Register Now for the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship 23rd Annual Energy Tech Venture Forum – Sept 16 – Sept 17, 2026 – Houston, TX

September 16–17, 2026
Rice University – Jones Graduate School of Business
Houston, Texas

The 23rd Annual Rice Alliance Energy Tech Venture Forum (ETVF) brings together the entrepreneurs, investors, corporate leaders, and innovators driving the future of energy. As one of the nation’s premier energy technology venture conferences, the forum showcases breakthrough startups and emerging technologies focused on creating a more sustainable, reliable, and lower-carbon energy future.

About the Forum

For more than two decades, the Energy Tech Venture Forum has served as a leading platform for connecting promising energy technology companies with venture capital firms, corporate innovation teams, strategic partners, and industry decision-makers. The event features startup pitches, keynote presentations, investor meetings, and networking opportunities designed to accelerate commercialization and business growth.

The public forum will take place on Thursday, September 17, from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM (CT) at the Jones Graduate School of Business, Rice University.

Why Attend?

• Watch innovative energy technology startups pitch their solutions.
• Connect with more than 500 venture capitalists, corporate innovation leaders, investors, academics, and service providers.
• Learn about emerging technologies shaping the future of energy.
• Participate in networking sessions with industry leaders and entrepreneurs.
• Celebrate the recognition of the 10 Most Promising Companies.

What to Expect

The forum offers a full day of educational sessions, startup presentations, and networking designed to connect innovators with capital and strategic partners. Attendees will gain insights into the latest trends in energy technology while discovering investment opportunities and breakthrough solutions.

• Startup pitch presentations.
• One-on-one investor and corporate meetings.
• Industry keynote presentations.
• Networking reception.
• Recognition of the forum’s top emerging companies.

During last year’s event, more than 730 private meetings were coordinated between startups and investors, highlighting the forum’s role in accelerating partnerships and commercialization.

Featured Keynote Speakers

Sean M.

Chief Economist, Phillips 66
Sean M. will open the forum with an economic outlook covering the macroeconomic trends influencing the energy industry, including AI-driven electricity demand, infrastructure investment, and evolving energy markets.

Ira Ehrenpreis

Founder & Managing Partner, DBL Partners
Tesla Board Member & SpaceX Investor
Ira Ehrenpreis will close the forum by sharing insights on scaling transformative companies, commercializing breakthrough technologies, and the qualities investors seek in the next generation of energy innovators.

Call for Energy Ventures

Applications are now open for companies interested in presenting at the 23rd Annual Energy Tech Venture Forum. Selected ventures will have the opportunity to showcase their innovations before leading investors, corporate partners, and industry experts while participating in curated networking and business development opportunities.

Application Deadline: Friday, July 24, 2026

Who Should Attend?

• Energy Technology Startups
• Venture Capital & Private Equity Firms
• Corporate Innovation & Strategy Teams
• Energy Executives
• Technology Developers
• Researchers & Academics
• Entrepreneurs
• Industry Service Providers

Whether you’re developing innovative energy technologies, seeking investment opportunities, or looking to connect with leaders across the energy ecosystem, the Energy Tech Venture Forum provides an unmatched opportunity to build relationships, gain industry insights, and help shape the future of energy.