Arizona State University (ASU) has announced the creation of the Global Institute for the Future of Energy, funded by a $50 million gift from Bob Zorich, managing partner and founder of EnCap Investments and a Thunderbird School of Global Management alumnus. The new institute is a joint effort between ASU’s Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory and Thunderbird School of Global Management, aiming to expand energy education and innovation on a global scale.
The announcement was made in Houston during a panel event featuring Zorich, university leaders, and industry experts. The institute will draw on the expertise and international networks of both ASU units.
“ASU has long been a pioneer in building bold, pragmatic solutions for the future. With an enrollment exceeding 194,000 students annually across its in-person campuses and online, ASU continues to fulfill its charter,” said Zorich. “President Michael Crow has taken a visionary and action-oriented approach to positioning the university as a leading center for research, educational excellence and global influence. For these reasons, I was excited to fund the formation of this energy institute at ASU because of the university’s unique ability to scale and reach a global audience.”
Zorich emphasized that the institute aims to help people better understand complex energy issues by expanding access to information and developing practical solutions that advance global energy systems while supporting human flourishing.
ASU President Michael Crow described the initiative as essential for preparing future leaders amid rapid technological changes such as artificial intelligence. “Energy is central to nearly every facet of our daily lives, and we have to prepare now for an evolving energy future,” Crow said. “With the rapid growth of AI and other fast-moving innovations, we have a responsibility to ready the next generation of energy leaders and solutions. Bob Zorich’s visionary investment will empower our global understanding of energy, our vital literacy and how we can work together to develop the best paths forward.”
The $50 million gift will endow a chair who will serve as director of the institute; it will also fund fellowships, scholarships, curriculum development for various education levels, public engagement programs, as well as sponsorship for “Energy Switch,” an Arizona PBS show produced by Switch Energy Alliance.
Peter Schlosser, vice president and vice provost at ASU’s Global Futures Laboratory, highlighted both challenges and opportunities: “Transforming our energy systems is not a choice, it is a necessity. But it is also one of the greatest opportunities of our time. If we align our decisions, incentives and values with the realities of the need for a transition of the energy system, we create not only a sustainable future but a foundation for energy system economic prosperity.”
In its second year, plans include launching fellowship programs with industry leaders participating in research and teaching activities. Public events such as conferences, lectures, hackathons and summer camps are also planned.
Charla Griffy-Brown, director general and dean at Thunderbird School of Global Management stated: “Bob Zorich’s visionary gift reflects the very spirit of Thunderbird — bringing together innovation, global perspective and practical impact to solve humanity’s most pressing challenges. Energy is the foundation of every economy, community and society… We are honored to partner with Bob in creating a global hub that empowers the next generation of leaders.”
Zorich described his motivation: “People really don’t know where energy comes from… I knew there was a hole in the side of a car where I placed the gasoline nozzle… I had no idea about the importance of energy.” He added: “There’s a difference between affordable energy and aspirational energy. How do we gain energy abundance going into the future? The institute will look at what makes sense… what creates the best answer for most people.”
Patrick McDermott from ASU Foundation called Zorich’s contribution “a catalyst for transformation,” saying it empowers ASU “to lead … in energy education … expanding access … worldwide.” Scott Woelfel from Arizona PBS noted that sponsoring “Energy Switch” allows them “to present this vitally important program … providing thoughtful analysis … helping drive informed conversations.”
This new initiative follows several innovative projects involving ASU across sectors; according to a press release, ASU has partnered with Argos Vision—a tech startup developing smart traffic cameras—to improve safety through data analysis in Phoenix locations.
ASU’s reputation for innovation remains strong; the university was named number one in innovation by U.S. News & World Report for eight consecutive years.
The Global Institute for the Future of Energy seeks not only academic progress but also broader societal understanding about how choices around power shape communities worldwide.
