Woodside Energy and TEX-E Partner to Fuel Next-Generation Energy Innovation in Houston
Woodside Energy and the Texas Entrepreneurship Exchange for Energy (TEX-E) have announced a new collaboration aimed at accelerating the progress of early-career energy talent and fostering innovation within the Houston, Texas ecosystem.
The partnership will center on direct engagement with students at U.S.universities, bolstering TEX-E’s energy and climate programs, and establishing a Woodside-TEX-E Summer Fellow position at greentown Labs to support the Woodside-Rice Decarbonization Accelerator. Additionally, Woodside plans to launch a U.S. Summer Internship Program in 2026 and a Graduate Development Program in 2027.
Under the terms of the agreement, TEX-E will actively work with Woodside to identify and recruit high-potential students through targeted internship opportunities, on-campus initiatives, and increased visibility across its extensive university network.
According to a company release, Woodside Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer International Daniel Kalms emphasized the strategic importance of this collaboration, stating, “We’re seeing an evolution in the skills required to succeed and excel in the energy sector. Our work with TEX-E will facilitate development of those skills among the participants and support the growth of the high-calibre students within the program to meet those changing needs.”
TEX-E Executive Director Sandy Guitar echoed this sentiment, noting the organization’s commitment to cultivating future energy leaders. “We are proud to partner with Woodside to connect our students with their innovative leadership,internship pathways,and decarbonization initiatives. This Ambassador level partnership creates meaningful opportunities for students to gain real-world experience in the evolving energy landscape,” she said.
The collaboration builds upon Woodside’s expanding presence in Houston’s innovation landscape, including a five-year, $12.5 million investment in the Woodside-Rice Decarbonization Accelerator,launched in 2024. This initiative focuses on the development of technologies designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate the adoption of lower-carbon solutions. The 2026 Woodside-TEX-E Summer Fellow at Greentown Labs will contribute directly to the research and commercialization efforts related to the accelerator’s plasma foundry build-out at Greentown houston.
This new partnership underscores Woodside’s dedication to innovation, talent development, and long-term growth within the U.S. market, while simultaneously strengthening its relationships throughout the broader Houston innovation ecosystem.
about Woodside Energy
Woodside is a global energy company with a history of innovation, having pioneered the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry in Australia during the 1980s. The company provides essential energy resources to power homes, industries, and communities worldwide. Today, Woodside is focused on navigating the energy transition through a diversified portfolio of oil, gas, and new energy projects across Australia, North America, and Africa.
About TEX-E
The Texas Entrepreneurship Exchange for Energy is a collaborative effort involving MIT, Prairie View A&M, Rice University, Texas A&M, the university of Houston, and the University of Texas at Austin. TEX-E is dedicated to fostering the next generation of energy innovators by empowering student entrepreneurs and aspiring corporate intrapreneurs through curriculum development, competitions, internships, and direct engagement with industry leaders.
For students interested in applying or learning more, visit tex-e.org or www.woodside.com/careers. Inquiries can also be directed to [email protected]. Media inquiries should be directed to Christine Abbott in Australia (+61 484 112 469,[email protected]) or Rob Young in the United States (+1 281 790 2805, [email protected]).
