.

So far, events for the 2025 Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week include an introduction to climatetech accelerator Activate's latest cohort, the Rice Alliance Energy Tech Venture Forum, a showcase from Greentown Labs' ACCEL cohort, and Halliburton Labs Pitch Day.

Houston organizations New Climate Ventures and Digital Wildcatters, along with Global Corporate Venturing, are slated to offer programming again in 2025. And new partners, Avatar Innovations and Decarbonization Partners, are slated to introduce events. Find a full schedule here.

Other organizations can begin entering calendar submissions starting in May, according to the release.

Last year, Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week welcomed more than 2,000 attendees, investors and industry leaders to more than 30 events. It featured more than 100 speakers and showcased more than 125 startups.

"In 2024, we set out to build something with lasting impact—rooted in the ingenuity of Houston’s technologists and founders. Thanks to a collaborative effort across industry, academia, and startups, we’ve only just begun to showcase Houston’s strengths and invite others to be part of this movement," Stricker added in the release. "We can’t wait to see the city rise to the occasion again in 2025.”