Rice Alliance pitch event identifies 8 most-promising energy tech startups

ones to watch

The Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship identified eight startups that are best suited for disrupting energy tech and innovation. Photo courtesy of Rice Alliance

In honor of CERAWeek, the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship hosted its annual Energy Venture Day.

After over 50 startup pitches and more than 300 meetings, venture investors identified eight startups that are the most-promising companies on a path to innovate and disrupt the energy ecosystem.

The 2023 Energy Venture Day's Most-Promising Startup winners were:

AeroShield Materials

Graphic via aeroshield.tech

Hyde Park, Massachusetts-based AeroShield Materials is creating thermally insulating transparent inserts. The inserts are only four millimeters of AeroShield's material and, when placed inside a double-pane window, provides 65 percent more energy efficiency.

Columbia Power Technologies (C-Power)

Image via cpower.co

C-Power, based in Charlottesville, Virgina, has a technology that harnesses the power of the ocean.

"C-Power delivers this renewable energy resource to the world, both through low-power solutions that bring energy and the cloud to the sea and large-scale solutions that help decarbonize terrestrial grids," the company's website reads.

EarthEn

Graphic via earthen.energy

Chandler, Arizona-based EarthEn is focused on long duration energy storage solutions that use CO2 in a closed loop to store 4 to 100 hours of energy at a low cost. The SaaS tools — with artificial intelligence and machine learning — optimize peak demand pricing and use predictive analysis to enable grid resiliency.

Group1

Photo via Twitter

Group 1, based in Austin, is focused on the commercialization of potassium-ion batteries. The core technology originates from the labs of University of Texas at Austin professor JB Goodenough, co-inventor of the lithium-ion battery.

Ionada Carbon Solutions

Photo via ionada.com

Houston-based Ionada, a member of Halliburton Labs, has created a technology that can remove up to 99 percent of the carbon dioxide emissions for the energy, marine, and e-fuels, according to the company.

"Our engineers have more than a century of combined expertise in reducing emissions for the power generation, chemical, road, rail, air and marine industries. We are here to help you find the best sustainable solution to reduce your emissions," reads the website.

H Quest Vanguard

Photo courtesy of Halliburton

Another Halliburton Labs member H Quest Vanguard, headquartered in Pittsburgh, has developed an electrically powered chemical conversion platform that leverages Microwave Plasma Pyrolysis to liberate zero-CO2 hydrogen from natural gas using only a quarter of energy required by electrolysis, while coproducing a high-value carbon or petrochemical coproduct.

Pressure Corp

Photo by Anton Petrus/Getty

Houston-based Pressure Corp is developing waste pressure power systems to help midstream gas companies solve how they reduce emissions by providing the technology, capital and expertise required to achieve their environmental, social and governance goals.

STARS Technology

Photo via starsh2.com

Based in Richland, Washington, STARS Technology Corp. is commercializing advanced micro-channel chemical process technology that originally was designed for NASA and the Department of Energy. The company's reactors and heat exchangers are compact, energy-efficient, and more.

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Twelve Houston startups will pitch at the World Petroleum Congress, which will be hosted in Houston this year. Photo via Getty Images

International energy conference names 12 Houston companies to pitch at inaugural innovation track

it's (almost) go time

A dozen Houston companies will take the stage next month for a pitch competition during the World Petroleum Congress at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

In all, 32 innovators have been selected to make presentations at the World Petroleum Congress' first-ever Innovation Zone. Presented by ConocoPhillips, the Innovation Zone will let startups showcase their solutions to challenges facing the energy sector. The winner of the pitch competition will receive the inaugural Energy Innovator Award.

The World Petroleum Congress is set for December 5-9.

The 12 Houston companies chosen for the Innovation Zone are:

  • CeraPhi Energy, whose technology helps companies transition to clean energy.
  • Chainparency, whose blockchain technology digitizes and secures records shared throughout the supply chain.
  • Criterion Energy Partners, an exploration and production company whose energy projects are co-located with commercial and industrial customers to promote emission reductions and improve operating efficiencies.
  • CruxOCM, whose technology powers autonomous control rooms in heavy industrial settings.
  • dataVediK, whose AI and machine learning technology fuels performance optimization, energy transition, and carbon footprint reduction at energy companies.
  • DrillDocs, whose software allows real-time analysis of activity at onshore and offshore drilling rigs.
  • Hess, an oil and gas exploration and production company that will show off technology enabling autonomous fracturing. (Hess is one of the sponsors of this year's World Petroleum Congress.)
  • Ionada Carbon Solutions, a producer of carbon capture systems.
  • Nesh, a creator of subject-matter avatars.
  • Oilify, whose WhaleShark technology advances the process of separating gas and solids.
  • Sourcenergy, which specializes in upstream energy and water intelligence supported by AI and machine learning.
  • Water Lens, whose mobile system provides lab-quality tests for over 30 water quality factors.

"For more than a century, innovation has enabled our industry to keep pace with the growing demand for safe and reliable energy," W.L. "Bill" Bullock Jr., executive vice president and chief financial officer of ConocoPhillips, said in an August news release. The Innovation Zone will shine a spotlight on "innovations that can propel our industry's purposeful journey through the energy transition and into the future," he added.

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Houston co. unveils Prada-designed spacesuit to be used on the moon

from catwalk to moonwalk

Fashion met the future this week as Houston-based Axiom Space and the Prada apparel brand revealed the design of the spacesuit that NASA astronauts will wear during their upcoming journey to the moon.

Axiom, a space exploration company, and Prada, a fixture in the world of luxury fashion, debuted their design of the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, Italy.

Set for 2026, NASA’s Artemis III mission will be the first “staffed” lunar landing since Apollo 17 in 1972. Four astronauts have been selected for the 30-day mission.

