Energy Tech Nexus

Thanks Krystal Williams and Poppin Parties for an amazing job and video of our Grand Opening, we could not have done it without you, you were an essential part of our success!

?? Innovation Ignites When Visionaries Lead the Way! ?? We are thrilled to share that Energy Tech Nexus has been nominated as a Community Champion Organization at the 2024 Houston Innovation Awards! ?? This incredible recognition belongs to every single one of you—our vibrant, hardworking community that’s transforming the future of energy every day. We’re also celebrating some remarkable individual and team achievements: ? Juliana Garaizar , our inspiring Founding Partner, is a finalist in TWO categories: Ecosystem Builder - for her relentless dedication to building Houston’s startup ecosystem. Investor of the Year - honoring her leadership in venture capital and angel investing. ? Syzygy Plasmonics , one of our game-changing member companies, is a finalist for Scaleup of the Year! They’re revolutionizing chemical production with breakthrough, decarbonizing technology. Trevor Best ?CLS Wind, a finalist in the Minority-founded Business category, providing innovative self-erection wind turbine tower systems. Kent Johnson ?Gold H2 (a subsidiary of Cemvita Inc.), a finalist in both Minority-founded Business and Deep Tech Business categories, transforming depleted oil fields into hydrogen-producing assets. Moji Karimi ?Hertha Metals, a finalist in the Deep Tech Business category, developing technology to produce steel with fewer carbon emissions. Laureen Meroueh, PhD ?? We can’t wait for November 14 to celebrate Houston’s finest innovators and changemakers! Congratulations to all the other inspiring finalists, and a special thanks to InnovationMap for the recognition. Looking forward to an unforgettable awards night! https://loom.ly/KdNPLtI Nada Ahmed Jason Ethier #HoustonInnovationAwards #EnergyTech #Innovation #CommunityFirst #EnergyTransition #StartupSuccess

At Energy Tech Nexus, our mission to drive an equitable energy transition is at the core of everything we do. During our Grand Opening, the Equitable Energy Transition panel, powered by MassChallenge and featuring Joshua (JT) Taylor and B. Michelle Williams, moderated by . Grace Rodriguez , CEO of Impact Hub Houston , highlighted how critical it is to include everyone in the clean energy future—especially those communities often left out. Building on this momentum, and with the recent U.S. Small Business Administration Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC) Stage 2 award alongside Impact Hub Houston, we are taking the next step. We are excited to bring the Houston Equitable Energy Transition City Lab to life, focusing on inclusive innovation. This initiative is about reshaping Houston's energy future, ensuring equity is at the core of every solution. By partnering with Grace Rodriguez and Michelle Avalos , we’re working to ensure everyone has a voice in this transformation. Together, we’re creating a future where clean energy innovation uplifts all communities. Juliana Garaizar Nada Ahmed Jason Ethier #ETNGrandOpening #EquitableEnergy #EnergyTransition #CleanTech #ImpactHubHouston #MassChallenge

Happy to have attended the Symposium on Decarbonization Efforts Between Japan and the U.S. organized by the Greater Houston Partnership and Center for Houston's Future . It was truly inspiring to see so many companies coming together to provide technologies that are driving #decarbonization efforts around the globe. It was an honor to meet the Honorable Consul General of Japan in Houston, Mr Naganuma Zentaro and several Japanese companies that are playing a vital role in advancing sustainability. The partnerships between #Japan and the #USA are crucial in achieving a cleaner world. I’m always grateful for the opportunity to contribute as a member of the Hydrogen Steering Committee representing Endress+Hauser Group and to support the mission that Brett Perlman has been passionately advocating for over a decade to make Houston the clean energy capital of the world. ???? Juliana Garaizar Patrick Brown Renee Pirrong Claus Nussgruber #sustainability #teamuptoimprove #decarbonization #collaboration #cleanenergy #energysecurity #affordablegreenhydrogen

Join the Australian American Chamber of Commerce (AACC Texas) for the 2024 AUSii Energy Transition Symposium on October 15th in Houston. This premier event brings together senior executives, government officials, and industry leaders to discuss: - New ways of thinking: delivery, risk, funding, marketing, and policy - Different pathways & solutions: hydrogen, decarbonization, green fuels, critical minerals, and batteries Our founder, Juliana Garaizar , will be joining the panel discussion on "Different Pathways & Solutions" alongside industry experts from Woodside Energy , United Airlines , Chevron , and more. Register now through link in the comments! Amy Conacher #EnergyTransition #AUSiiSymposium #Sustainability #EnergyTech

