
Energytech Startups
88 episodes — Page 1 of 2
Mo (Mohammed) Saadat from Stratahub
Eric Rubenstein from New Climate Ventures
Ep 94Donald Kendall from New Climate Ventures
Venture capital in the energy transition is getting more complicated, but Donald R. Kendall Jr., General Partner at New Climate Ventures, says the multi-trillion dollar opportunity isn't going anywhere. We get into how they find picks and shovels plays in crowded markets, what $100 oil means for climate startups, why management teams matter more than technology, and what it actually takes to get a first-of-a-kind project financed.Click here to watch a video of this episode.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 0:00 New Climate Ventures and Investment Thesis8:00 Data Centers, Cooling, and Energy Independence10:00 $100 Oil and What It Means for the Energy Transition14:00 SAF, Carbon Alternatives, and Portfolio Companies21:00 Don's Background in Project Finance and Early Renewables26:00 SolarCity, Financial Engineering, and Residential Solar32:00 What Makes a Fundable Team38:00 The State of Venture Capital for Climate42:00 Why Invest in Climate Over AI43:00 Houston's Role in the Energy Transition49:00 Most Exciting Technologies Right Now51:00 Wildlife Conservation and Closinghttps://twitter.com/collide_aihttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/collide-ai.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collideai
Ep 93Ashish Gupta & Siddhartha (Sid) Paul from KonsciousPlanet/KP Labs
Critical metals like nickel and cobalt are slipping through the cracks and into landfills, and KP Labs is on a mission to get them back. Dr. Ashish Gupta and Siddhartha Paul, CEO and CTO and co-founders of KonsciousPlanet/KP Labs, break down how bacteria can pull valuable metals from e-waste, why recycling is really just energy independence in disguise, and why they're calling it urban mining.Click here to watch a video of this episode.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 0:00 - Intro and KP Labs origin story3:26 - How the e-waste recycling technology works8:39 - Black mass, battery chemistry, and the logistics problem11:00 - America's recycling problem14:40 - Democratizing the recycling process18:29 - Commercialization plans and funding24:02 - Founders' backgrounds and how they met30:00 - Challenges in energy transition investing35:39 - Houston ecosystem and helpful resources38:07 - Investor misconceptions and how to pitch it right42:58 - Reframing the business as urban mining44:13 - What KP Labs is looking for right nowhttps://twitter.com/collide_aihttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/collide-ai.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collideai
Ep 92Imran Kizilbash & Abhinav Jain from Titanium Innovation Investments
The industrial world is still running on manual processes and siloed data while our phones got smarter ten times over, and that gap is exactly where Titanium Innovation Investments is placing its bets. Abhinav Jain and Imran Kizilbash, co-founders and managing partners at Titanium Innovation Investments, break down what it actually takes to sell tech into enterprises that move slow by design, why product market fit is something you can lose just as fast as you find it, and how they evaluate founding teams when the revenue is basically zero. Plus some real talk on Houston's startup ecosystem and whether the city has the deal flow to back up the ambition.Click here to watch a video of this episode.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 0:00 Introduction1:00 Titanium Innovation Investments thesis and origin story4:17 Why industrial tech adoption lags behind consumer tech7:01 Data as an asset in M&A and enterprise transactions10:23 Imran and Abhinav's career journeys from field to finance15:04 What product market fit actually looks like at seed stage19:24 Unit economics and business models in hard tech vs software29:56 Cutting through the AI hype in industrial applications34:23 Data ownership, legal challenges, and enterprise selling40:16 Change management and why adoption cycles are longer43:21 Portfolio construction and sector diversification50:13 Houston's startup ecosystem and deal sourcing nationally1:04:18 Advice for founders on fundraising and building trusthttps://twitter.com/collide_aihttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/collide-ai.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collideai
Ep 91Jamal Khawaja from Symplii.ai
Jamal Khawaja, founder and managing director of Symplii.ai, sits down to talk about his journey from studying scorpion mating habits in Brazil (seriously) to 25 years in tech at IBM, Deloitte, and Accenture before starting his own AI company. He breaks down why AI has been around since the 1960s but only recently became useful, how emergent capabilities let models do things they were never programmed for, and why entry-level jobs are facing the roughest market he's ever seen. Jamal explains his pivot from building an AI marketplace to focusing on last mile AI solutions for small companies, walks through a real example of AI agents listening to law firm client calls to auto-fill forms, and shares why being AI-first means doing the work yourself instead of delegating it to interns.Click here to watch a video of this episode.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Welcome and Jamal's background02:12 - From biology to self-taught tech07:16 - Houston's pragmatic startup culture08:07 - AI history since the 1960s11:24 - From precision to statistical significance14:17 - Emergent capabilities and what models can do17:37 - Can AI actually think?19:16 - Leaving IBM to start Symplii21:18 - Entry-level job market collapse24:57 - Are people getting lazy with AI?30:54 - Claude projects and AI workflows34:16 - Taking the leap with family support36:15 - Pivoting from marketplace to last mile AI41:06 - Law firm client intake automation example45:27 - Building for future context awareness48:32 - AI guardrails and pragmatic reality50:35 - Advice for being truly AI-firsthttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 90Mehrab Momin from aiCTO
AI has been “old news” since the 1950s, but Mehrab Momin of aiCTO Services breaks down why it suddenly feels everywhere, how founders should actually think about AI (data first, buzzwords later), and why Houston’s physical-world industries might be the perfect playground for the next wave, from vision models to humanoid robots.Click here to watch a video of this episode.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 Show intro and guest setup 01:10 Fractional AI CTO explained 03:10 Early AI work and swarm intelligence 05:10 AI “flavors” from ML to deep learning 07:10 Transformers and the LLM leap 09:10 Where AI shows up in industry 12:00 Language, context, and why LLMs work 18:00 Energy AI applications and examples 19:30 Computer vision basics and VLMs 23:30 Open source models and fine-tuning 26:20 Houston vs Bay Area AI maturity 29:20 Solar, drones, and practical vision AI 31:00 Humanoid robots and physical AI 33:20 Edge computing and model stacks 36:00 Testing, validation, and “AI going rogue” 37:20 Common startup mistakes with AI 40:20 Human intuition vs machine intelligence 48:00 Language preservation and climate tech link 51:20 What’s next for Houston startups 53:50 How to connect and wrap-up https://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 89Thomas Chepucavage from Zenthos Energy
Zenthos Energy is tackling two big challenges at once: energy storage and carbon capture. Their aluminum batteries aren’t just safer and cheaper than the usual lithium or cobalt options, they also last longer and actually create value by capturing CO2 and producing graphite along the way. Born in Albuquerque and now teaming up with Sandia National Labs and New Mexico State, the team is scaling solutions big enough for utilities, data centers, and microgrids, while also finding uses in military and remote applications. It’s a story of tech, partnerships, and ambition, with a clear mission to push gigawatt-scale solutions into the mainstream of sustainable energy.Click here to watch a video of this episode.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - EnergyTech Nexus00:16 - Introducing Dev Motiram00:52 - Interview with Tom Chappell, CEO of Zenthos Energy09:45 - Tom's Journey into the Energy Industry11:36 - CO2 Capture Potential12:18 - Revenue Streams in Energy Tech13:56 - Energy Initiatives in Albuquerque15:38 - Non-Dilutive Funding Strategies17:30 - Fundraising Journey in Energy Startups21:06 - Addressing the Missing Middle24:01 - EnergyTech Nexus24:15 - Strategic Partnerships for Growth25:45 - Assessing Risk in Energy Ventures27:46 - Innovations in Aluminum Ion Batteries28:44 - Scaling Energy Solutions29:45 - Criteria for Investability31:05 - Current Goals in Energy Development32:10 - Insights from Houston's Energy Scene33:05 - Key Takeaways from the Week36:20 - Investor Discussions and Focus Areas37:40 - Manufacturing Considerations in Energy Tech40:50 - Defining Product Market Fit41:35 - How to Support Zenthos Energy43:28 - Final Thoughts and Closing Remarkshttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 88Sandy Guitar from TEX-E
Houston’s got big plans for the energy transition, and Sandy Guitar is right in the middle of it. As Executive Director of TEX-E, she’s helping connect Texas universities (and even MIT) with industry to make sure the next wave of talent has the tools, and the confidence, to take on climate and energy challenges. We swapped stories about how Houston’s legacy as the energy capital is shaping its role as the energy transition capital, the value of disciplined entrepreneurship, and why collaboration across students, startups, and industry leaders is the secret sauce. If you’re curious about how the next generation of innovators is being built right here in Texas, Sandy’s perspective is a masterclass in turning vision into action.Click here to watch a video of this episode.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Intro00:58 - What is TEXI08:12 - Favorite Book Recommendations16:16 - Disciplined Entrepreneurship Insights18:20 - Career Journey to Venture Capital20:14 - Entering Venture Capital24:30 - Skills for Success in VC28:15 - Pivotal Career Moments33:20 - EnergyTech Nexus Growth Platform37:57 - Luck vs Skill in Venture Capital41:10 - Evolving Team Dynamics46:10 - Economic Downturn Impact on Tech49:18 - Understanding Capital Flows53:24 - How Listeners Can Help57:20 - Conclusionhttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 87Emily Avagliano from Resollant Inc.
