NextGen Program Overview

This 2026 overview explains NextGen, the OpenMinds Leaders Program that identifies, empowers and connects the next generation of energy and climate leaders to act on the Dual Challenge of more energy, less emissions. It profiles the 2024, 2025 and 2026 cohorts, the steering committee, and the company-sponsored projects that students lead.

Key points

• NextGen's vision is a community of 300+ leaders over the next decade. Cohort members already count 50+ publications and 6+ companies founded.
• Students come from 19 schools. In the 2024 inaugural cohort, 30% were first-generation college students.
• 2024 projects spanned six topics: CCUS, direct air capture, methane abatement, coal-to-X switching, renewable power and transmission. 2026 projects include battery storage, data center power demand, and geothermal and nuclear.
• Students commit about 2 to 5 hours a week, join a 3-day bootcamp and receive 1:1 mentorship from OpenMinds experts.