Energytech Startups

In this episode, we sit down with Maciek Lukawski, VP of Strategy and Business Development at Amogy, to explore how the company is using ammonia as a clean, scalable energy source on the path to Net Zero. Maciek explains why ammonia is a compelling, energy-dense carrier for hydrogen, how Amogy’s modular power packs convert ammonia into electricity, and why this approach is especially suited for hard-to-decarbonize sectors like maritime shipping. We also discuss Amogy’s rapid growth from Brooklyn to Houston, Norway, and Singapore, the strategic importance of Houston as a manufacturing hub, and the challenges and opportunities that come with commercializing breakthrough clean energy technology.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.ioMore on Amogy: https://amogy.co/Maciek on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maciek-lukawski/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

In this episode, we share the origin story of the Texas Climate Tech Collective, co-founded by Deanna Zhang, Taylor Chapman, and Gabe Malick after a chance meeting in a Brooklyn bar sparked a shared mission to turn Houston into a center for energy transition. We dig into insights from their 2023 Houston Climate Tech Ecosystem report, exploring Houston’s shifting reputation, generational changes in climate attitudes, the role of hubs like the Ion District and Greentown Labs, and the need for more early-stage capital. The conversation highlights both the challenges and momentum behind Houston’s growing climate tech scene and why the city is increasingly positioned for major wins in energy 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.ioThe Report: https://www.texasclimatetechcollective.com/Talyor Chapman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorchapmanedu/Gabe Malek: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriel-malek/ Deanna Zhang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanna-zhang/ 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

In this episode, we talk with Schaum Sethuram, CEO and co-founder of Emission Critical Technologies, about how his company is simplifying carbon footprint analysis through a SaaS platform that acts like a “carbon nutrition label” for products. Schaum explains how the platform delivers detailed, batch-level lifecycle analysis across Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, especially for heavy industries like energy, chemicals, steel, and cement, while accounting for production processes and supply routes. We also explore the regulatory and market forces driving demand for low-carbon products, the challenges of trustworthy emissions data and carbon credits, and Schaum’s vision for turning Emission Critical into a certifier that helps accelerate the low-carbon economy through transparent, market-based 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.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

In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Lane, co-founder and CEO of Capwell Services, to explore how his company is tackling methane emissions from end-of-life oil and gas wells with a patented, cost-effective abatement solution. Andrew explains the scale of the abandoned well problem, the health and environmental risks of methane and associated gases, and how Capwell’s sealing systems can capture, destroy, or repurpose methane depending on site conditions. We also discuss Capwell’s move to Houston, the evolving regulatory landscape around methane, partnerships and monitoring technology, and the business model behind deploying this solution at scale, along with Andrew’s journey from founding the company at Penn to leading a climate-focused energy startup.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

In this episode, we talk with Jason Beck from ZettaWatts about how the company is helping energy transition technologies reach the market by pairing innovation with smarter financial structures. Jason shares his personal climate journey, why Houston is becoming a major hub for energy transition, and how Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) fit into the broader decarbonization puzzle. We also break down ZettaWatts’ role as a market maker, aggregating supply and demand to reduce risk, along with how tools like the ITC and IRA are reshaping project financing, and where ZettaWatts sees the energy market heading as the push toward 2050 decarbonization accelerates.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

In this episode of the Energy Tech Startups Podcast, we sit down with Arsheen Allam, founder and CEO of GOLeafe, to explore how her background in material science and nanotechnology is unlocking new energy applications for graphene. Arsheen shares her journey from early ventures in India to earning an MBA at Duke, being named to Forbes 30 Under 30, and building GOLeafe’s breakthrough process for extracting graphene oxide from carbon waste streams. We discuss how GOLeafe’s graphene-based supercapacitors can extend battery life, improve grid and renewable energy storage, and boost EV efficiency, along with the role Duke’s network played in shaping her entrepreneurial path.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.ioConnect with Arsheen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arsheen-allam-793b2933/Learn more about GOLeafe: https://goleafe.com/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