Resollant is shaking up hydrogen production with a twist that sounds almost too good to be true, turning natural gas into hydrogen and graphite, without the need for air permits or government handouts. Emily Avagliano, the founder behind the idea, walks us through how her turquoise hydrogen reactors not only cut costs but also capture carbon as a solid product you can actually sell. That means less CO2 floating around and more opportunities for industries to profit while cleaning things up. Jason and Nada dig into what this could mean for oil, gas, and other sectors trying to figure out decarbonization without slowing down their business. It’s a look at how one startup might just rewrite the playbook for clean energy.Click here to watch a video of this episode.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Ad: Energy Tech Nexus - Connect with fellow founders and access critical resources00:16 - Emily Avagliano, CEO of Resolent00:45 - Overview of Resolent05:01 - Understanding Entrained Flow Reactors08:52 - Introduction to Turquoise Hydrogen11:27 - Ideal Clients for the Resilient Reactor14:53 - Development of the Resilient Reactor19:15 - Involvement with Resilient Energy Systems22:28 - Starting a Company in Energy Tech24:10 - Corporate Partnerships and Expectations28:58 - Joining Accelerators: Key Learnings31:00 - Insights on EnergyTech Nexus35:54 - Overview of Rice Clean Energy Accelerator38:20 - Embracing the CEO Role in Startups39:50 - Qualities of an Effective CEO42:49 - Importance of Sales Skills45:00 - Emotional Management for CEOs48:51 - Learning from Customer Feedback49:05 - Future Outlook for Energy Tech52:26 - Emily's Vision for the Next 10 Years54:03 - Contact Information for Emily55:13 - Acknowledgments and Thank You'shttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 86Aaron Fitzgerald from Mars Materials
Turning CO₂ into carbon fiber sounds like science fiction, but Aaron Fitzgerald and the crew at Mars Materials are making it happen. Their process creates carbon-negative acrylonitrile, the stuff that goes into everything from sleek carbon fiber to water filters and high-tech textiles and they’re doing it with big-name partners like NREL and Shell. Aaron talks about reshoring carbon fiber production to the U.S., cutting carbon from supply chains, and what it takes to build a climate-driven company from the ground up. It’s a mix of chemistry, entrepreneurship, and a clear vision for a more sustainable future.Click here to watch a video of this episode.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Energy Tech Nexus00:17 - Intro to Mars Materials03:48 - Aaron’s Background in Energy08:11 - Overview of Kairos Aerospace10:46 - Understanding Acrylonitrile14:33 - Acrylonitrile Production Process17:29 - The Sohio Process Explained22:04 - National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)24:40 - Tech Transfer from National Labs27:39 - Finding the Right Technology29:26 - Carbon180 Overview30:35 - Collaborating with Lawrence Livermore Lab32:19 - EnergyTechNexus Insights33:56 - LabStart Initiatives35:37 - Request for Information (RFI) Explained38:36 - Building a Business Deliberately41:15 - Mars Materials Today and Future48:30 - Fundraising Strategies52:40 - What's Next for Mars Materials54:45 - Erin's Shell Partnership Journey57:16 - Shell's Support for Erin1:00:11 - Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts1:03:44 - How to Help Mars Materials1:06:20 - Outrohttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 85Rekha Patel from Xrathus, Inc.
