Energy Ventures Practicum Program
The Energy Ventures Practicum is a flagship example of how UT leads in creating bold, cross-disciplinary academic opportunities that prepare students to solve real-world challenges. Offered exclusively in the Spring semester.
Students interacting while looking at information on laptops
We don’t just talk about innovation, we design it into the classroom.
Developed in collaboration with the Energy Institute, the Cockrell School of Engineering, the Jackson School of Geosciences, and the LBJ School of Public Affairs, this graduate-level course bridges a critical gap for students interested in entrepreneurship within energy tech fields. It brings together business strategists, policy thinkers, and technologists to form venture teams focused on launching new solutions in energy and sustainability. By fostering collaboration across disciplines and grounding it in real venture creation, the Energy Ventures Practicum reflects UT’s commitment to shaping the next generation of leaders at the forefront of innovation.
Learn about the Energy Institute
Learn about the Cockrell School of Engineering
Learn about the Jackson School of Geosciences
Learn about the LBJ School of Public Affairs
Class Objectives

The Energy Ventures Practicum, taught by UT faculty in the energy and business sectors, brings together graduate students from various fields to develop skills and connections for launching ventures in the energy sector. Through hands-on experience, students pitch, select, and create commercialization plans for new technologies or services.

Objectives of the class are to provide a framework for commercializing innovations in these sectors, and the tools that entrepreneurs need to frame and build businesses for this purpose.

Students gain a framework for commercializing innovations in energy and sustainability, with a focus on entrepreneurial tools for business development.
Teams will produce an investor presentation, elevator pitch video, and conduct customer interviews.

1. Target market analysis

2. Product and competition analysis

3. Go-to-market plan

4. Financial projections

5. Intellectual property strategy

Teams will perform a techno-economic analysis, develop an enterprise financial model, and conduct an investor returns analysis.

What You Can Achieve
Ignite your entrepreneurial spirit
Ignite your entrepreneurial spirit
Work in a dynamic, supportive environment.
Drive sustainable solutions
Drive sustainable solutions
Address key challenges.
Expand your network
Expand your network
Collaborate with industry professionals and experts.
Gain real-world expertise
Gain real-world expertise
Get valuable experience in business planning and energy industry complexities.
Become a change-maker
Become a change-maker
Contribute to global energy innovation.
Who Should Apply
Apply now

The Energy Ventures Practicum is for graduate students across disciplines who are interested in pursuing the world of entrepreneurship and innovation through the lens of the energy sectors. This course is only offered during the spring semesters.