Components of the white, gray, and red spacesuit include:

  • Lights
  • HD camera
  • Cellular communications
  • “Endurance athlete”-style nutrition
  • Backpack with portable life support system
  • Custom-made gloves
  • Boots designed to withstand lunar temperatures and rough terrain

The spacesuit work is being performed under a nearly $1.3 billion NASA contract. Photo courtesy of Axiom Space

Axiom says the suit, which fits men and women, will enable astronauts to perform a spacewalk for at least eight hours. It’s geared toward lunar missions and low-earth-orbit missions.

“The AxEMU has significant advancements in safety, mobility, sizing, and performance,” the company says.

During development of the suit, Axiom placed a dark cover on the outer layer to conceal the suit’s proprietary technology. However, the suits worn on the lunar surface will be made from a white material that reflects heat, and protects astronauts from extreme high temperatures and lunar dust.

The spacesuit work is being performed under a nearly $1.3 billion NASA contract.

“Going beyond our limits is one of the company’s values that perfectly reflects the spirit of the Prada brand and my parents’ vision. I’m very proud of the result we’re showing today, which is just the first step in a long-term collaboration with Axiom Space,” Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada’s chief marketing officer and head of corporate social responsibility, says in a news release.

Axiom says the suit is near the final stage of development. Already, it has gone through testing by astronauts and engineers at Axiom, NASA, and SpaceX facilities. Among the tests were reduced-gravity simulations at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston and underwater simulations at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, also in Houston.

The suit will undergo an in-depth design review in 2025.

Houston college system provides support, resources for local entrepreneurs

hou made

Launching and growing small businesses and startups can take a village, and Houston Community College has a program that can help be that village for entrepreneurs.

HCC's HOU Made, which launched in 2021 and is run from HCC's West Houston Institute, is a free initiative that provides programming — workshops, resources and networking — to local businesses.

"It is designed to open up HCC's Makerspace to the public with access to tools and resources that were previously reserved for staff, faculty and students,” Connie Leon, the program’s coordinator, says in a news release. “The initiative gives small business owners access to use the Makerspace after their representatives attend a series of workshops.”

In addition to the workshops, which range from business 101 and branding to scaling operations, participants have access to equipment like laser cutters, 3D printers and heat press machines. One program within HOU Made is the Maker to Market initiative that provides entrepreneurs with materials including tents, tables, and marketing collateral to help set up pop-up stores for markets.

The program also provides opportunities with key financial advisers and partners like Chase Bank. LaShan Arceneaux, owner of Three Lumps of Sugar that creates mixes for cocktails, secured a $12,000 startup loan from participating in the program.

"I plan to use the loan to have a website built, and to purchase equipment and business supplies such as mixers, aprons, and supplies needed for business. This will allow me to grow the business successfully," Arceneaux says in the news release.

HVAC innovation has a huge role to play in Houston amid energy transition

guest column

As Houston, the energy capital of the world, navigates the global energy transition, the city is uniquely positioned to lead by example. This transition isn’t just about shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy; it’s about creating an ecosystem where corporations, research institutions, startups, and investors collaborate to develop and implement innovative technologies.

One of the most promising areas for reducing energy consumption and minimizing environmental impact is in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, or HVAC, systems.

Houston’s intense weather patterns demand efficient and adaptable climate control solutions. Traditional HVAC systems, while effective in maintaining indoor comfort, often operate on fixed settings that don’t account for real-time changes in occupancy or weather. This results in energy waste and increased utility costs — issues that can be mitigated by integrating artificial intelligence into HVAC systems.

AI-driven HVAC systems offer a dynamic approach to heating and cooling, learning from user preferences and environmental conditions to optimize performance. These systems use advanced algorithms to continuously adjust their operation, ensuring that energy is used only when and where it’s needed. This results in up to 30 percent greater energy efficiency compared to conventional systems, translating into significant savings for consumers and a reduction in overall energy demand.

For a city like Houston, where energy consumption is a critical concern, the widespread adoption of AI-integrated HVAC systems could have a substantial impact. By optimizing energy use in homes, offices, and industrial spaces, these systems help reduce the strain on the electrical grid, particularly during peak usage times. Additionally, they contribute to lowering greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with Houston’s broader sustainability goals.

The potential of AI in HVAC systems extends beyond efficiency and environmental benefits. These systems enhance the user experience by offering precise control over indoor climates, adapting to individual preferences, and responding to external conditions in real-time. This level of customization not only improves comfort but also supports a smarter, more sustainable approach to energy management.

Houston’s energy transition requires the collective efforts of all sectors. While large corporations and government entities play a significant role, the contributions of startups, research institutions, and energy service companies are equally important. These entities are at the forefront of developing technologies that address both the economic and environmental challenges of our time. Investors are increasingly recognizing the value of funding solutions that offer long-term sustainability alongside financial returns, further driving the adoption of innovative energy technologies.

The integration of AI into HVAC systems represents a crucial step forward in this journey. As Houston continues to evolve as a leader in energy innovation, embracing advanced technologies like AI-driven HVAC systems will be key to achieving a more sustainable and resilient energy future. These systems are not just a technological advancement—they are a strategic tool in the broader effort to reduce energy consumption, lower emissions, and create a healthier environment for all.

At the heart of Houston’s energy transition is the commitment to building a future that balances growth with sustainability. By prioritizing the deployment of smart, energy-efficient technologies, we can ensure that Houston remains at the forefront of the global energy landscape, setting the standard for other cities to follow. As we move forward, the integration of AI into our energy infrastructure, particularly in HVAC systems, will be instrumental in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for Houston and beyond.

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Trevor Schick is the president of KOVA, a Texas company creating sustainable solutions in building development.

This article originally ran on EnergyCapital.
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