Innovation doesn’t have to be slow or siloed and Xrathus is out to prove it. Rekha Patel walks us through how her platform is breaking down barriers between teams, helping everyone from scrappy startups to NASA-level giants turn their ideas into real, working solutions. It’s part hackathon engine, part crowdsourcing hub, and all about making collaboration easy, fast, and actually fun. If you’re building, leading, or dreaming something big, this one’s for you.Click here to watch a video of this episode.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Intro00:25 - Rekha Patel, Founder & CEO of Xerathis03:42 - Rekha’s Career Journey: Geologist to Tech Entrepreneur11:28 - CEO Role Decision: Insights and Reflections19:20 - Understanding the Ideal Customer Profile23:23 - User Interaction on the Platform: A Deep Dive26:24 - Finding Advisors: Strategies for Success29:01 - Energy Tech Nexus35:05 - Meeting Pradeep: Networking in Tech37:05 - Pricing Strategy for Tech Products40:10 - Advice to My Past Self: Lessons Learned46:54 - Guidance for Mid-Career Professionals51:48 - Co-Founder Search: Tips and Tricks56:19 - Future of Xerathis: Vision and Goals1:00:24 - The Meaning Behind the Name Xerathis1:03:10 - How to Find Rekha: Contact Information1:03:19 - Connect with Rekha on LinkedIn: Networking Tipshttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 82Ian Uriarte from Spindletop AI
What happens when old-school oilfields meet new-school tech? You get something like Spindletop AI, think machine learning and edge computing tailored for mid-sized operators trying to squeeze more out of every drop. Ian’s built a platform that helps producers ditch the spreadsheets and start making smarter, faster decisions right in the field. We talk about managing marginal wells, building hardware on a budget, and how he’s helping folks bump production by double digits. There’s also a great origin story behind the name Spindletop, plus some real talk on what it takes to launch a startup in the energy world without losing your mind (or your budget).Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Energy Tech Nexus00:16 - Intro to Ian Uriarte05:40 - Lifecycle of an Oil Well12:19 - TimberGrove vs Spindletop17:29 - Spindletop's Innovations19:14 - Spindletop Network Functionality25:42 - Spindletop's Current Journey34:00 - Insights from the Pilot Program34:42 - Achieving 17% Improvement40:18 - Fundraising Journey Overview47:15 - Motivations Behind Spindletop50:48 - Current Opportunities for Spindletop51:39 - Audience Support for Spindletop53:34 - Learning More About Spindletophttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 81Anwar Sadek from CORROLYTICS
Corrosion isn’t just rusty metal, it's a billion-dollar buzzkill that sneaks into everything from oil rigs to your local water plant. Luckily, we've got someone who’s flipping the script on this hidden villain using some seriously clever tech. He's developed tools that sniff out microbial corrosion right at the source, helping companies slash costs, stay safe, and shrink their carbon footprint. We chat about how sneaky microbes cause chaos in pipelines, biodiesel tanks, and even HVAC systems—and why those old-school detection methods just don't cut it anymore. Plus, hear his story from PhD researcher to startup founder, building a mission-driven company that's shaking up industries for the better.Click here to watch a video of this episode. Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Energy Tech Startups Overview00:24 - What Does CORROLYTICS Do?05:05 - Types of Corrosion Explained08:17 - Corrosion Mitigation Strategies14:05 - Early Traction & Customer Use Cases18:15 - Journey into Entrepreneurship23:35 - Academia to Entrepreneurship Transition26:38 - Leading the Decarbonization Charge28:49 - Moments of CEO Leadership37:37 - Advice for Your Younger Self38:00 - Building Relationships with Stakeholders39:30 - Raising Your First Million41:16 - Anwar’s Fundraising Journey45:18 - External Factors in Fundraising48:20 - Fundraising in the Energy Sector50:40 - Impact Metrics & Carbon Abatement52:30 - Contacting Anwar https://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 83Bryton Praslicka from FluxWorks
Magnetic gearboxes built for the moon? Yeah, you read that right. Bryton Praslicka started out zapping circuits in his garage as a kid and ended up engineering contactless gear systems originally meant for NASA and now they’re showing up in everything from factory robots to aerospace tech. In this episode, he breaks down how FluxWorks went from a research lab to raising \$5M to bring its sci-fi-sounding gearboxes into the real world. We talk about why “motion solutions” are bigger than gears, what it takes to scale hard tech, and how magnetic tech is changing the game for robotics and automation.Click here to watch a video of this episode.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Bryton Praslicka Intro01:14 - Causes of Wear and Tear in Systems06:06 - Invention of FluxWorks Technology09:17 - How FluxWorks' Magnetic Gear Operates12:14 - Understanding Slippage in Technology14:15 - Finding Value in Society through Innovation18:17 - Deciding to Start a Company21:39 - Tailoring Pitches for Different Audiences23:23 - The Importance of Storytelling in Business24:26 - Snobby Founder Moment Explained26:25 - Insights from EnergyTechNexus26:40 - Hiring Strategies for Startups27:00 - Managing Older Employees Effectively28:10 - Defining Mission, Vision, and Core Values31:40 - Deciding on Core Values for Your Company33:24 - Overcoming Significant Challenges in Business37:35 - Navigating the Fundraising Journey40:45 - Learning Fundraising Terminology42:30 - Fundraising Beyond Texas45:33 - Misunderstandings in Hard Tech Companies49:24 - Legacy: What Do You Want to Be Remembered For?51:20 - Contacting Jason for Insights52:40 - Podcast Wrap-Uphttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 80Matthew Dawson from Elementium Materials
Batteries might not seem sexy, but they're literally powering the future and turns out, we've all been sleeping on electrolytes. We sat down with someone who's shaking things up by rethinking battery design from the inside out, focusing on the underrated electrolyte layer to boost performance, cut costs, and make charging quicker (and safer!). We talk about what it takes to scale a hard tech startup, snag superstar talent, and keep investors happy when funding's tough. Plus, why the battery tech coming your way, think EVs, huge storage solutions, even robots is cooler (and closer) than you think.Click here to watch a video of this episode.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Energy Tech Nexus00:16 - What is an electrolyte04:19 - History of Batteries07:01 - Matt's Career Path09:49 - Importance of Trust in Business14:02 - Technology Deployment Strategies17:42 - Electrolyte Sales Process19:59 - Customer Feedback Insights22:14 - End Users Driving Innovation26:05 - Why Now: Market Timing28:21 - Protecting Your Business31:25 - ETN: Sign Up for Updates31:38 - Electrolyte Delivery Methods34:29 - Battery Disposal Practices39:24 - End Market Strategy42:11 - Challenges in Startup Phase43:10 - Starting a Company Today44:34 - Talent Acquisition Strategies49:26 - Self-Selecting Talent51:42 - Fundraising for Startups54:28 - Investor Outreach Strategies56:18 - Setting Bold Goals59:20 - Impact of Politics on Business1:02:12 - Future Vision: 5-Year Plan1:05:37 - How to Connect with Matthttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 77Rhiannon Parker from Loop Bioproducts
Who knew cactus could be the future of clean energy and sustainable farming? Rhiannon Parker, the brains behind Loop Bioproducts, is flipping the script by turning prickly pear into biofuels, eco-friendly products, and a lifeline for dry, worn-out land. We get into her wild ride from neuroscience to oil and gas to renewable energy, why she bootstrapped her company instead of chasing VC money, and how she’s weaving regenerative agriculture and indigenous knowledge into the heart of everything she builds. Plus, a peek into her passion project, the Loop Institute, where she’s sparking a new wave of STEM innovation.Click here to watch a video of this episode.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Energy Tech Nexus00:15 - Intro01:29 - What is Loop Bioproducts06:12 - Skills from Previous Experiences09:34 - Value of Diverse Experience12:57 - Importance of Cactus in Sustainability17:34 - Cactus Photosynthesis Process20:40 - Mechanical Harvesting Techniques21:36 - Loop Bioproducts Business Model23:26 - Sourcing Cactus for Production26:40 - Acquiring Land for Agriculture31:41 - Regenerative Agriculture Practices36:26 - Importance of Timing in Agriculture39:34 - Current Consumer Trends43:40 - Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainability49:00 - Understanding Biopiracy Issues50:00 - Reasons for Avoiding Venture Capital55:10 - Statistical Behavior in Business57:55 - Expertise in Emerging Industries01:03:05 - Contacting Loop Bioproducts and The Loop Institutehttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 78Mush Khan from Alchemy Industrial