In this episode of the Energy Technology Podcast, we talk with Manas Patak, CEO and co-founder of EarthEn, about the company’s thermo-mechanical energy storage technology built around supercritical CO₂. Manas explains how this compact, safe, and cost-effective approach enables long-duration energy storage, how it compares to traditional compressed air systems, and why using CO₂ unlocks new performance advantages. We also discuss EarthEn’s ability to turn existing pipelines into energy storage assets, the wide range of customers they’re targeting, their funding journey through DOE grants, and the path toward launching their first commercial product in 2026–2027 as they work to expand access to clean energy worldwide.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.ioConnect with Manas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pathakmanas/Learn more about EarthEn: https://www.earthen.energy/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

In this episode, Rawand Rasheed, CEO and founder of Helix Earth Technologies, shares how his background as a NASA space engineer led him to repurpose space-developed technology to decarbonize buildings and heavy industry. Rawand explains how work on life support and fire suppression systems evolved into retrofit devices that reduce energy loads in HVAC systems, along with the challenges of scaling the technology, navigating IP negotiations, and finding product-market fit through customer feedback. He also reflects on the role of mentorship, community, and his immigrant upbringing in shaping his entrepreneurial journey and commitment to building impactful 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.ioFind Rawand here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rawandrasheed/Helix Earth Technologies Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/89793107/admin/feed/posts/Helix Earth Technologies Website: https://www.helixearthtechnologies.comhttps://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

In this episode, we sit down with Anas Al Kassas, CEO of INOVUES, to explore how the company is transforming building facades with energy-saving, smart glass solutions that upgrade windows without removal, replacement, or disruption. Drawing on his 15 years in architectural and facade engineering, Anas explains how INOVUES dramatically shortens payback periods, extends window life, and helps building owners meet tightening energy regulations like New York’s Local Law 97. We also discuss the importance of educating the market, the value of early backers, and how INOVUES is bringing practical, high-impact energy efficiency solutions to the built environment.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://www.inovues.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/inovueshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC39vJe42ZrTLrhW6rgdYe7ghttps://www.facebook.com/inovueshttps://twitter.com/Inovueshttps://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

In this episode, we talk with Will Tope, Chief Commercial Officer at LiNa Energy, about the company’s novel battery technology designed for long-duration energy storage. Will explains how LiNa’s lithium-sodium chemistry and ceramic electrolyte address the safety, cost, and thermal limitations of traditional lithium-ion batteries, enabling simpler heat management and scalable, low-cost manufacturing rooted in fuel cell expertise. We also discuss the growing demand for long-duration storage to capture low-carbon power, LiNa’s progress toward commercialization, and why energy storage has become a top investment priority for corporate venture capital.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

In this episode, we sit down with Agustin Rios, COO of Lignium Energy, to explore how the company is turning cow manure into clean, carbon-neutral energy through a process that converts farm waste into standardized biomass pellets. Agustin shares his journey from Chile to launching Lignium’s U.S. operations, breaks down the technology behind their mobile pilot and plans for a pre-production plant, and discusses business models, fundraising, and the environmental benefits of better manure management. We also touch on his upcoming seven-month world trip to connect with startup ecosystems around the globe.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.ioWebsite: https://www.ligniumenergy.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agustin-rios-297661195/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

In this episode, we’re joined by Derek Adams and Gus Perez of EarthBridge Energy to discuss how their startup is rethinking long-duration energy storage by using the earth itself as the storage medium. Blending concepts from oil and gas, geothermal, and renewable energy, EarthBridge’s technology, validated by three National Labs—can store massive amounts of power for months, helping solve the mismatch between renewable supply and demand. We dive into why long-duration storage is critical for a stable, net-zero grid, the regulatory and investment landscape they’re navigating, and why Houston’s deep energy expertise makes it the ideal home for building and scaling this next-generation energy storage company.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://www.earthbridgeenergy.com/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