?? Member Spotlight?? Let’s talk about Nathaniel Hartwig —Founder, CEO, and the brains behind BiaTech Corporation. When it comes to visionary leaders, Nathaniel is at the forefront, blending AI technology with real-world industrial solutions in geothermal, wildfire detection, and energy flow visualization. Nathaniel is strategic, driven, and always focused on the bigger picture. He has cultivated a marathon mindset throughout his career, evolving from a field lubrication engineer at ExxonMobil to leading global teams at McKinsey & Company . At SLB, he championed new energy solutions like hydrogen and geothermal, always aiming for sustainability. Now, with BiaTech Corporation , he’s tackling decarbonization head-on, leveraging AI to create real-time insights that address some of our most pressing industrial challenges. So what advice would he give his younger self? “Burn the boats.” Yep, no easy exits. Nathaniel’s message is simple: Go all in. No plan B. Commit with everything you’ve got. And don’t get stuck in “analysis paralysis”—get moving, take action, and learn by doing. Nathaniel also knows that success doesn’t come solo. “It takes a village to raise a startup,” he says. You need the right people around you—mentors, financial backers, partners. It’s this sense of community and collaboration that drives him to help other founders. At BiaTech, they’re offering 3D visualizations at cost for fellow entrepreneurs—making it easier for companies to explore new ways to improve operations and boost performance. That’s the kind of energy we love to see at Energy Tech Nexus . And here’s a hidden gem from Nathaniel about #Houston: it’s not just the energy capital—it’s a foodie’s paradise! “People talk about energy, but Houston’s food scene? Seriously underrated.” It’s this mix of global expertise, community spirit, and local flavor that makes Nathaniel such an incredible part of our network. At Energy Tech Nexus, we’re all about celebrating founders like Nathaniel. Visionary. Gritty. Dedicated to building the future of #energytech. We couldn’t be prouder to have him in our community. ? Shoutout to Nathan and the BiaTech team—we’re excited to see what’s next! ? #EnergyTechNexus #FounderSpotlight #AI #Decarbonization #Sustainability #EnergyTransition

In the latest episode of the Energy Tech Startups Podcast, Nada Ahmed and Jason Ethier sit down with Hermann Lebit , Principal at Alma Energy, to explore how their cutting-edge direct lithium extraction technology is reshaping the future of energy. Here’s what you need to know: ?? Cleaner Lithium Production Alma Energy’s process eliminates the need for fresh water and harmful chemicals. By using brine from existing oil and gas fields, they’ve developed a method that significantly reduces the environmental impact of lithium extraction—vital for the ongoing energy transition. ?? AI-Powered Efficiency Hermann shares how AI and machine learning are integral to optimizing their extraction process. These technologies allow Alma Energy to pinpoint the best reservoirs and streamline operations, reducing costs and boosting output. ?? A Strong Business Case Sustainability goes hand in hand with economic success—Alma Energy’s model projects an ROI of over 25%. Hermann discusses why balancing environmental responsibility with financial viability is key for driving the energy sector forward. ?? Leveraging Existing Infrastructure Alma Energy taps into existing oil and gas infrastructure, reducing costs and risks. By utilizing these resources, they’re scaling clean energy solutions without the need for capital-intensive new projects. Why This Matters for Energy Tech??? Alma Energy’s innovative approach shows how startups can play a leading role in the energy transition. By combining advanced technology with sustainable practices, they’re demonstrating how legacy industries can evolve toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. ??? Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of lithium extraction and its implications for the energy tech sector. Listen to the full episode through the link in the comments! Digital Wildcatters #EnergyTech #Sustainability #AIinEnergy #CleanEnergy #EnergyTransition #EnergyTechStartups

At Energy Tech Nexus, we believe that an equitable energy transition is not only possible but essential. That’s why we’re committed to creating spaces where women can lead, collaborate, and mentor each other. This month, we’re thrilled to feature Hanh Nguyen, VP of Sustainability at OCI Global , for our Determined to Lead Women’s Lunch Series on October 18. Hanh will present OCI Global's Clean Ammonia project, sharing insights into the future of clean energy and sustainability. This groundbreaking project, based in Beaumont, Texas, is set to become the first of its kind and scale when it reaches full operation in 2026. With over 15 years of experience in sustainability, Hanh has been a driving force in sustainability strategies, decarbonization programs, and global climate initiatives. If you're passionate about clean energy and sustainability, this is the event to attend! Register through link in the comments. Thank you, OCI Global, for sponsoring this event! Nada Ahmed Juliana Garaizar Rozella Haydée White #WomenInTech #EquitableEnergy #EnergyTransition #CleanAmmonia #DeterminedToLead #DTLWomenLunchSeries

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Did you know that cement is the second most used resource on Earth? Second only to water. This was just one of the eye-opening insights shared by Martha Ramos-Gomez, Director of CCUS and Hydrogen at CEMEX USA, at our latest Determined to Lead Lunch & Learn. The cement industry is a major contributor to CO2 emissions- 3 Gigatons of CO2 emissions annually. To put that in perspective: for every ton of cement produced, nearly the same amount of CO2 is released into the atmosphere. That’s why it’s urgent we rethink how we produce this critical material. Cemex is tackling this challenge with a bold goal to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 40% by 2030. How? Through use of alternative fuels with high biomass content, hydrogen injection, low temperature and low Co2 clinker, decarbonated raw materials, optimization of the kilns’ heat consumption, and the reduction of clinker factor through the higher utilization of blended cement in the market. There are many startups working on cement innovation targeting either fuel for the heat or the chemical reaction within the kiln. Solidia Technologies? is one company altering the chemistry leading to less emissions. Do you know of others? Photos from Energy Tech Nexus Determined to Lean Lunch and Learn at the Esperson Building. #climatetech #cement #concrete #cleantech