Energy storage isn’t just about batteries, it’s about reshaping the future of American manufacturing, and Mush Khan knows it firsthand. From running supply chains in China to now building Alchemy Industrial from the ground up, Mush breaks down how storing energy is a lot like caching data, why the U.S. needs to get serious about reshoring, and how Houston could become the next hub for advanced manufacturing. He also gets real about the role of education, talent, and tech like AI in bringing industrial innovation back home. It’s a mix of big ideas, practical insight, and one guy’s mission to build smarter from the ground up.Click here to watch a video of this episode.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Intro08:11 - Reshoring Strategies in Manufacturing11:35 - Patience in Industry Transformation19:09 - Government Regulations Impacting Energy Tech21:22 - WWII Manufacturing Success Story24:41 - Understanding Tariffs in Energy Sector28:14 - Building a Talent Pipeline for Tech31:03 - Importance of Technical Education33:28 - Addressing Systemic Issues in Manufacturing35:45 - The Role of Automation in Industry38:23 - Defining Wealth in Modern Context41:14 - Exploring Comfort in Today's Economy43:26 - Defining Success in Energy Tech45:22 - Houston as a Global Manufacturing Hub48:50 - Challenges in the Education System52:49 - The Power of Storytelling in Tech54:56 - Tackling the Talent Shortage Crisis55:53 - AI's Role in Revolutionizing Manufacturing1:04:13 - Getting Started with AI in Industry1:05:42 - Innovations in Additive Manufacturing1:07:17 - Closing Remarks and Future Insightshttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 76Ngu Morcho from Vitellaria PdDC
Energy tech meets real-world impact in this one, Ngu Morcho shares how he's helping startups unlock overlooked markets with a boots-on-the-ground approach that blends health, energy, and finance into something seriously transformative. We’re talking about building infrastructure that actually serves people, not just pipelines and panels. From mobilizing patient capital to creating ecosystems that stick, this convo explores what it really takes to bring equity and sustainability to places that need it most.Click here to watch a video of this episode.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Intro05:04 - Monetizing Energy Projects09:56 - Need for Project Developers11:36 - Origin of the Rice Alliance15:29 - Integrated Project Delivery & Finance20:19 - Local Capacity Building Importance23:20 - EnergyTech Nexus Overview26:13 - Current Projects in Development34:10 - Understanding Blended Finance38:40 - US Infrastructure & Energy Equity41:55 - Future Vision for Energy Sectorhttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 74David Aaronson from Refuel Electric Vehicle Solutions
Apartments and EV chargers, why is it such a headache? That’s exactly what we’re tackling with David Aaronson, the real estate pro behind Refuel Electric Vehicle Solutions. With EV adoption skyrocketing, renters are demanding charging options, but property owners are stuck figuring out how to make it work. David’s company is cutting through the red tape, bringing EV charging to 83 cities and counting, while making it painless (and profitable) for landlords. We’re talking infrastructure hurdles, ESG priorities, and how EV charging is shaping the future of multifamily living, because let’s be real, the days of hunting for an open charging spot are numbered.Click here to watch a video of this episode.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - EnergyTech Nexus00:16 - Refuel EV Solutions04:31 - EVs in Norway05:54 - EVs in Houston10:22 - Refuel’s Business Model16:23 - Sizing an Installation20:45 - Solar and Battery Integration22:15 - Managing EV Charging Duration26:59 - Geographic Differences in EV Charging28:50 - Innovation vs. Invention in EVs35:37 - David Aaronson's Background40:14 - Starting Revs: Journey and Insights49:25 - Impact of EV Tax Credit on Business55:14 - Government Incentives for EV Charging57:40 - Role of Utility Companies in EV Charging59:58 - Aligning Revs' Interests with Customers1:00:30 - How to Find ReFuel Energy Solutionshttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 73Jason Assir from EnergyGigs
Finding the right talent in energy is a headache, but EnergyGigs is flipping the script. CEO Jason Assir joins us to talk about how his platform is making it easier for companies to connect with consultants, freelancers, and even retirees without all the hiring red tape. We get into why traditional hiring doesn’t work for this industry, how AI is shaking things up, and why the future of energy work is looking more flexible than ever, think project-based roles, geothermal experts in demand, and a surge in hydrogen-focused gigs. Jason’s got a unique take on careers, too, challenging the idea that you have to stick to just one lane. If you’re in energy and tired of the same old hiring grind, this one’s for you.Click here to watch a video of this episode.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - EnergyTech Nexus00:16 - EnergyGigs05:47 - EnergyGigs vs Upwork and Fiverr08:20 - Hiring Tips: Testing Candidates09:58 - COVID's Impact on Work Culture11:26 - Finding the Right Job Candidate19:55 - EnergyGigs Monetization Strategies21:41 - Future Plans for EnergyGigs23:20 - Investor Sentiment in Energy Sector24:53 - Leading the Decarbonization Charge25:54 - Capital Deployment by Investors28:04 - Fundraising Insights in Houston31:11 - Bootstrapping Challenges32:53 - The Mom Test Explained35:55 - Achieving Product Market Fit38:20 - Pivotal Moments in Business39:34 - New Administration's Impact on Energy41:36 - Positioning for the Next Four Years44:43 - Importance of Mentorship48:58 - Future Developments for EnergyGigs51:00 - Contact Informationhttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 72Yao Huang from Carbon Optimum Corporation
Tackling the 40-gigaton CO2 problem isn’t for the faint of heart, but Yao Huang is all in, turning climate challenges into financial opportunities with some seriously cool tech. After two decades in the tech world, a pandemic epiphany sent her full speed into climate investing, and now she’s using algae photobioreactors (yes, algae!) to capture carbon at scale while creating useful byproducts like oils and fertilizers. She breaks down why traditional VC thinking doesn’t cut it in climate tech, how industries like coal and cement can actually profit from going green, and why collaboration, not competition, is the key to making real change happen. If you think climate solutions are all about sacrifice, Yao’s going to make you rethink everything.Click here to watch a video of this episode.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Intro00:49 - Climate Investing Journey08:27 - Venture Capital in Climate Tech13:57 - Role of Finance in Startups18:00 - Energy Transition vs Climate Problem24:22 - Carbon Clean Technology32:46 - Carbon Optima Business Model34:37 - Unique Aspects of Current Climate Tech37:30 - Factors Behind Carbon Optima's Success40:04 - Activating Support for Climate Initiatives45:15 - Houston's Climate Tech Ecosystem Gaps49:35 - Houston Startup Scene51:03 - Wonder Women Networking Dinners54:27 - Closing Remarkshttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 70Sandeep Roy from Planckton Data
AI and sustainability, two buzzwords that actually make a lot of sense together, especially when you’ve got sharp minds like Robin Goswami and Sandeep Roy putting them to work. These guys built Planckton Data to crack one of the biggest challenges in energy and industrial markets: making carbon footprints actually measurable (instead of just a marketing buzzword). From filling in the massive data gaps in supply chains to helping companies navigate sustainability regulations without drowning in paperwork, they’re proving that AI isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a game-changer. Toss in some wild stories from their careers at Infosys, McKinsey, and even the BP oil spill response, and you’ve got an episode packed with insights, real-world impact, and a little startup chaos.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - EnergyTechNexus Ad00:17 - Introducing Plankton Data02:41 - How Plankton Data’s Product Works07:13 - Sustainability Labels and Compliance Regulations11:02 - Building a Data Model for Sustainability12:28 - Blockchain Technology in Energy18:48 - Career Background Before Plankton Data20:16 - Insights from Sandeep Roy23:05 - AI's Role in IGen28:35 - Transitioning to Start IGen31:00 - Board Membership in Startups35:35 - Identifying Your Customer Base39:40 - Current Stage of Your Journey41:17 - Fundraising Strategies46:33 - Investor Perspectives on Climate Tech49:20 - AI as Infrastructure in Energy50:39 - Vision and Future of Plankton Data52:59 - Outrohttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 71Jason & Nada from Energy Tech Nexus