This week, we sit down with Emma Konet, co-founder and CTO of Tierra Climate, to explore how her startup is decarbonizing the grid by creating a new revenue stream for grid-scale batteries. Emma explains how Tierra’s proprietary algorithms estimate and certify emissions reductions by shifting battery dispatch from high- to low-carbon periods, enabling the creation of carbon credits tied to battery operations. We also discuss building a marketplace around this model, lessons from energy trading and the battery industry, fundraising and pitch competitions like the Rice Business Plan Competition, and why Houston has been the ideal launchpad at the intersection of energy markets 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.ioGet in touch: Company Website: www.tierraclimate.comCEO & Co-founder Jacob Mansfield: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-r-mansfield/CTO & Co-Founder Emma Konet: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmajohnsonkonet/Find Emma on Twitter or X? @koneticenergy Her personal website is www.koneticenergy.comTierra Climate partners with REsurety, which provides emissions data for the power grid. https://resurety.com/ and https://www.linkedin.com/company/resurety/Whitepaper: Charging Towards Zero: https://www.tierraclimate.com/resourceshttps://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

This week we sit down with Rahel Abraham, CEO of ClimaGuard, a company dedicated to creating ultra-extreme weather protection systems for vehicles and other valuable assets. Rahel shares her personal experience with Hurricane Harvey in 2017, which inspired her to use her engineering skills to create solutions for climate-related challenges. Despite facing numerous setbacks, including supply chain disruptions and the complexities of managing an e-commerce business, Rahel persevered. ClimaGuard has been successful, selling out in 2022 and expanding its product range to meet varied customer needs. Rahel also shares her experiences of being part of the Houston business ecosystem and the support she received from entrepreneurship programs like Div Inc. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of preparing for climate change and investing in protection for one's assets.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.ioClimaGuard is an innovative company created by a Hurricane Survivor offering the ultimate extreme weather protection for vehicles and other valuable assets. Weather protection from flood, rain, snow, UV, and dust is possible with our reusable and portable Temporary Protective Enclosure.Discount code for your first Climaguard: CGSAVE30 for $30 off Always free shipping.Learn more:https://www.climaguard.co/[email protected]://www.facebook.com/ClimaGuardLLChttps://twitter.com/climaguardhttps://www.instagram.com/climaguard_llchttps://www.linkedin.com/company/14060727https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq2g1uMMEZHdpwCRQRahel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahel-abraham-b6a91516b/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

In this episode, we chat with Sujatha Kumar, CEO, and Brandon Brown, VP of Business Development at Dsider, about how their platform is helping energy companies make smarter decisions on the path to net zero. They explain how Dsider combines physics-based models, machine learning, and generative AI into a user-friendly “leadership dashboard” that connects carbon management, financial returns, and incentives like 45Q tax credits. We also discuss the challenges of scaling a software business in the energy sector and Dsider’s vision for enabling more strategic, data-driven investments in 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.iowww.dsider.appSujatha Kumar | www.linkedin.com/in/sujathak-dsider | [email protected] Brandon Brown | www.linkedin.com/in/bvbrown | [email protected]://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

In this episode, we’re joined by Sergio Tuberquia, founder and CEO of equipcast, to discuss how the company is tackling the energy industry’s growing skills gap with its Digi Engineer platform. Sergio explains how Digi Engineer combines proprietary algorithms, modeling, real-time sensor data, and generative AI to embed subject matter expertise directly into asset operations—giving field operators actionable insights on performance, safety, and efficiency. We also talk about the shifting talent landscape in energy, Houston’s evolving innovation culture, equipcast’s journey since 2016, and why real-world results and partnerships matter for driving adoption. Plus, we welcome special co-host Nada Ahmed while Lara is in Hawaii.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.ioLearn More: Sergio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergio-a-tuberquia-6a300a3/equipcast inc.: https://www.equipcast.com/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

