Greentown Labs continues to show its support for fostering energy innovation in Houston as the city aims to lead the world’s energy transition. The climatetech startup incubator has launched the Texas Entrepreneurship Exchange for Energy (TEX-E) to support students in developing next-generation innovations. The collaborative initiative includes MIT’s Martin Trust Center for Entrepreneurship, a research and teaching center that provides expertise, support and connections to MIT students, and five Texas universities, including Rice University, the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, Prairie View A&M University and the University of Texas. “Houston has long been known as the energy capital of the world, but to lead the world’s energy transition, the city must create a strong, vibrant innovation ecosystem to support the next generation of entrepreneurs and energy companies,” said Lara Cottingham, Chief of Staff at Greentown Labs, in a press release.  Students participating in the program will have access to mentorship with Greentown Labs’ entrepreneurs, networking events, career opportunities and cross-learning with MIT. The initiative will help continue to pave the way for Houston to solidify its role as the leader of the global energy transition. “The TEX-E collaboration will provide valuable opportunities to our students, and Houston is a natural location to create such an ecosystem,” said Ramanan Krishnamoorti, vice president for energy and innovation at the University of Houston, in a press release. “Training new talent and supporting their pursuit of innovative ideas are vital in addressing the growing global need for affordable, reliable, and environmentally sustainable energy.” Greentown Houston experienced a successful first year, attracting more than 60 startups, including several that relocated from outside the U.S., proof that Houston is where Energy 2.0 companies want to be. From 2017 to 2021, venture capital funding in Houston’s energy space totaled more than $327 million. More than 4,700 energy-related firms are located within the Houston metro. “Boston and Houston might seem like an odd pairing, but they complement one another beautifully,” said Ben Soltoff, Ecosystem Builder and Entrepreneur in Residence at the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship. Despite Boston’s strong climate innovation ecosystem, startups looking to scale up “look towards Texas, where they can find talent, space, and industry knowhow in spades. Together, these two regions are unstoppable,” Soltoff said. TEX-E is also in line with the Partnership’s Houston Energy Transition Initiative, which aims to position Houston to lead the global energy transition to a more efficient and sustainable, low-carbon future, by deploying key strategies, including jumpstarting emerging technologies. 

Houston’s Greater Northside is home to a lot of gems, including Instagram-worthy scenes, diverse cuisine, historic neighborhoods, parks and trails and the iconic Houston Farmers Market. The Partnership recently spent the day with the Greater Northside Management District to explore what their area has to offer.  "We are Houston at the core" The district focuses on promoting economic development, improving the quality of life for commercial and residential property owners and creating opportunities for new development. It encompasses more than 24 square miles north of downtown Houston. The vastness of the district means it serves a diverse population. From historic neighborhoods like Lindale Park and Woodland Heights to emerging ones like Hardy Yards, the district offers something for everyone.  “We are Houston at the core. Reflecting the diversity of the city,” said Rebecca Reyna, Executive Director of GNMD.  Certain neighborhoods on the south side of the district are considered some of the oldest in Houston, established in the 1880sand settled primarily by immigrants from central and southern Europe. Today, you’ll find a mostly Hispanic population, which is once again transforming as more people move into the district. Reyna said character and prime location are what draw people to the area. “I’ve noticed people moving here want to keep the character and they’re getting involved in their community,” she said. The district is easily accessible via the Hardy Toll Road, Loop 610, I-45, I-10 and I-69, allowing drivers to get to most parts of the city within roughly 20 minutes. The METRORail Red Line also provides service to the district and there are more than 10 Bcycle stations in the area. The district is covered with public art murals, many designed by Houston artists, including Gelson Lemus, better known as W3r3on3.         View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by W3r3on3 insomniaks krew (@w3r3on3)   The Business Community and Projects on the Horizon The GNMD is home to more than 10,000 businesses, more than 5,000 commercial, retail and industrial properties and more than 150 restaurants. Conceptual rendering of Meow Wolf at former Moncrief Lenoir buildings. (Courtesy: The Deal Company/E-Studio Group) Conceptual rendering of courtyard at Moncrief Lenoir buildings (Courtesy: The Deal Company/E-Studio Group)                 Conceptual rendering of Moncrief Lenoir buildings. (Courtesy: The Deal Company/E-Studio Group) Conceptual rendering of media venue at Moncrief Lenoir buildings. (Courtesy: The Deal Company/E-Studio Group) Reyna said there are many exciting developments underway or on the horizon, including the redevelopment of the historic Moncrief Lenoir Manufacturing Company buildings across the street from Saint Arnold Brewing Company. According to developer DealCo, Meow Wolf will be the anchor tenant of the 120,000-square-foot mixed-use space, offering restaurants, event space, artist studios and galleries, creative workspace, loft offices and more. Meow Wolf, an immersive art experience, is expected to open its Houston “portal” in 2024. A 10-acre tract of land in Hardy Yards, owned by the city, will be developed into affordable single-family homes with commercial and multi-family housing along North Main Street. Reyna is also excited about a $6 million project to reconstruct Quitman Street from Houston Avenue to Elysian Street to add sidewalks, lighting, bike lanes and more. Some of the notable businesses and restaurants located across the district include: Saint Arnold Brewing Company Spanish Flower El Bolillo Bakery Pinkerton’s Barbecue Teotihuacan Mexican Café (original location) Houston Farmers Market White Oak Music Hall Houston Foam Plastics A few hidden gems: Granel Spice Market Houston Dairymaids Big Owl Craft Brew House Gerardo’s Butterfly Pocket Park Great view of downtown Houston from White Oak Bayou Greenway Bike Trailhead near Henry and South Streets Learn more about living and working in Houston.