David Gow, President & CEO, Center for Houston’s Future

In an interview with Invest:, David Gow, president and CEO of the Center for Houston’s Future, said that Houston is poised to lead the next phase of innovation and economic growth by capitalizing on its entrepreneurial spirit, diversity, and strengths in energy transition and brain health. “Houston is an entrepreneurial, opportunistic region. There’s an optimism and excitement here about creating and growing businesses. I can’t think of a more business-friendly environment than Houston,” Gow said.

What are the main priorities for the organization, and how do they set the stage for Houston’s next phase of economic growth?

The Center for Houston’s Future has been around for 25 years. We’re co-located and affiliated with the Greater Houston Partnership, but we are a distinct legal entity. We have three areas of focus. First, we run a leadership development program called the Leadership Forum, where we bring rising leaders together twice a year to network and train. Second, we work on strategic initiatives, and third, we host community events that bring thought leaders together around key topics.

The exciting initiative we’re currently working on is called Vision 2050, which is a new long-range plan for the Houston region. We began by gathering aspirations from people across the region — individuals from different backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses, ethnicities, and neighborhoods — asking them what they hope to see by 2050. From hundreds of responses, we identified 16 common themes, which we call the “Sweet 16.” We’ve analyzed these to determine which aspirations are on track and which need more attention. We’re now focusing our efforts on areas that require additional work to ensure Houston meets these aspirations.

What are some of the most promising opportunities for investors in Greater Houston over the coming years?

From an investment perspective, Houston has evolved from being the oil and gas capital of the world to being the energy capital of the world. There’s a surge of investment in technologies that both meet rising global energy demand and reduce carbon emissions, positioning Houston perfectly for the energy transition. One standout is Greentown Labs, an innovation hub for climate tech startups. It fosters a community with educational programs, capital attraction, mentorship, and shared services that support early-stage businesses.

Another exciting area is brain health. We’re taking a holistic, lifespan approach to brain health, recognizing that what happens early in life affects well-being later on. We’re bringing together experts from across sectors to collaborate on solutions that will drive both economic growth and human flourishing. Our aspiration is for Houston to become a global leader in the brain economy, supported by our strong research, healthcare, and academic institutions, as well as a corporate culture that values talent development and innovation.

What makes this such a compelling opportunity for the region, and how do you see it translating into talent attraction and new commercial opportunities?

Just as Houston has become the energy capital of the world, we believe it can also become the brain capital of the world. We already have foundational resources: world-class research, healthcare, and academic institutions; corporations that support innovation and human capital development; and a long history of leadership in healthcare. Houston performed the first heart transplant and leads in cancer care — why shouldn’t we lead in brain health, too? This ambition aligns with Houston’s culture of innovation and collaboration.

What makes Houston an ideal location for innovation and growth?

Houston ranks third nationally in the number of corporate headquarters, spanning industries such as energy, life sciences, medical, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. We’ve also taken significant steps to expand our innovation and tech economy, with hubs like Greentown Labs, The Ion, and The Cannon supporting startups.

Houston is home to both large corporations and emerging companies. A great example is Cart.com, which was founded and incubated here, funded by local venture capital, and achieved unicorn status in just four years. It’s a perfect illustration of how Houston nurtures and scales successful businesses.

How do you see Houston’s community, corporations, and government networks working together?

The Houston Energy Transition Initiative demonstrates how the city brings together competing companies to pursue a common goal. Competitors recognized the opportunity to expand the entire pie, reflecting Houston’s collaborative culture.

Another key aspect of Houston’s entrepreneurial spirit is its accessibility — there are fewer social or relationship barriers here compared to other cities. If you have a good idea, people will back you. There’s a deep instinct to support, help, and grow businesses, which is part of what makes Houston such a dynamic environment for innovation.

What is your assessment of the workforce, and how are you supporting the pipeline to serve these emerging industries?

The Greater Houston Partnership runs an initiative called UpSkill to ensure our workforce has the skills needed for the future, particularly as workplace demands evolve with AI and other technologies.

Houston’s diversity is another major strength. We’re one of the most diverse cities in the world, and that brings valuable perspectives and ideas. Diversity fosters innovation and gives businesses a global outlook, which helps them not only to innovate but also to scale successfully. This diversity is deeply embedded in Houston’s DNA.

How does Houston’s environment support growth in sectors like housing and clean energy?

Houston is known for minimal zoning and a developer-friendly environment, as well as historically affordable housing, which is a key attraction for both residents and companies. However, affordable housing is becoming more challenging, so as part of our Vision 2050 work, we’re exploring solutions to maintain affordability.

One key strategy is to promote greater housing density, particularly within Houston’s inner loop. This would help us avoid becoming a “donut city” and foster growth at the core, which in turn supports regional well-being.

What trends are you seeing among early-stage founders in Houston?

Goose Capital was founded by Rod Canion, the entrepreneur behind Compaq Computers. Goose brings together about 20 to 25 angel investors who co-invest in early-stage opportunities, typically in the $2–5 million range. Goose is industry-agnostic, investing in sectors like energy, life sciences, manufacturing, and technology.

A recent investment I’d highlight is Nanotech, a Houston-based company that has developed an insulating coating for buildings. This dramatically reduces HVAC costs and has a strong potential to contribute to emissions reductions. It’s a great example of an innovative, high-impact business based in Houston.

Could you share one key message for investors about Houston’s future?

Houston is an entrepreneurial, opportunistic region. There’s an optimism and excitement here about creating and growing businesses. I can’t think of a more business-friendly environment than Houston.