In this episode, Nanotech CEO & co-founder Mike Francis and Chief Commercial Officer, Carrie Horazeck delve into their mission of bringing breakthrough materials for climate resilience to the market. They specifically discuss their growth into the Green Building space, where they have developed a roof coating based on their nanotechnology. They emphasize the importance of sustainability with a return on investment, enabling cost reduction and emissions curbing. The episode highlights Houston's entrepreneurial spirit, its transition into the energy capital, and the need for venture capital to support early-stage startups in the tech and sustainability sectors.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.ioWebsite - https://thenanoshield.comEmail - [email protected] Mike - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-francis-67747768/LinkedIn Carrie - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-carrie-horazeck-ab2a877a/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

Ben Jawdat, Founder, and CEO of Revterra shares Revterra's groundbreaking energy storage solution using flywheel technology. Their modular system leverages spinning steel discs to store and release energy, with a primary focus on high-power electric vehicle charging. Flywheel energy storage technology has been around for decades and Ben highlights the environmental benefits of flywheel storage, the limitations of conventional batteries, and how his unique high-temperature superconducting technology amplifies the strength of flywheel storage technology. There is a critical need for clean, uninterrupted power in industries such as manufacturing and data centers where Revterra can help solve critical business pain points.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.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjawdat/Website: https://www.revterra.io/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

Rodolfo Elias Dieck, Managing Partner at Proeza Ventures, shares his journey into the mobility space and the factors that led to the launch of their mobility-focused fund. With a global scope, Proeza Ventures invests in ambitious founders transforming the mobility industry. They focus on early-stage startups, aiming for a good ownership stake, and seek alignment in vision and values when selecting investments. Rodolfo discusses the challenges and opportunities in the mobility sector, highlighting the need to embrace alternative modes of transportation for a greener and more efficient future. Rodolfo also reveals some interesting trends we are seeing in venture from growth in startups across LATAM to how deal flow has changed in a post-COVID world.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.ioLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodolfodieck/Website - https://www.proezaventures.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/proezaventures/?hl=enhttps://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

Wootz is an advanced material startup based in Texas, pushing the boundaries of what's possible with carbon and nanotube supermaterials. The company is leading the charge in the energy space, exploring innovative use cases for combining conventional metals with carbon nanotubes to provide new capabilities essential for next-generation technologies and infrastructure. For example, the world's reliance on copper for EV Motors has put a strain on the planet's resources, but Wootz is determined to change that. By alloying copper with carbon nanotube technology, they aim to create lighter, higher-amp capacity motors that reduce the climate impact associated with copper extraction and refinement. Wootz’s capabilities extend beyond copper and EV motor applications and can be applied to a whole host of use cases. With a proprietary process that enables Wootz to deliver bespoke, turnkey carbon nanotube formulations to end customers, the team hopes to enable the mass adoption of carbon nanotubes. Wootz is poised to make a big impact in the deep tech and climate tech space. The co-founders of Wootz bring diverse backgrounds in physics, engineering, and law to the table. Get in touch with the team by reaching out on LinkedIn or emailing [email protected]. They are also frequently at Greentown Labs, The Ion, and Rice University, so feel free to say hi!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.ioYou can learn more here about the team:Amram Bengio - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amram-bengio/Alex Marks - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexmarksengineer/Olivia Espy-Huntington - https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-espy-huntington-24035556/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

In this episode, we sit down with Jim Blackburn, environmental lawyer and CEO of BCarbon, to discuss how the nonprofit carbon registry—born out of Rice University’s Baker Institute—is building measurement-based carbon markets around soil, forest, and blue carbon. Jim explains why credible carbon sequestration depends on strong legal systems, active stakeholder communities, and transparent protocols, and how economics can motivate landowners to participate in nature-based climate solutions. We also explore Houston’s shift in the carbon conversation since 2020, the role of living shorelines and resilience projects, the emergence of reinsurance markets for carbon assets, and why community engagement is essential to making carbon markets work.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.ioWebsite: bcarbon.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-blackburn-097350b/email: [email protected]://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

