AI, Energy, and the Power of Connection: Reflections from the NY Venture Summit

We just got back from the 2025 New York Venture Summit , and one thing was impossible to miss: AI is everywhere. It came up in almost every pitch, panel, and hallway conversation. But underneath all the buzzwords, there was a genuine excitement about how AI can actually solve real problems; not just impress investors.

Two big themes stood out for EnviTrace CEO and Co-Founder Tracy 'Trais' Kliphuis, and they are shaping how we’re thinking about the months ahead.

AI Isn’t the Story Anymore - How You Use It Is

One of the funniest (and most honest) moments at the summit was realizing that nearly every startup claimed to use AI in some way. At this point, simply saying “AI powered” doesn’t make you special. What does matter is how precisely and thoughtfully you apply it.

And that hit home for us.

From the beginning, EnviTrace has focused on physics-informed AI/ML - the kind that isn’t just basic pattern-matching but is grounded in real science, real data, and real-world behaviors. That approach drives EnviTrace's creations, which include GeoML, our platform for visualizing and understanding what’s happening below the Earth’s surface, and GeoTGo, our geothermal planning tool that helps communities explore clean energy options with clarity (not guesswork).

Conversations Matter More Than Pitches

The second big takeaway? The magic wasn’t on stage - it was in the conversations!

There’s something really refreshing about swapping stories with other founders who are also wrestling with tough problems, building with purpose, or trying to make sense of the rapid evolution of AI. The connections we made across climate tech, data science, and energy innovation sparked ideas we’re still talking about.

Those human moments - laughing about model failures, sharing lessons learned the hard way, or realizing you’re not the only one duct-taping new prototypes together - are what make events like this worth attending.

Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens in communities.

A Growing Wave of Science-Driven AI

Another encouraging thread throughout the summit was how many people are now talking about the need for AI that respects the laws of physics, not just probability curves. Industry leaders have put a spotlight on this, and it’s becoming clear that science-informed machine learning is where the real breakthroughs are happening.

With more than $3.5 million in U.S. Department of Energy support behind our work, EnviTrace is excited to keep pushing forward tools that help organizations and communities, including :

• Exploration of geothermal potential

• Reduction of project risk

• Understanding of complex subsurface systems

• Making smarter energy decisions, grounded in real science

Looking Ahead

We left the 2025 New York Venture Summit feeling energized; by the technology, yes - but even more by the people building it. There’s a shared sense of purpose right now across the climate and AI ecosystem, and it’s inspiring to be part of that momentum.

Huge thanks to youngStartup Ventures for bringing so many creative, mission-driven minds together. And to everyone we met in New York: let’s keep the conversations going. We’re excited for what’s next. 🚀

Learn more about EnviTrace's physics-informed AI for energy:

• Visit EnviTrace.com
• Explore GeoML for subsurface modeling
• Explore GeoTGo for geothermal exploration and potential
• Explore DAPE for geothermal and energy storage
• Get in touch: contact@envitrace.com