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 or...
Jul 22, 2025•56 min•Ep. 82
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...
Jul 08, 2025•56 min•Ep. 81
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, wh...
Jun 24, 2025•55 min•Ep. 83
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...
Jun 10, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 80
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...
May 27, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 77
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 indu...
May 13, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 78
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 ne...
Apr 29, 2025•48 min•Ep. 76
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, ...
Apr 01, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 74
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...
Mar 18, 2025•53 min•Ep. 73
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, h...
Mar 04, 2025•57 min•Ep. 72
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 pa...
Feb 18, 2025•55 min•Ep. 70
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...
Feb 11, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 71
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...
Feb 04, 2025•54 min•Ep. 67
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....
Jan 21, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 69
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...
Jan 07, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 68
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 innov...
Dec 17, 2024•52 min•Ep. 65
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...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 64
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...
Nov 20, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 62
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...
Nov 20, 2024•50 min•Ep. 63
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 solutio...
Oct 22, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 61
Hermann discusses how Alma Energy is revolutionizing the industry with cutting-edge advancements in direct lithium extraction, making the process greener and more efficient. He explains how AI is optimizing extraction processes and highlights the economic impact of these innovations on the energy transition. Hermann also delves into the challenges and opportunities in the oil and gas sector as it shifts towards cleaner technologies, offering a fresh perspective on repurposing existing infrastruc...
Oct 08, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 60
Patrick shares how his company is turning tedious processes, like DMV tasks and education enrollment, into seamless, efficient experiences through innovative document management solutions. In this episode, you'll learn how AI is simplifying data entry and document handling, boosting efficiency and security across industries like education, energy, and regulatory compliance. Patrick also dives into the unique branding and marketing journey that sets UnicornForms apart in the tech landscape. Guest...
Sep 24, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 59
OceanBit is pioneering the use of ocean thermal energy to deliver 24/7 renewable power, while also providing cooling solutions for data centers, helping to reduce operational costs in high-density computing environments. Nathaniel shares how OceanBit integrates AI to optimize energy use, minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency. He also delves into the history of ocean thermal energy and how recent technological advancements have positioned OceanBit as a leader in sustainable energy. With a fo...
Sep 10, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 58
Sujatha explains how Dsider’s innovative technoeconomic analysis is helping startups in cleantech and hard tech make smarter decisions by assessing their projects from both technical and economic perspectives. Through a role-play scenario, Jason steps into the shoes of a founder, offering a hands-on look at how Dsider’s solutions address real-world challenges. Key takeaways include the importance of integrating technical and financial data, communicating effectively with investors, and using sim...
Aug 27, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 57
Benjamin discusses the exciting opportunities and unique challenges in building and supporting energy tech startups across Latin America and the Caribbean. He shares how Reciprocal’s mission focuses on fostering innovation through nature-based solutions, bridging the gap between the global North and Latin America. Key topics include Reciprocal's venture studio model, the importance of nature-based solutions in climate strategy, funding strategies for early-stage startups in emerging markets, and...
Aug 13, 2024•52 min•Ep. 56
Erik shares his journey from working at DNV to founding Endrava, where he’s developed cutting-edge solutions for industrial decarbonization. With over a decade of experience in climate tech, Erik discusses his work on CapturMap, a platform that maps global CO2 emission sources and capture projects. His insights into energy and industrial markets, along with his passion for sustainability, showcase how digital tools are accelerating progress toward a cleaner future. 00:00 - Welcome back 1:27 - Wh...
Jul 30, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 55
Fresh off their win at the Rice Lily Pitch Competition, Sean and Chen-Yang share their journey from PhD students at Rice University to pioneering entrepreneurs tackling the critical issues of energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In this episode, they discuss how their material science background led to the development of advanced heat management solutions, addressing inefficiencies caused by poor thermal conductivity in traditional semiconductor packaging. With AI and GPU tec...
Jul 16, 2024•53 min•Ep. 53
Cindy shares how Sage Geosystems is leveraging its oil and gas expertise to develop groundbreaking subsurface pumped hydro storage, a game-changing approach to sustainable energy. With over 35 years of experience at Shell, Cindy discusses her journey from the oil and gas sector to co-founding Sage Geosystems, driven by a passion to make a meaningful impact in renewable energy. Her leadership and vision are propelling Sage to the forefront of the energy transition, combining cutting-edge geotherm...
Jul 02, 2024•59 min•Ep. 54
Liquid-Charge's innovative technology uses emissions-free liquid fuels to extend EV range, eliminating the need for expensive charging infrastructure. Jared shares his journey from writing a science fiction novel about energy and politics to leading a cutting-edge startup. Tune in to hear about the unique benefits of Liquid-Charge’s fuel cell range extenders, the challenges and opportunities in today’s energy tech landscape, and the future of emissions-free fuels and carbon capture. 0:00 - Intro...
Jun 18, 2024•57 min•Ep. 52
Pranav explains the inspiration behind Unique and how it leverages blockchain and AI to solve critical gaps in managing equipment data, improving efficiency and transparency in the sector. Pranav also discusses the challenges and opportunities in the energy tech space, highlighting why blockchain is ideal for ensuring reliable, transparent data. With Unique, ENP Technologies is set to drive significant change across global industrial markets. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiwaripranav/ U...
Jun 04, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 50