In this episode, we sit down with Jhana Porter, founder and CEO of Frakktal, to explore how she’s building a materials company focused on replacing fossil fuel–based feedstocks with plant-based polymers, starting with PVC. Jhana shares how yoga inspired her founder journey, why material selection matters so much in the built environment, and how Frakktal’s novel materials are being piloted in real-world flooring applications. We also discuss the resources she’s leveraged in Houston, from non-dilutive funding to innovation hubs like the Ion and Impact Hub, the gaps she’s had to fill by looking outside the city, and her vision for the future of healthier, climate-positive materials.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.ioLearn more by visiting their website: frakktal.comfind jhana online at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhanaporter/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

In this episode, we talk with Mandeep Patel, founder and CEO of ElecTrip, about building a city-to-city, door-to-door EV transportation service designed to maximize productivity for business travelers while reducing the carbon footprint of travel. Mandeep shares how he and co-founder Taylor Zhao bootstrapped the company, competed with ride-hailing giants for drivers, and navigated the challenges of putting the business on hold during COVID. We also dive into lessons from being a young founder, why entrepreneurship feels more like StarCraft than chess, what makes Houston’s startup scene unique, and how EVs and charging infrastructure can reshape the way people live and travel.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.ioBook a ride with ElecTrip: https://www.electrip.us/Mandeep on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandeep-patel/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

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Evan M. Erickson, CEO of TexPower, to discuss how the company is commercializing cobalt-free lithium-ion battery technology that delivers higher energy density without sacrificing safety, cycle life, or compatibility with existing systems. Evan shares his journey from fuel cells to battery chemistry through UT Austin and world-renowned researcher Prof. Arumugam Manthiram, and how SBIR funding helped TexPower spin out of the university. We dive into why cobalt-free cathodes are so challenging and important, how the team managed technical, market, and funding risk, the role of Houston’s Techbridge in accelerating development, the impact of the IRA on U.S. battery deployment, and the realities of building a deep-tech startup while raising a young family.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.ioWebsite: https://texpowerev.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-erickson/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

In this episode, we meet Natalie Campos Goodman, founder and CEO of IncentiFind, the leading database for green building incentives with more than 500,000 ways to save and over $70 billion in incentives transforming U.S. real estate. Natalie explains where building incentives live, how companies actually procure and deploy them, and how new capital from the IRA will flow through these programs. We also discuss why awareness is the biggest barrier to incentive adoption, how incentive data reveals broader economic trends, Houston’s growing PropTech ecosystem, and the challenges Natalie has faced as a female founder raising capital.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.ioIncentifind: http://www.incentifind.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliecamposgoodman/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

In this episode, we sit down with Neal, partner at Houston-based Energy Transition Ventures, to unpack his journey as a serial entrepreneur and venture capitalist with one of the strongest seed-stage track records in cleantech. Neal shares how Energy Transition Ventures came together, why he prefers “energy transition” over “clean tech,” and what kinds of founders and deals he looks to back. We also dive into why Tesla matters for climate tech investing, how decarbonization is shaping VC today, the challenges of measuring impact across the value chain, why everyone should try entrepreneurship at least once, and whether “energy transition” is a term that’s here to stay.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.ioLearn more:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dikeman/https://energytransitionventures.com/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

In this episode, we sit down with Amy and Thomas from Eunike Ventures to explore how their global energy platform helps accelerate, adopt, and commercialize technologies across the entire energy value chain. They explain what it’s like to work with Eunike, what makes their approach unique, and how they leverage deep industry insight and a consortium of strategic partners to bring new technologies to market. We also discuss why energy is often seen as slow to innovate, how startups can realistically move from customer conversations to pilots, how mid-cap energy companies are approaching net-zero, and what founders should know when engaging with utilities and markets like ERCOT.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.ioLearn more:https://www.eunikeventures.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyhenry/https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasbhenry/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

