Houston has long been known as the Energy Capital of the World. But in recent decades, it has undergone a quiet transformation.

This once-industrial powerhouse has steadily diversified its economy, invested in future-facing industries, and welcomed waves of global talent. Today, Houston is one of the most dynamic cities in the United States — where energy systems, advanced computing, and healthcare innovation converge in ways few other places can match.

At the US–Bangladesh Unity Initiative (UBUI), our work spans continents — from capital corridors in Washington and Dhaka to innovation zones across the Indo-Pacific.

But when it came time to choose our strategic base in the U.S., we chose Houston. Not because it’s trendy — but because it reflects what the future looks like when industry, diversity, and global vision come together.

1. Houston’s Emergence as an AI Infrastructure Hub

• NVIDIA is building one of its largest U.S. manufacturing sites in northwest Houston, in partnership with Foxconn. This facility will assemble next-generation AI supercomputers — part of a broader $500B investment in American-made computing infrastructure.

• Apple is constructing a 250,000 sq ft AI server plant to power its Private Cloud Compute for Apple Intelligence.

• These moves are bringing critical hardware infrastructure — chips, servers, and systems — into Houston’s industrial base.

What This Means:
Houston isn’t just talking about AI — it’s building the infrastructure that powers it.
With port access, industrial land, and deep engineering expertise, Houston is fast becoming a strategic pillar of the U.S. digital economy.

“AI infrastructure is projected to consume 4.5% of U.S. electricity by 2030.”
— Source: IEA, McKinsey

“Energy demand is only going to rise significantly over the next decade, especially in AI and because of data center needs.”
— Dr. Debalina Sengupta, University of Houston

UBUI’s Role:

As AI infrastructure expands globally, so do the demands on energy systems, talent pipelines, and sustainability planning. We see our role not just as a connector — but as a translator of growth into resilience.

• Facilitating dialogues between Houston-based AI infrastructure leaders and South Asian energy policymakers
• Promoting responsible AI growth models that account for energy load, water usage, and carbon impact
• Supporting AI workforce development initiatives in Bangladesh that align with global enterprise needs

2. The Evolving Energy Capital — Still a Global Anchor

• Houston is home to over 4,700 energy companies, including the HQs of ExxonMobil, Halliburton, Phillips 66, and ConocoPhillips.

• In 2023, Houston exported over $130B in energy services, supporting global grids, LNG access, and transition planning across Africa and Asia.

• In Bangladesh, Chevron’s operations in Bibiyana, Moulvibazar, and Jalalabad provide over half of the country’s natural gas — with engineering and technical support anchored in Houston.

What This Means:
Houston remains central to global energy security and transition planning.
It’s where fossil fuels meet the future — through CCS, hydrogen, LNG, and cross-border energy diplomacy.

“As a Bangladeshi professional working in Houston’s energy sector, I see firsthand how American innovation can empower sustainable growth back home.”
— Zahra Bakhtiar Khalid, Energy Analyst

UBUI’s Role:
We are connecting Houston-based energy innovators with Bangladeshi institutions through:

• A Bangladesh–U.S. Energy Innovation Forum (launching 2025)
• Microgrid pilots and LNG transition models for rural and peri-urban energy access
• Policy and financing models to support Bangladesh’s 40% renewable energy goal by 2041

3. Capital, Convergence, and Clinical Innovation

• In 2024, Houston recorded over $1.3B in venture capital activity, focused on climate tech, AI, and med-tech.

• The Texas Medical Center (TMC) — the largest in the world — is now a launchpad for genomics, diagnostics, and AI-driven clinical trials.

• Startups and institutions here are operating at the intersection of infrastructure and intelligence — a key lever for emerging-market innovation.

What This Means:
Houston is funding technologies that solve real-world problems. And capital is increasingly backing solutions that can scale across borders.

UBUI’s Outlook:
This convergence allows us to:

• Connect Bangladeshi entrepreneurs and researchers to capital and startup networks
• Enable soft-landing pathways for climate and health-tech expansion
• Launch investment-ready programs in areas like maternal health, smart agriculture, and energy efficiency

Why UBUI Chose Houston

Ecosystem Access: Houston’s AI and energy sectors are critical to the global economy, offering UBUI direct access to innovation and industry leaders.

Diversity: As one of the most multicultural cities in the U.S., Houston’s diverse talent pool fosters global perspectives and solutions.

Capital and Scale: The city’s robust investment landscape and infrastructure allow UBUI to design pilots and partnerships that can scale globally.

Global Connectivity: Houston’s international business ties and export strength make it an ideal launchpad for initiatives with worldwide impact.

Strategic Base. Global Mission. Shared Future.

At UBUI, we don’t believe progress is accidental. It’s built — intentionally. That’s why we chose Houston.

Because the challenges being tackled here — energy reliability, technological readiness, and human-centered innovation — are the same challenges faced by fast-growing economies across the Global South.

We’re proud to call Houston home. Not because it defines us — but because it equips us to help shape what comes next.

With AI chips in one hand and clean energy blueprints in the other — we’re ready 🤖🚀

UBUI welcomes collaboration with institutions, innovators, and investors advancing shared prosperity across the U.S. and Bangladesh. Reach out to explore partnership opportunities.

Contributor: UBUI Board Members