Houston isn’t just the oil and gas capital, it’s shaping up to be the energy innovation hub of the future, and Nada Ahmed and Jason Ethier are right in the middle of it. As the brains behind EnergyTechNexus, they’re building a launchpad for startups tackling the energy trilemma: security, affordability, and sustainability. We’re talking everything from carbon capture to nuclear’s big comeback and how Houston’s industrial muscle makes it the perfect testing ground for game-changing tech. Plus, why they’re betting on “thunder lizards” instead of unicorns and what that means for the next wave of energy startups.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. Check out CleanTechies Podcast:https://www.youtube.com/ @CleanTechiesPod 00:00 - EnergyTech Nexus Ad00:21 - Energy Trilemma00:32 - Podcast Introduction02:29 - Hosts' Check-in07:23 - Goodwin Ad08:17 - Overview of EnergyTech Nexus14:26 - Greentown Labs Houston's Support for Startups14:52 - Collaborations with Green Chemicals Companies17:13 - Future Climate Juggernauts22:18 - Impact of New Administration on Clean Energy25:40 - US Oil Exporting and Price Effects29:24 - Energy Tech Nexus Insights29:40 - Fracking and Methane Capture Techniques32:10 - Climate Tech Positioning Strategies36:15 - Competing with China in Energy38:30 - Energy Deprivation Challenges41:29 - Episode Conclusion42:05 - Nuclear Energy Trajectory Solutions46:57 - Oil Majors' Role in Clean Tech Ecosystem51:55 - Energy Transition and Corporate Investment Strategies54:05 - Strategic Investment Criteria for Startups57:49 - Podcast Outrohttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 67Zimri T. Hinshaw from Rheom Materials
Plastic doesn’t have to be the villain of the story anymore, Rheom Materials is flipping the script. From brewing kombucha to brewing up a whole new way of thinking about sustainable plastics, they’re proving that bio-based, biodegradable materials can hold their own against petrochemical giants. In this chat, you’ll hear about the wild ride from Zimri T. Hinshaw’s beginnings to Rheom’s breakthrough materials that work with existing manufacturing setups, why Houston’s energy hub is a hot spot for climate tech, and what it takes to scale a startup that’s shaking up an industry. If you’ve ever wondered how innovation meets practicality in the fight against plastic waste, this one’s for you.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - EnergyTech Nexus Ad00:16 - Intro00:24 - Rio Materials02:18 - Moving Away from Plastic05:26 - Scaling with Existing Infrastructure08:12 - Customer Collaboration at Rio Materials16:15 - Keeping Costs Competitive20:00 - Bio-based vs. Petrochemical Pricing21:35 - Rebranding to Rheom Materials27:15 - Differentiating Rheom Materials30:45 - Insights from Customer Testing33:09 - Why Choose Houston?35:45 - Building Houston's Future37:46 - Lessons for Investors in Hard Tech43:29 - Tips for New Entrepreneurs45:20 - Getting Involved in Startups49:27 - Future Plans for Realm51:03 - Future Plans for Covehttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 69Stephen Ojji from Nocopycats & VisionTech
Workplace safety just got a serious upgrade thanks to some cutting-edge AI tech that turns your regular ol’ CCTV cameras into safety superheroes. We’re talking about a system that spots hazards, flags unsafe behavior (without naming and shaming), and keeps things running smoothly in high-risk industries like oil and gas. The brains behind this innovation? A safety engineer-turned-entrepreneur who took his experience from Nigeria to Houston and built VisionTech, a game-changer for safety culture. With insights on balancing safety, HR, and management, plus a vision to tackle everything from oil rigs to home offices, this episode dives into the challenges, wins, and future of making workplaces safer with tech that’s as smart as it is practical.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Energy Tech Nexus - Transform Your Startup Journey00:14 - Intro Stephen Ogidan, Founder & CEO of Vision Tech05:14 - Vision Tech Safety Solutions - Improving Workplace Safety09:30 - Employee Comfort with Surveillance - Overcoming Camera Hesitancy11:29 - Product Readiness Timeline - When Will It Launch?12:41 - Managing Alert Systems - Optimizing Safety Notifications16:40 - Combining Safety and Technology - Stephen's Background19:01 - Market Timing - Why Now is Critical for Vision Tech22:31 - Customer Insights - Lessons from Potential Clients26:48 - Future Challenges - Identifying Key Obstacles Ahead31:21 - Networking in Energy Tech - Stephen's Connections33:04 - The Power of Communication - "A Closed Mouth is a Closed Destiny"36:40 - Fundraising Journey - Current Status and Strategy40:00 - Building Investor Credibility - Strategies for Success42:07 - Timing for Entrepreneurship - The Right Moment to Start47:53 - Business Defensibility - Creating Competitive Advantages55:43 - Navigating Regulatory Changes - Adapting to New Laws58:41 - Fostering a Safety Culture - Importance in Business59:38 - Wrapping Up - Key Takeaways from the Discussion1:00:04 - Houston, the Energy Capital of the World - Industry Insightshttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 68Scott & Jim from Latham & Watkins
Energy tech startups face a unique maze of legal pitfalls, and we’re breaking it all down with tips and strategies that could save your company. From dodging toxic investment terms like full ratchets to navigating funding rounds without losing founder control, we’ll unpack what works (and what doesn’t) in this high-stakes world. Ever wonder why project finance often beats venture capital in energy tech? Or how to connect with coastal VCs when you’re rooted in Houston’s energy scene? Whether it’s structuring deals, managing down rounds, or building investor relationships, this convo blends Silicon Valley savvy with Texas grit to give you the inside scoop on steering your startup toward success.Click here to watch a video of this episode.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - EnergyTech Nexus00:20 - Introducing Latham & Watkins03:20 - Importance of Energy and Infrastructure Expertise for Startups06:02 - Navigating Long-Tail Engagements: Business Building with Latham & Watkins11:29 - Learning Monetization Strategies in Startups17:06 - Fundraising Red Flags for Startups20:48 - Key Considerations for Founders When Choosing Investors22:54 - Control vs Valuation: Understanding Trade-offs26:27 - Overview of Houston’s Investor Landscape31:15 - Energy Tech Nexus: Your Growth Platform31:32 - Corporate Venture Capital Insights34:58 - Project Level Financing Explained36:41 - Current Trends in the Energy Industry38:15 - Challenges in Fundraising42:02 - Increasing Capital Flow into Houston44:50 - Understanding Startup Valuation49:20 - Risks of High Valuations in Startups55:18 - Creating a Clean Tech Powerhouse59:26 - Founders' Advice for Success1:03:09 - Thank You and Closing Remarkshttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 65WindEverest Corporation
Ever thought about how to make EV charging smarter and greener? Wind Everest is turning wind energy into a game-changer for electric vehicles, and Robert Rolnik is at the helm of it all. Picture an app that works like a weather report for wind power, letting you know the best times to charge to slash carbon emissions by up to 90%. Texas might be just warming up to EVs, but with 7-8% of new car sales already electric, the potential is massive. Robert’s path from telecom engineer to cleantech innovator is packed with insights, from tackling the quirks of Texas’ deregulated electricity market to figuring out how EVs can help stabilize the grid. Wind Everest isn’t stopping at personal cars either—think fleets, delivery services, and even military vehicles. It’s innovation with a side of saving the planet.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Energy Tech Startups00:16 - WindEverest Overview06:06 - Wind Energy & Electric Vehicles09:47 - Robert Rolnik's Background11:36 - Software Development Journey14:32 - Griddy vs. Renewable Energy Plans20:00 - Legal Aspects of 100% Renewable Energy25:00 - Ad: Energy Tech Nexus27:30 - EV Drivers' Perspectives on ION Energy31:39 - Electric Vehicle Subsidies34:51 - Addressing Range Anxiety39:50 - WindEverest's Business Model43:14 - Houston's Energy Tech Ecosystem48:05 - Contacting Robert Rolnik49:00 - App Release Timelinehttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 64Alchemy Industrial
