Honoring Rising Leaders in Innovation & Future Industries
THE SCOTT GALE MEMORIAL AWARD
The Idea Village and Halliburton Labs established the Scott Gale Memorial Award to recognize rising leaders who embody Scott’s vision, character, and commitment to innovation.
The award celebrates an individual driving transformative change in future-oriented industries, championing breakthrough innovation, and strengthening the startup ecosystem across the Gulf Coast. The award is presented annually at New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW) each March in front of leading innovators, investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from across the region and beyond.
Nominations for the 2027 Scott Gale Memorial Award will close on November 1, 2026.
AWARD INFORMATION
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The Scott Gale Memorial Award celebrates Scott’s lasting impact by recognizing leaders who share his spirit, vision, and ability to bring people together. This award honors individuals who embody his values, ethos, and commitment to driving meaningful change in future-oriented industries. The recipient of the Scott Gale Memorial Award will exemplify the following qualities:
» Forward-Thinking & Action-Oriented
Scott was committed to optimism and a future-focused mindset. He believed in actively shaping a better world, always looking ahead to the next frontier, and helping others bring innovative solutions to life. No matter the challenge, Scott’s response was always the same: “Onwards!”
» Protector of the Entrepreneurial Spirit
While not an entrepreneur himself, Scott dedicated much of his career to supporting founders building venture-scale companies tackling complex challenges in clean energy and beyond. As the driving force behind Halliburton Labs, he championed innovation, respected the journey of entrepreneurs, and embodied servant leadership—always focused on helping others succeed.
» Champion of Future Industries
Scott was a visionary leader committed to advancing the energy sector. He supported startups developing groundbreaking solutions in renewable energy, energy storage, carbon capture, and other transformative technologies. Aligned with Halliburton Labs’ mission, he worked tirelessly to support companies solving the world’s most pressing energy challenges, pushing the industry toward a cleaner, more efficient, and accessible future.
» Community-Driven & A Master Connector
Scott understood the power of networks and was intentional about growing and strengthening the innovation community. He invested in diverse perspectives to create a more robust ecosystem, building connections that spanned Houston, the Gulf Coast, and beyond. At New Orleans Entrepreneur Week and other convenings, Scott brought together key stakeholders to drive critical conversations about the future of energy—expanding networks and opportunities with authenticity and purpose.
Additional information about Scott’s work and life can be found in his bio below.
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The Scott Gale Memorial Award nomination process is designed to identify and celebrate visionary leaders who embody Scott’s legacy.
Nomination Process
An open call for nominations will be announced through key industry channels, including The Idea Village, 3rd Coast Venture Summit (3CVS), NOEW, and Halliburton Labs platforms, as well as a national press release. Industry partners and media outlets will also promote the opportunity to ensure a diverse pool of candidates. A core group of industry influencers will be engaged to help amplify the nomination process.
Application Submission
Nominations for the 2027 award are now open and will close on November 1, 2026.
Selection Process
A selection committee comprised of representatives from The Idea Village and Halliburton Labs will evaluate nominations based on the outlined award criteria. If additional information is required, the nominator or nominee may be contacted for further details. The selected winner will be invited to attend New Orleans Entrepreneur Week in person to receive the award live on stage and participate in 3rd Coast Venture Summit.
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Nominations Deadline: November 1, 2026
Winner Notified: December 2026
Press Announcement: February 2027
Award Presented & Nominations Open for Next Year: March 2027 at New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (March 8-13, 2027).
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The Scott Gale Memorial Award will be presented live at NOEW 2027, where the recipient will be recognized on stage and invited to share brief remarks or participate in a live interview. The honoree will also receive a complimentary pass to that year's 3rd Coast Venture Summit, connecting them with leading investors, founders, and innovation leaders. Following the event, the recipient will be featured across NOEW, 3CVS, Halliburton Labs, and national media channels to amplify their impact and visibility.
Congratulations to Inaugural Scott Gale Memorial Award Recipient, Kimberly Gramm, MBA, Ph.D.
Kimberly Gramm, MBA, Ph.D., has been named the inaugural recipient of The Idea Village’s Scott Gale Memorial Award, recognizing visionary leadership in building the Gulf South’s innovation ecosystem. Her forward-thinking approach and commitment to expanding opportunity continue to strengthen the infrastructure that supports founders and drives long-term regional growth.
As Chief Innovation & Entrepreneurship Officer at Tulane University's Innovation Institute, Gramm has spent more than 18 years building the systems that turn research and ideas into real companies — first at Florida Atlantic University and Texas Tech University, and since 2022, in New Orleans.
Under her leadership, more than 390 startups have launched inside university environments, collectively raising over $500 million in investment capital.
A Track Record Built on Infrastructure
Founded two university accelerators — FAU Tech Runway and the Texas Tech University Accelerator — and co-founded the Texas Tech Research Park innovation district
Secured more than $12 million in federal and economic development grants for research and commercialization
Helped secure a $160 million National Science Foundation engine grant (FUEL) to accelerate Louisiana's energy transformation
Founded and now leads Tulane Ventures, a $10 million fund investing in biotech and life sciences, energy, and AI/machine learning
Led the Tulane Innovation Institute to a 2024 Outstanding Emerging Entrepreneurship Center Award from the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers
Beyond Tulane, Gramm chairs the New Orleans Entrepreneurship Council through her board role with Greater New Orleans, Inc., serves as an ambassador to Right2Start, and sits on the Governing Board for NSF FUEL, extending her impact across the region's broader innovation ecosystem.
“This award underscores the importance of investing in systems that empower founders to build companies addressing real-world challenges.”
Carrying A Legacy of Innovation
"I'm honored to be named the inaugural recipient of the Scott Gale Memorial Award, created in tribute to Scott's legacy," said Gramm.
"To be associated with a recognition that affirms mission-driven leadership and a long-term commitment to developing new industries and practical solutions is deeply meaningful. This award underscores the importance of investing in systems that empower founders to build companies addressing real-world challenges. At Tulane University, in close partnership with the New Orleans Entrepreneur Council and through GNO, Inc., we are focused on strengthening the innovation infrastructure that supports emerging sectors from energy to other high-growth fields. This honor reflects the shared dedication across the Gulf South to turning ideas into tangible impact."
About Scott Gale
Scott Gale was a prominent figure in Houston's energy and innovation sectors, known for his leadership and creativity. He began his career at Dow Chemical before joining Halliburton, where he played a pivotal role in the development of the SmartFleet portfolio.
In 2020, Scott became the inaugural executive director of Halliburton Labs, which supports early-stage energy technology companies. He played a key role in shaping Houston's energy transition ecosystem. Scott held a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University and earned an MBA from Rice University in 2019. He continued his involvement with Rice University, serving on the Rice Business Alumni Association Board and the Energy Advisory Board.
Beyond his professional achievements, Scott was also a voice actor and podcast host, which allowed him to showcase his impressive voice and channel his interest in humanity. As the invited guest host of the Big Easy Ideas podcast - Season 3, Scott introduced insightful discussions that had been recorded live on stage at previous NOEW’s; these sessions featured a lineup of entrepreneurs and industry leaders that Scott had curated from his personal and professional networks — sharing valuable regional and national perspectives on energy, technology, and startup growth. His passion and enthusiasm for ecosystem-building made a lasting impact on the cross-pollination and growth of numerous innovation communities.
Scott passed away on September 24, 2024 at the age of 40, after a hard fought and courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Nicole, their four children, his parents, and seven siblings. His legacy of innovation and leadership continues to inspire those who knew him.
Learn more about Scott’s life and accomplishments through the digital obituary, guestbook, and photo album.