Sep. 19--The Rice Alliance recently held its annual venture forum for energy companies.

Startups pitched their companies to investors and venture capitalists, seeking more of the capital that is flowing into clean-technology companies.

Two years ago, the Rice Alliance added clean-tech ventures to the mix to reflect the growing interest in climate change, renewable energy and green technology.

Brad Burke, managing director of the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship, thinks more of that money will flow to Houston.

Brad Burke, managing director of the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship, thinks more of that money will flow to Houston.

Burke spoke with reporter Purva Patel. What follows are excerpts from that conversation.

Q: How has the clean-technology scene in Houston changed over the past five years?

A: There is a realization at all levels that Houston needs to remain the energy capital of the world, with oil and gas as well as renewable energy. We need to be the clean-technology capital of the world as well as the energy capital. Even though the clean-technology component is a small component of the overall energy industry, it is growing faster as a percentage.

Q: Why is it so difficult to attract local venture capitalists willing to invest in Houston clean-tech companies?

A: Silicon Valley got a head start on Texas in terms of all venture capital, and I think that falls true for clean technology as well. I do think there is a growing amount of venture capital in Houston and in Texas. The good part is we have some competitive advantages in our base as being the largest center of energy in the world.

Q: What would it take for Houston to catch up with Silicon Valley on the clean-tech side?

A: I think that's where Houston has a real advantage and has the best chance of catching up as there is adoption of more of the clean technology. As they scale up, Houston is best suited for their growth because Houston already has the base of energy experts, the trading, the distribution of energy, etc. There will be a lot of shakeout in the early days. There's a lot of competing technology in solar and wind, and as these emerging industries mature we have a great opportunity to become the center of that. The other aspect of this that gives us an advantage is many of the major oil companies are beginning to move into alternative energies in a bigger way. As they see these companies maturing a little, it becomes less and less of an economic risk, and they're moving into it.

Q: With biotech companies, there's traditionally been a fear they'll get acquired and leave town.