The firm intends to help turn Houston from the energy capital of the world to the energy transition capital, CEO Emily Reichert said, noting that the city already has the largest concentration of renewable energy companies in the world, with 130 solar and wind companies.
"We hope to be a catalyst for continuing to drive progress on the energy transition and help the city reach its new 2050 goal through the deployment of innovative new clean technologies," Reichert said, referencing the city's Climate Action Plan, which set out the goal of making Houston carbon-neutral in 30 years.
She also credited the backing of several of energy heavyweights, including Chevron, NRG, Reliant and BHP, for supporting its move into Houston.
Greentown Labs was founded in Somerville, Massachusetts, in 2011 and has since assisted some 280 startups, attracting $850 million in investment and generating 6,500 jobs.
The Houston site, located "near downtown," according to Reichert, will be about a third the size of its headquarters and will offer 30,000 square feet of prototyping labs, offices and community space.
The facility is slated to open in spring 2021.
