The 海角社区 has been named the recipient of the 2025 TXU Energy Leadership Award in Innovation, recognizing the university鈥檚 bold vision and lasting contributions to energy innovation. The award was presented during a reception hosted by TXU Energy at Daikin Park on April 30 which was followed by a Houston Astros game.
TXU Energy鈥檚 annual Leadership Awards highlight corporate, governmental, and non-profit partners demonstrating excellence in energy management, sustainability, community engagement, and innovation. This year, UH stood out as the sole recipient in the Innovation category for its transformational work in education, research, and public-private collaboration in the energy space.
Dr. Debalina Sengupta, Chief Operating Officer of the Energy Transition Institute and Assistant Vice President in the Division of Energy and Innovation at the University of Houston, accepted the award on behalf of the university during Tuesday night鈥檚 celebration.
At the heart of this award is UH鈥檚 multi-year contract with TXU Energy, which provides reliable and efficient power to all four university campuses, instructional sites, and athletic facilities, serving more than 75,000 students. The agreement represents more than just service; it is a strategic partnership supporting UH鈥檚 mission to lead in research and workforce development.
鈥淭his award highlights the dynamic and nationally recognized innovation programs in the energy space at the 海角社区,鈥� said Dr. Haleh Ardebili, Assistant Vice President for Entrepreneurship & Startup Ecosystem and professor at the Cullen College of Engineering. 鈥淚t reflects the entrepreneurial and research spirit that thrives across UH鈥檚 colleges and innovation hubs.鈥�
In addition to the energy contract, TXU Energy has also committed $370,000 in scholarships over the next decade, specifically aimed at students pursuing energy and STEM-related fields, a powerful investment in the next generation of leaders and innovators. Together, this partnership reflects a shared vision for a more sustainable, equitable energy future 鈥� one powered by UH鈥檚 students, faculty, and forward-thinking collaborations.