Texas Innovates has officially opened applications for the Carbon and Hydrogen Innovation & Learning Incubator (CHILI) 2026 cohort.
According to certain reports, this particular program is designed to accelerate the development and market readiness of hardware-driven Power-to-Fuel, hydrogen, and carbon technologies, all for supporting global fuel resiliency. More on the same would reveal how it arrives on the scene bearing an ability to offer startups a structured pathway to move swiftly from laboratory innovation towards practical market application.
Not just that, the effort in question also provides access to essential resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities required for propelling different brand of technologies forward. This initiative, all in all, is tailored for startups focused on hardware-driven solutions in the carbon and hydrogen sectors, bringing forth a comprehensive ecosystem designed to foster innovation and commercial success.
“Being part of the CHILI program has been an inspiring journey. I’ve had the chance to connect with amazing peers, gain fresh insights, and learn so much. A huge thank you to the incredible CHILI team, especially Alex Rozenfeld – President of Texas Innovates, for creating such a supportive and enriching experience. Programs like CHILI are essential for driving real change — by empowering entrepreneurs and supporting green solutions, they help build a more sustainable and hopeful future,” Nitrofix (CHILI Cohort 2025).
Talk about the CHILI program on a slightly deeper level, we begin from the promise of a comprehensive curriculum. This translates to how the 17-module program covers all essential aspects of bringing a hardware-driven technology to market, ensuring that startups are well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
Next up, we have expert mentorship coming into play, mentorship which is inclusive of personalized guidance to help startups navigate the complexities associated with the energy sector and refine their business strategies.
Another detail worth a mention relates to the access of manufacturing capabilities. Here, the initiative will work alongside EPC firms to let startups build and test container-scale pilots, thus accelerating the development process and reducing time to market.
Hold on, we still have a couple of bits left to unpack; considering we haven’t yet touched upon the availability of industry-leading software tools that make it possible for startups to design and optimize their technologies effectively.
Rounding up highlights would be the potential to dip into an investor network. The pitch event and follow-up assistance essentially connects startups with a wide range of potential investors so to increase their chances of securing funding.
“We are now accepting applications for the CHILI program, which kicks off in January 2026 and runs through 2027. Given our global audience of startups and corporate partners, all program curriculum elements are virtual, while opportunities for pilots and first customers are focused on the US Gulf Coast, where infrastructure and customers converge. As a non-profit, we do not take any equity from companies and charge a modest fee to cover costs,” said Alex Rozenfeld of Texas Innovates.
