100 successful startups in 10 years promoting clean energy, energy transition, and everything in between.

We’re identifying top students and leaders in the energy and climate fields to achieve this goal. Apply for the TEX-E Fellowship today! Early decision deadline: December 8, 2025. Final application deadline: February 10, 2026.

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What is the TEX-E Fellowship? The TEX-E (Texas Exchange for Energy and Climate Entrepreneurship) Fellowship is a year-long leadership and innovation program that connects university students with the disciplined entrepreneurship curriculum, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and researchers driving the global energy transition. Fellows serve as catalysts within the TEX-E ecosystem to foster collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the energy and climate spaces on their campuses and beyond.

Who runs the TEX-E Fellowship? The fellowship is led by TEX-E’s leadership team to bring together five Texas universities: Prairie View A&M University, Rice University, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, & UT Austin; and collaboration with MIT.

What do Fellows actually do? During the year-long fellowship experience, fellows are inspired to deepen their interest and awareness in the pathway for energy and climate entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship; equipped with a disciplined entrepreneurship curriculum; and accelerate their own solution-based ideas through experiential learning and intentional connections with other entrepreneurs and industry leaders. The fellows also serve as official TEX-E ambassadors on their campus.

Who is eligible to apply? Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled full-time at one of the five partner universities are eligible. Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in energy, climate innovation, or entrepreneurship and be willing to commit to consistent engagement throughout the fellowship year.

Do I need to be an engineering student to apply? No, the Fellowship welcomes students from all disciplines. Whether your background is in engineering, policy, environmental studies, or business; TEX-E values diverse perspectives that contribute to the future of energy and climate innovation.

When does the application open and close?  The application is open from November 10, 2025 – February 10, 2026. Early decision deadline: December 8, 2025. Final application deadline: February 10, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted and all interested students should plan accordingly before the app closes. Remember, the “due date” is not the “do date” and we encourage you to apply early!

How do I apply? Applications are submitted online through the official TEX-E Fellowship website. You’ll be asked to provide: A short video introduction, descriptions of relevant leadership or project experience, a brief proposal for an energy/climate challenge & solution, and
two relevant recommendations.

Do I need to have recommendations for the application? Yes, you are required to request recommendations from 2 different people. One must be a faculty or staff member from your university. The other can be another professional contact or TEX-E Fellow. Be sure to read the specific instructions provided to you in the Recommendation section of the application. The link and details are provided for you to share with your recommender. Remember, you must initiate this ask yourself and help your recommenders understand the fellowship mission and deadlines for when your application must be completed.

Is there an interview process? No, selections are based entirely on the TEX-E Fellowship application and recommendations. Each submission is reviewed independently by multiple evaluators to ensure fairness and consistency.

What are the commitments if I’m selected?

Fellows are expected to: 

• Engage Fully from Day One – Participate actively in the Fellowship induction and orientation to establish community and shared purpose.
• Drive Collaborative Projects – Take part in structured project teams and committee meetings to develop solutions that advance the energy transition.
• Activate Your Campus Network –  Serve as an ambassador to create meaningful connections with your campus TEX-E cohort and EIR to support collaboration and partnership with your university’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Elevate the Conversation – Design or support a signature event that showcases student leadership in energy and climate innovation.
• What is the time commitment? – Fellows typically dedicate 3–5 hours per week, depending on their project and event involvement. The schedule is designed to complement, not conflict with, academic priorities.

What do Fellows gain from participating?

Fellows receive:

• Exclusive Access to Industry Visionaries – Connect directly with leading executives, innovators, & changemakers who are redefining the future of energy and sustainability.
• Immersive Learning Experiences – Participate in exclusive events, high-impact conferences, & curated travel opportunities centered on the global energy transition.
• Professional Growth & Networking – Build meaningful relationships with influential leaders and peers, gain real-world insights, and strengthen your professional network across industries.
• A Platform for Leadership and Impact – Develop your voice, showcase your ideas, and contribute to conversations driving the next generation of energy solutions.
• And so much more!

Can I reapply if I’m not selected this year? Yes! Students who are not selected are encouraged to reapply the following year. Many successful fellows have strengthened their applications by engaging in campus innovation or energy initiatives in the interim.

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