Houston’s Energy Tech Forum Crowns 11 Most Promising Ventures

The 22nd annual Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship Energy Tech Venture Forum spotlighted 50 pitching ventures and nearly 100 startups in investor–startup office hours, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week. Startups from five countries and 19 U.S. states showcased cutting-edge solutions for a sustainable, lower-carbon future. Investors selected 11 “Most Promising Companies,” including Badwater Alchemy, Xplorobot, Ammobia, Celadyne Technologies, MacroCycle Technologies, AtoMe Inc, ATS Energy, Lukera Energy, AI Driller, Inc., FAST Metals, and People’s Choice winner Arculus Solutions. The event featured panels, networking, and a fireside chat with industry leaders, connecting founders with investors and corporate partners. Since its founding in 2001, Rice Alliance has supported more than 3,500 companies that have raised over $27.8 billion in capital, reinforcing Houston’s status as a global hub for energy innovation.

October 2026

S

M

T

W

T

F

S

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31