In this episode, we sit down with Tom Weirich, author of We Took the Risk, to explore the stories, setbacks, and opportunities that shape careers in renewable energy. With more than 18 years connecting teams behind 300+ renewable energy transactions, Tom shares why he wrote the book, who it’s for, and how policy, failure, and career pivots play a role in building the clean energy workforce. We also discuss Houston’s role in the energy transition, the importance of equity and access to clean energy, why Tom is increasingly bullish on hydrogen, and how newcomers can break into climate tech, along with insights from his broader work as an energy marketing leader, industry speaker, and advocate for innovation, mentoring, and STEM education.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://wetooktherisk.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomweirich/https://www.bluewillowbookshop.com/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

In this episode, we sit down with Ethan Novek, award-winning chemist and founder/CEO of SolvCor Technologies, to explore how breakthroughs in industrial cooling can unlock major efficiency and carbon reductions. Ethan explains how cooling systems work today, why viscosity plays a critical role in performance, and how his deep background in physical sciences led him to invent and commercialize disruptive cooling technology. We also discuss finding early adopters, maintaining focus as an inventor-entrepreneur, why Houston is a strategic place to build an energy startup, and how innovation in cooling can drive climate progress—showing that economic growth and achieving climate goals don’t have to be a tradeoff.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.ioGet in Touch:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethan-novek/https://innovatorenergy.com/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

In this episode, we talk with Ian Bishop, CEO and co-founder of Elemental Recycling, about how the company is rethinking recycling by converting plastics and tires into hydrogen and graphite/graphene through a patented single-step process. Ian shares how a small breakthrough with a PhD chemist unlocked a major innovation, how a culture of tinkering shaped the company’s approach, and why mass-producing graphene could be a game changer. We also discuss new ways to monetize waste streams, the broader impact this technology could have on global recycling, why Houston and the Ion District in particular, is fertile ground for entrepreneurs, and the core fundamentals every founder needs to learn.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

In this episode, we sit down with Caitlin Smith, Senior Director of Regulatory, External Affairs & ESG at Jupiter Power, to unpack how policy and technology intersect in the rollout of utility-scale battery storage. Caitlin explains the difference between MW and MWh, how Jupiter’s growing fleet of standalone batteries is reducing emissions and supporting grid reliability, and why Houston will host one of the largest urban battery projects in the country. We also discuss how software-driven dispatch, the IRA, and evolving battery technologies are reshaping storage economics, along with what it means to be a policy entrepreneur and why taking a holistic view of the grid is essential as new energy technologies come to market.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://www.jupiterpower.io/twitter: @CaitlinSmithATX ; @jupiterpowerllchttps://www.linkedin.com/in/caitsmith09/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

In this episode, we talk with Edward Eichstetter, CEO of EKU Power Drives, about how the company is bringing electrification and automation to upstream oil and gas to reduce emissions and improve efficiency. Edward shares EKU’s journey from Germany to the U.S., landing Pioneer Natural Resources as an early pilot customer, and co-developing e-frack systems with industry partners. We also discuss navigating oil and gas cycles, EKU’s cloud-connected fleet optimization tools, the challenge of hiring talent, working with regulators, and how new technologies and business models can lower energy intensity while improving equity across the energy 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.ioEKU Power Drives Website: ekupd.comEKU Jobs Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eku-power-drives/jobs/Find Edward: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-eichstetter-62151174/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

In this episode, we sit down with Daniel Basaldua, founder and CEO of Euphree Electric Bikes, to talk about how he’s reimagining urban mobility through the most comfortable commuter-style e-bikes on the market. Daniel shares how his sister inspired his first e-bike, how his background in upstream oil and gas shaped his view of the energy transition, and why transportation is poised for massive change. We also discuss Houston’s manufacturing strengths, the balance between affordable energy and decarbonization, why e-bikes are key to accessibility, and how cities like Houston can evolve infrastructure to better serve everyday commuters.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.ioReach out if your hands on a Euphree ebikehttps://euphree.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielbasaldua/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

