Matt Peña (left) and Kerri Smith head up Rice Alliance's Clean Energy Accelerator.

Snapshot of the first class of Rice Alliance's Clean Energy Accelerator.

Rice Alliance's Clean Energy Accelerator is a 12-week program supporting early-stage energy startups from around the world. The program's inaugural cohort of a dozen startups recently wrapped with a virtual demo day earlier this month.

On this episode of Small Biz Insider, we talk with Interim Director Kerri Smith and Associate Director Matt Peña. Topics covered include:

• How much international interest the program drew for its first application season
• How the Rice Alliance Clean Energy Accelerator fits into Houston's broader energy transition efforts
• How COVID-19 affected the program's first class
• The greatest opportunities for entrepreneurs in this competitive space

The Small Biz Insider podcast is part of our digital series highlighting entrepreneurs in the greater Houston region who are making a big impact in the small business community. 

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