When it comes to bringing manufacturing back to the US, reshoring isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a game plan, and Mush Khan from Alchemy Industrial is in the thick of it. From building game-changing energy storage systems to figuring out how AI and robotics can shake up the factory floor, Mush is rethinking what it means to make stuff in America. He’s got big ideas about how Houston can lead the charge in energy and manufacturing innovation, and he’s not shy about tackling the challenges of hardware startups, workforce gaps, and the wild ride that is decentralizing power systems. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to rebuild an industrial powerhouse in today’s world, this conversation is packed with the grit and vision to inspire.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Intro00:31 - Alchemy Industrial Overview07:26 - Alchemy Industrial's Journey12:22 - Manufacturing Energy Storage Systems17:28 - Alchemy's Product Overview19:34 - Enchanted Rock & HEB Backup Power23:12 - Inflation Reduction Act Insights25:14 - Early Adopters of Energy Technology28:15 - Microgrid Innovations32:14 - EnergyTechNexus: Platform for Growth32:30 - Power Disruptions in Texas36:50 - Frequency of Power Loss43:24 - Funding Education in Energy47:50 - Fundraising for Hard Tech Startups50:54 - Houston's Position in Energy Transition53:10 - Insights from Houston Climate Week55:32 - Successful Events at Houston Climate Week1:02:30 - Audience Support Opportunitieshttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 62Amperon
Sean Kelly, CEO of Amperon, joins this episode of the Energy Tech Startups Podcast to share how his company is transforming energy forecasting through AI-driven solutions tailored to every electron on the grid. He delves into the inception of Amperon and the unique challenges they face in predicting future energy demands. Sean discusses how traditional forecasting methods struggle to keep up with the rapid pace of the energy sector and explains Amperon's adaptive AI models, which are setting new standards in reliability and efficiency. Listeners gain insights into energy market dynamics, Amperon’s customer-centric approach, and Sean's vision for the future as AI reshapes the industry.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Intro00:27 - Amperon's Problem Solving02:32 - Data Acquisition at Amperon04:35 - Amperon's Customer Base09:11 - Customer Data Utilization11:59 - Importance of Energy Forecasting17:55 - Network Effects in Energy Systems19:25 - Model Prediction Explanation20:40 - Automating Data Adjustments21:40 - Transition from Google Cloud to Azure28:06 - Sean's Startup Journey31:44 - ETL and Winter Storm URI Crisis37:35 - Gaining Customer Insight40:05 - Fundraising Experiences48:00 - Learning from Failures51:30 - Houston's Innovation Landscape55:25 - Climate Impact Initiatives58:05 - Supporting Amperonhttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 63NetBenefit Software
Imagine slashing admin time by 80% while tackling the energy transition, sounds like a dream, right? That’s the reality with NetBenefits Software, where AI is shaking up how energy companies manage stakeholder relationships and regulatory hoops. From keeping projects on track to navigating the tricky waters of social license to operate, Matt Adams and his team are leading the charge with a fresh, contrarian approach to energy tech. We’re talking smarter data management, smoother compliance, and a vision for AI that’s all about making energy work better for everyone.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Intro00:51 - NetBenefits Software03:42 - Social License to Operate Explained09:05 - AI Applications in NetBenefits12:31 - Significance of Local Content20:10 - Measuring Externalities in Energy24:46 - Assessing the Energy Transition28:35 - Changes in Labour Force Dynamics30:04 - Understanding Your Product's Market32:40 - US vs Canada: Market Differences36:49 - SCI's Expansion to Houston40:00 - Funding Journey Insights45:22 - Houston’s Hidden Gem Revealed47:14 - Supporting NetBenefits Softwarehttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 61Cavern Energy
William shares his journey from the oil and gas industry to developing cutting-edge underground energy storage solutions. He explains how salt dome caverns can be used for long-duration energy storage, helping to support renewable energy growth. Throughout the episode, William discusses the challenges and opportunities in the current energy market, from regulatory hurdles to technological advancements. His story showcases the shift from traditional oil projects to sustainable, innovative solutions in energy storage.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Energy Tech Nexus00:16 - Intro William Taggart IV00:59 - Cavern Energy Storage04:32 - Research Focus Areas06:26 - Cavern Energy Storage Patent07:57 - Importance of 400 Meters12:26 - Salt Domes for Storage17:34 - Advanced Drilling Technology18:41 - Technology Risks and Challenges19:46 - Market Challenges in Energy Storage22:49 - Understanding the Energy Trilemma24:55 - Long-Duration Energy Storage Defined27:18 - Volatility and Consumer Impact29:50 - Energy Tech Nexus: Growth Platform30:02 - Fundraising Journey Insights32:54 - Grant Funding Process Explained34:05 - Exposing Technology to DOE36:35 - Entrepreneurial Journey of William Taggart38:58 - Fixing America's Energy Issues44:18 - Race to the Bottom in Energy45:16 - Addressing Climate Change50:30 - Innovation Ecosystem in Houston54:33 - Discovering Hidden Gems55:14 - Supporting Cavern Energy56:49 - Finding Dr. Webber Onlinehttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 60Alma Energy
Hermann explains how Alma Energy is advancing direct lithium extraction with cleaner, more efficient processes powered by AI, and why these innovations matter for the energy transition. He also discusses the challenges and opportunities facing oil and gas as it moves toward cleaner technologies, offering insight into how existing infrastructure can be repurposed for new energy solutions—and how Alma Energy is helping lead that shift.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Intro00:16 - Alma Energy Overview04:09 - Natural Lithium Sources11:28 - CO2 Sequestration with Rocks13:26 - Traditional Lithium Extraction Methods17:35 - System Placement Considerations21:02 - E3 Metals Current Phase23:54 - Power Consumption of the System25:20 - Sodium Management Strategies26:18 - Additional Brine Extractables27:43 - Lithium-ion vs Solid State Batteries29:36 - Baseload Pilot Readiness31:38 - Water Sample Collection Methods33:49 - Elysium Funding and Pilot Plans39:30 - Investor Targeting for Pilot42:38 - Best Practices in Well Drilling44:59 - Partner Expectations and Returns47:38 - Transition from Corporations to Startups53:34 - Startup Ecosystem Support57:40 - Contacting Alma Energyhttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 59How UnicornForms Revolutionizes Document Management
Patrick shares how his company, UnicornForms, is transforming frustrating processes like DMV paperwork and education enrollment into seamless digital experiences through smarter document management. We dive into how AI streamlines data entry and document handling to improve efficiency and security across industries such as education, energy, and regulatory compliance, along with the branding and marketing choices that help UnicornForms stand out in a crowded tech landscape.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. Guest Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickwaldo/Company Site: https://www.unicornforms.com/00:00 - Intro04:28 - School Form Filling Process09:16 - Data Protection in Unicorn Forms13:39 - Overview of Unicorn Forms20:10 - Use Cases for Energy Tech22:16 - AI in Solar and Wind Project Management25:45 - Collaborating with Government Agencies27:18 - Tagging and Labeling Challenges31:54 - Fundraising Journey Insights34:50 - Investor Expectations and Criteria39:22 - Capital Factory Overview41:00 - Fundraising Necessity for Startups46:00 - When to Delegate Tasks Effectively48:02 - Evolution of Marketing Strategies51:17 - Favorite Hidden Gems in Houston55:10 - Call to Action for Viewershttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 58Is OceanBit the Future of Carbon-Free Energy?
