$50 million gift from Robert Zorich powers global institute for the future of energy
Arizona State University has announced the establishment of the Global Institute for the Future of Energy, made possible by a landmark $50 million gift from alumnus and energy investor Robert Zorich, managing partner of EnCap Investments.
The contribution marks one of the largest philanthropic commitments in ASU’s history and underscores Zorich’s long-standing dedication to advancing education, sustainability, and innovation in the energy sector.
Zorich, a graduate of ASU’s Thunderbird School of Global Management, said his motivation for the gift lies in the university’s global reach and its ability to turn ideas into impact.
“ASU has long been a pioneer in building bold, pragmatic solutions for the future,” he said. “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.”
As co-founder and managing partner of Houston-based EnCap Investments, Zorich has spent decades financing and advising companies across the energy spectrum—from traditional oil and gas ventures to emerging renewable technologies.
His philanthropy has followed a similar path, supporting programs that blend business leadership, environmental stewardship, and innovation to prepare the next generation of energy thinkers.
The Global Institute for the Future of Energy will be jointly led by the Thunderbird School of Global Management and ASU’s Global Futures Laboratory.
The institute will focus on advancing education, research, and innovation in global energy systems while developing new curricula, fellowships, and public engagement initiatives. Zorich’s gift will fund an endowed chair, scholarships, and fellowships, as well as support public programs and a PBS series, Energy Switch, which will feature expert debates and discussions on the future of energy.
Programming will begin with the development of specialized courses and fellowship opportunities, followed by the creation of an executive-in-residence program bringing leading industry voices into teaching, research, and community dialogue.
Public programs will aim to expand global access to reliable energy information and spark conversations that drive real-world solutions.
“Energy is central to nearly every facet of our daily lives, and we have to prepare now for an evolving energy future,” said ASU President Michael Crow.
“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.”
Through this transformative gift, Zorich cements his legacy as a catalyst for change—bridging industry expertise with educational innovation to help shape a sustainable global energy future.