In this episode, we sit down with Zimri Hinshaw, founder and CEO of Bucha Bio, to explore how the company is using biotechnology to create novel biomaterials that replace animal leather and fossil fuel–based materials. Zimri explains how fermented cellulose (SCOBY) becomes the foundation for Bucha Bio’s materials, how new materials reach end consumers, and why branding plays a critical role in commercialization. We also talk about raising capital in Houston, the collaborative founder community, why Houston is an ideal place to scale a biotech company, and even what it takes to become a Gulf Coast surfing legend.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.ioFollow Bucha Bio if you are interested in learning moreZimri’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zimrithinshaw/Bucha Bio’s website: https://bucha.bio/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

In this episode, we sit down with Grace Chan, Venture Principal for New Markets at bp ventures, to discuss how corporate venture capital is shaping the global energy transition. Grace shares how bp ventures approaches investing across Asia Pacific, India, and beyond, why energy companies are uniquely positioned to partner with climate tech startups, and how bp is reimagining its future across bioenergy, EV charging, renewables, convenience, and hydrogen. We also talk about the challenges of corporate VC, why now is a critical moment for climate tech investment, the role of communities like AllRaise in supporting diverse founders, and why Houston’s global, hands-on innovation culture makes it a powerful hub for energy transition collaboration.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

In this episode, we sit down with Trevor Best, serial entrepreneur and CEO of Syzygy Plasmonics, to explore how his company is reinventing chemical refining with light-driven reactors powered by renewable electricity. Spun out of Rice University and built on decades of nanophotonics research, Syzygy’s breakthrough photocatalyst replaces heat with light to enable ultra-efficient chemical reactions for green hydrogen and carbon conversion. Trevor shares how his oil and gas background prepared him for entrepreneurship, what it takes to pilot breakthrough energy technologies, how far Houston’s innovation ecosystem has come, where to find top talent, and which climate technologies he believes will have the biggest global impact—plus a few unexpected lessons along the way.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.ioIf you are working in an energy company and are working on chemical reactions or need hydrogen or have CO2, please reach [email protected]://www.linkedin.com/company/syzygy-plasmonics/https://plasmonics.tech/plasmonics.techSyzygy PlasmonicsLearn how Syzygy Plasmonics, a deep decarbonization company, is electrifying the chemical industry.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

In this episode, we talk with Eric Rubenstein, Managing Partner at New Climate Ventures, about investing in early-stage technologies focused on carbon reduction and avoidance. Eric shares how NCV approaches company stage and selection, what the Houston investment landscape looks like from an investor’s perspective, and how the city can better attract innovators from the coasts. We also discuss NCV’s portfolio, the feedback loop between innovators and regulators, how Houston is adapting to gaps in startup funding programs, and how technology priorities are likely to evolve as the energy transition progresses.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.ioIf there are ways to partner with New Climate Ventures or its portfolio, be it co-investing, sharing deal-flow, or as a corporate partner. Please reach out. https://www.newclimateventures.com/portfoliohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/eric--rubenstein/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

In this episode, we sit down with Moji Karimi, CEO and co-founder of Cemvita, to discuss how nature-inspired technologies and synthetic biology can tackle some of the hardest climate challenges. A self-described carbon-negative entrepreneur and modern wildcatter, Moji shares how his career in oil and gas shaped his view of risk, why now is the moment for synthetic biology, and how these tools can decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors like aviation fuel. We also explore Cemvita’s work on gold hydrogen, why Houston’s talent base is a major advantage for climate tech startups, how to turbocharge the city’s innovation ecosystem, and Moji’s candid take on why the energy transition may never truly be “finished.”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://www.linkedin.com/in/mojikarimi/https://www.cemvitafactory.com/cemvitafactory.comCemvita Factory Inc. | Economical carbon-negative solutions for a sustainable futureWe utilize C02 to create carbon-negative solutions for a sustainable future on Earth and Mars.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