OceanBit is harnessing ocean thermal energy to deliver 24/7 renewable power while simultaneously providing cooling for data centers, reducing costs in high-density computing environments. Founder Nathaniel explains how AI is used to optimize energy use and efficiency, traces the evolution of ocean thermal technology, and shares his vision for deploying these solutions globally, especially in small island nations seeking reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy without the burden of high power costs.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Intro01:40 - How Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Works04:25 - Environmental Impact of OTEC05:45 - OTEC for Carbon Removal10:15 - OTEC Mechanisms (Continued)13:42 - History of OTEC20:25 - Why Now for OTEC?21:28 - High Density Compute Applications26:14 - Bitcoin Mining and Energy Tech29:37 - Energy Tech Nexus Overview32:35 - OceanBit's Houston Initiatives37:55 - OTEC Accelerator Insights40:43 - Surprises About Houston43:39 - Climate Impact Story46:10 - Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Deep Dive48:45 - Hawaii’s Innovation Community53:15 - OceanBit’s Next Milestones55:52 - OceanBit's Fundraising Progress58:07 - Supporting Ocean-Based Energyhttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 57Dsider's Game-Changing Tool for Energy Founders
Sujatha explains how Dsider uses technoeconomic analysis to help cleantech and hard-tech startups make better decisions by evaluating projects through both technical and financial lenses. Through a role-play with Jason acting as a founder, the episode offers a practical look at how Dsider tackles real-world challenges, highlighting the value of integrated data, clear investor communication, and simulations that help predict and reduce risk in complex industrial projects.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. Here is a link to demo https://docsend.com/view/sjepqcyrjrfbrzhvHere is a link to the white paper: https://docsend.com/view/aaidwxvy25bmdyjuhttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 56Inside Latin America's Climate Tech Boom with Benjamin Zehr
Benjamin explores the opportunities and challenges of building energy tech startups across Latin America and the Caribbean, and how Reciprocal is bridging the gap between the global North and the region through a venture studio focused on nature-based solutions. He discusses funding early-stage startups in emerging markets, the importance of local governance and indigenous communities, and why energy, climate, and ecological systems must be approached together to drive truly sustainable innovation.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. https://www.linkedin.com/in/benzehr/https://reciprocal.studio/00:00 - Intro00:30 - What is Reciprocal06:22 - The Amazon Fellowship13:59 - Nature-Based Solutions and Energy15:45 - Focus on Nature-Based Solutions18:01 - Monetizing Nature-Based Solutions25:00 - Starting a Startup Studio28:46 - Finding Founders in Tech34:04 - Why Houston for Startups36:04 - California: Climate Tech Hub39:58 - Houston's Startup Landscape45:14 - Gaps in Houston's Startup Ecosystem48:20 - Ecosystems in Houston Region50:25 - Houston Energy Tech Summithttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 55Why Erik Rambech’s CCS Tool is a Game Changer
Erik shares his journey from working at DNV to founding Endrava, where he’s building digital tools to accelerate industrial decarbonization. Drawing on more than a decade in climate tech, he discusses CapturMap, a platform mapping global CO₂ emission sources and carbon capture projects and offers insights into how data, software, and market understanding are helping energy and industrial companies move faster toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.io00:00 - Welcome back1:27 - What is CaptureMap4:11 - How did you commercialize CaptureMap5:34 - Who are your ideal customers6:56 - What kind of emissions are you displaying7:39 - How do people interact with CaptureMap9:05 - Your journey hasn’t been linear13:57 - Why now16:50 - Bootstrapping vs. VC funding18:25 - What’s next for Captur21:27 - Exit strategy24:09 - Founder relationship29:32 - What makes entrepreneurs special31:20 - Importance of learning from mistakes32:45 - Outsourcing vs doing everything yourself35:09 - Selling software is hard40:24 - Building a community around your company43:15 - Houston46:57 - Do you need feet on the ground50:35 - Closing55:35 - Personal climate impact story59:30 - Climate change and mass migration1:01:15 - How to support climate tech startupshttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 53Secrets Behind HEXASpec's Award-Winning Tech
Fresh off their win at the Rice Lily Pitch Competition, Sean and Chen-Yang share how they went from PhD students at Rice University to founders of HEXASpec, tackling energy efficiency and emissions through advanced heat management materials. They explain how their material science research addresses thermal conductivity challenges in semiconductor packaging, an increasingly critical issue as AI and GPU demand accelerates, and why customer feedback led them to pivot from HVAC to semiconductors, underscoring the importance of adaptability in building a successful startup.00:00 - Intro01:00 - What is Heat Management05:20 - Materials in Use08:15 - Discovering and Developing New Material10:52 - Market Entry Strategy16:43 - Pivoting in Business20:30 - Market Research for Beginners21:24 - Building a Prototype23:05 - Fundraising Tips29:02 - Lessons from Competitions35:49 - Student Entrepreneurship39:37 - Houston’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem42:04 - Houston’s Hidden Gems47:21 - Innovation Ecosystem Gaps49:40 - Supporting NanoSono50:13 - Founders' Podcast Thoughtshttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.io
Ep 54Sage Geosystems
Cindy shares how Sage Geosystems is applying decades of oil and gas expertise to develop subsurface pumped hydro storage, a breakthrough approach to large-scale, sustainable energy storage. Drawing on more than 35 years at Shell, she talks about her journey into founding Sage Geosystems, her drive to make a real impact in renewables, and how the company is combining geothermal innovation with proven subsurface know-how to push the energy transition forward.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 0:00 - Intro0:18 - What is Sage Geosystems1:35 - Traditional vs Next Gen Geothermal7:14 - Geopressure Geothermal System19:50 - What does the surface facility look like25:55 - Why Chesapeake Energy invested30:42 - Business and technology risks of Eavor37:43 - Science risk vs engineering risk40:00 - Advice for hard tech startups on fundraising46:18 - Houston Support Structures for Startups50:34 - Gaps in the Houston Startup Ecosystemhttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 52Liquid-Charge
Liquid-Charge is redefining EV mobility with emissions-free liquid fuels that extend vehicle range without relying on costly charging infrastructure. Founder Jared shares his journey from writing a science fiction novel about energy and politics to leading a cutting-edge startup, discussing Liquid-Charge’s fuel cell range extenders, the realities of building energy tech today, and what the future holds for emissions-free fuels and carbon capture.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 0:00 - Intro0:35 - The book2:47 - Your parents3:41 - Why now6:45 - The creation process8:19 - How is it like starting a company9:45 - What is success13:11 - Liquid Charge17:24 - Emissions-free liquid fuels20:08 - Energy conversion efficiency24:57 - LiquidCharge vs other energy sources27:50 - How to buy LiquidCharge32:50 - Your background35:09 - Fundraising journey38:03 - High temperature PEM fuel cells43:46 - Why is Jared having trouble fundraising45:20 - Mobile carbon capture and sequestration48:35 - What can the audience do to helphttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 50ENP Technologies
Pranav shares the inspiration behind Unique and how ENP Technologies is using blockchain and AI to close critical gaps in equipment data management, driving greater efficiency and transparency across the energy sector. He also explores the broader challenges and opportunities in energy tech, explaining why blockchain is well suited for trusted, reliable data and how Unique is positioned to create meaningful impact across global industrial markets.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiwaripranav/UNIIEQ Product: https://www.uniieq.com/Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 0:00 - Intro0:14 - What is Unique6:22 - Origin of Unique Idea13:16 - Unique Product Data Collection16:03 - Why Blockchain Technology20:32 - Proprietary Data Concerns26:38 - Centralized Information for End-of-Life Products28:37 - Centralized Information for Capital Projects31:11 - Centralized Information for Skids37:23 - Funding the Business40:38 - Coin Offerings Explained46:50 - Incentivizing Information Sharing50:22 - Houston Innovation Ecosystem54:55 - How to Find UNIQ56:38 - Connect with Pranav Tiwarihttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 49Transform Waste to Energy with Renu Energy Services
