SPE and the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship have announced the winners of the 11th Annual Energy Startup Village Competition, held during the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition (ATCE) on 22 October in Houston.
Agellus Tank Robotics Inc., led by CEO Kweku Sekyiamah, earned the competition’s top honor, Best in Show Award, along with a prize of $10,000.
The Houston-based company develops AI-powered submersible robots that inspect, clean, monitor, and maintain aboveground storage tanks while they remain in service. The technology helps operators reduce downtime, improve asset integrity, and keep workers out of hazardous confined spaces.
Two startups received Rising Star Awards, each accompanied by a $2,000 prize.
Emily Avagliano, CEO and founder of Resollant, a Houston-area clean-tech startup, which uses plug-and-play reactor systems to generate low-cost, zero-emission hydrogen while producing solid graphite as a valuable byproduct.
Eugenio Ferrigno, CEO and founder of Neolift, also received a Rising Star Award. The Vaca Muerta-based startup designs, manufactures, and operates intelligent artificial lift systems for unconventional shale oil and gas wells. Neolift became the competition’s first Argentine competitor and winner.
Ferrigno also earned the People’s Choice Award, earning an additional $500 prize.
The competition culminated in an award ceremony attended by 2027 SPE President C. Susan Howes. Bryant Mueller, chairperson of the Startup Village Committee, officiated the competition as the master of ceremonies, while Howes spoke about startups in the oil and gas industry and presented the awards.
The ATCE Startup Village has been a collaborative effort between SPE and the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship since its inception in 2017.
For more details about the competition and a full list of participating companies, visit the Startup Village website.
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