Chris Westmoreland and Jason Wozniak explain how Renu Energy Services is transforming oil and gas operations by converting waste into usable energy, cutting emissions, and creating new value from previously discarded resources. They dive into the financial, engineering, and operational challenges of waste-to-energy projects, how AI is improving efficiency and outcomes, and why modular, scalable solutions are key to deploying this technology across both new and existing sites, ultimately reframing waste as an asset rather than a liability.Chris Westmoreland: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-westmoreland-cwi/Jason Wozniak: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wozniakjason/Renu: https://www.renuenergyservices.com0:00 - Intro0:22 - What is Renew Energy Services3:05 - Scale of the Process5:18 - Waste Processing Capacity6:49 - Uses for Process Outputs14:35 - Understanding the Compost Market18:04 - Project Size Considerations21:00 - Financial Basis for Projects22:30 - Overview of Glen Park Facility24:30 - Green Premium Explained27:20 - Understanding Midstream Projects27:50 - Oil Market Journey31:20 - Payment Structures34:08 - Market Entry Strategies38:30 - Oil Utilization40:26 - Long-term Vision for Energy Projects46:28 - Upcoming Stumbling Blocks49:22 - Realizing the Waste Problem52:35 - Significance of the Carbon Cycle57:30 - Supporting Renewable Energy58:44 - How to Get Involved58:58 - Where to Learn Morehttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.io
Ep 47The Carbon Accounting Solution with Clean Incentive CEO Casey Martinez
Casey breaks down the challenge of renewable curtailment caused by transmission constraints and explains how Clean Incentive uses blockchain to tokenize renewable energy certificates with marginal emissions data, bringing clarity to the real emissions avoided by each megawatt-hour of clean power. She contrasts this approach with 24/7 energy matching, arguing it’s a less efficient use of capital, and shows how her solution helps corporate buyers accurately align their energy use with verified emissions reductions. Casey also shares her path from managing renewable assets to founding a climate tech startup, the realities of raising capital in Houston’s energy ecosystem, and why positive market incentives, not punitive carbon taxes, are key to accelerating the energy transition.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. https://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 46Harnessing Houston's Energy Transition with Molecule Software
In this episode, we explore how Houston is emerging as a central hub for the energy transition, where entrepreneurs and industry leaders are collaborating to scale technologies that reduce emissions and reshape global energy markets. Our guest, Sameer Soleja, CEO and founder of Molecule Software, breaks down the complexities of energy and commodity trading and how modern, cloud-based platforms are replacing legacy systems. We dive into the unique challenges of electricity trading, the shift toward more flexible and standardized digital infrastructure, and the growing role of renewables, carbon credits, and clean energy derivatives as markets evolve to meet new regulatory and sustainability demands.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. https://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 44Vaulted Deep: Revolutionizing Waste Management and Carbon Sequestration
In this episode, we sit down with Omar Abou-Sayed, founder and executive chairman of Vaulted Deep, to explore how geologic sequestration technology is being repurposed from managing oilfield waste to permanently storing carbon and organic waste deep underground. Omar shares the origins of the technology, its environmental benefits, like protecting groundwater and reducing surface impact and how Vaulted Deep is building a business around carbon credits in a rapidly evolving market. We also discuss the challenges of bringing clean tech to scale, the importance of product-market fit and regulatory support, and Omar’s long-term vision for using proven subsurface technologies to play a meaningful role in the energy transition and climate solutions.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. https://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 43Revolutionize Your Tax Savings: Discover the Game-Changing Strategy in Clean Energy Credits
In this episode of the Energy Tech Startups Podcast, we talk with Alex Gupta, CEO of Breakpoint Energy, about how the Inflation Reduction Act is reshaping the energy tax credit market through transferability. Based in Houston, Alex explains how the new framework allows companies to buy and sell clean energy tax credits directly, simplifying a process that once required complex tax equity deals, while still presenting new considerations around risk, credit support, and regulation. We also dig into the economic impact for corporations, especially public companies, and Alex shares lessons from building Breakpoint, highlighting the importance of education, adaptability, and timing in a rapidly evolving energy finance landscape.Find Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexgupta/Discover Break Point Energy: https://bpetx.com/Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.iohttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 42Pangea Charging: The Unexpected Entrepreneur Who Left a Tech Giant to Enable EV Charging
In this episode, we dive into the fast-evolving world of EV charging with the founder of Pangea Charging, a native Houstonian who left roles at Google and IBM to tackle climate change by building EV infrastructure in Houston. He explains how Pangea acts as the “Best Buy of EV charging,” helping customers, especially multi-tenant properties, navigate a crowded market, choose the right solutions, and overcome deployment challenges. We also cover the competitive landscape, business and monetization strategies, lessons from transitioning out of big tech, effective sales and customer engagement, and where the EV charging market is headed next.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.iohttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 41John Happ and Mihir Desu at Pressure Corp: How Hidden Energy in Our Pipelines Could reduce carbon impact!
In this episode of the Energy Technology Podcast, we talk with John Happ, CEO of Pressure Corp, and Mihir Desu, President, about how the company is generating zero-carbon, base-load power by capturing waste pressure in pipelines—similar to regenerative braking for energy systems. Joined by hosts Nada Ahmed and Jason Netier, the conversation explores how this technology is deployed, why it’s economically viable today, and the real impact it can have on cutting emissions, along with the challenges and opportunities of building a Houston-based infrastructure business reshaping energy efficiency.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioCompany website: https://www.pressurecorp.com/Find John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhappiii/Find Mihir on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mihirdesu/ https://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters
Ep 40Activate.org in Houston: Activating a new generation of Houstonians!
In this episode of the Energy Tech Startups Podcast, we sit down with Jeremy Pitts to explore the launch of Activate Houston, a nonprofit dedicated to turning breakthrough scientific research into real-world companies. As managing director, Jeremy shares Activate’s roots as Cyclotron Road at Lawrence Berkeley National Labs, its expansion to Houston, and why the city is uniquely positioned to lead in energy transition and hard tech innovation. We dive into Activate’s two-year fellowship model, the 2024 cohort launch, and how the program supports scientists in commercializing their ideas, measuring success not just by funding raised, but by the progress and impact of the founders themselves.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioActivate Houston stands as a beacon of hope and innovation, bridging the gap between scientific research and real-world applications. With its unique approach and strategic location, it promises to be a key player in shaping the future of technology and entrepreneurship.Learn more about Activate: https://www.activate.org/houstonConnect with Jeremy Pitts: linkedin.com/in/jeremypittshttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters