With energy production and consumption still accounting for over 85% of today’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the urgency to close these gaps has never been more critical.

Encouragingly, the runway is lit. Now more than ever the energy industry has a clear view of the solutions poised to make the greatest impact. Carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), for example, is emerging as a cornerstone of decarbonisation strategies, essential for mitigating emissions from hard-to-abate sectors. Equally transformative is green hydrogen, produced from renewable sources, which promises to redefine multiple industries by providing clean, adaptable energy solutions.

The challenge lies not in identifying these breakthrough solutions, but in advancing them from concept to commercialisation. Deeptech innovations – those rooted in cutting-edge scientific and engineering principles – require intensive research, development and validation. This is a complex and time-consuming process, demanding not only significant resources but also a unique mindset – one characterised by resilience, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of progress. Enter the entrepreneurs: the vanguards of change.

Startups at the forefront of transformation

Startups are uniquely positioned to drive this transformation. Their agility enables them to navigate uncharted territories and take risks that larger corporations often shy away from. By embracing niche challenges, they rapidly become specialists, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. The clean energy startup ecosystem is gaining momentum, with global venture capital investment surging from $1.9 billion in 2019 to an impressive $11.6 billion in 2023. This growth reflects a recognition that entrepreneurs are not just participants in the clean energy transition; they are its accelerators.

Yet, while funding is flowing and support networks are expanding, a fundamental challenge remains: the existing startup support infrastructure is not fully aligned with the unique needs of deep tech. In the UK, for instance, there are 684 active accelerators and incubators, but only 41 of these are focused on scaling green technologies. For deeptech startups working to solve some of the most complex energy challenges, many of these generic programmes may only take them so far. To move from prototype to industrial deployment, they need bespoke support and access to a network deeply embedded in the energy sector.

This is the gap the Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) sought to fill with the launch of our TechX Clean Energy Accelerator. Our approach goes beyond conventional accelerator models, providing deeptech startups with comprehensive support that spans the entire technology development lifecycle. With funding, mentorship and access to potential customers, the accelerator also offers an additional range of opportunities stemming from our unique network and team.

Backed by decades of industry expertise and a global network of partners, we offer participants a truly transformative experience. To date nearly 70 startups have joined our programme, collectively generating over £22 million in revenue and creating 230 new jobs – an impact that extends far beyond traditional metrics of success.

Powering progress

For instance, Supercritical Solutions, a London-based startup developing a high-pressure electrolyser producing green hydrogen directly from water, joined the programme back in 2020. Over the 18-week programme it became evident that Supercritical's ultra-efficient technology had immense potential, offering up to 30% more efficiency than conventional electrolysers. By producing hydrogen at pressure without the need for gas compression, it significantly reduces capital costs, setting a new benchmark for efficiency in green hydrogen production.

Supercritical’s journey through our accelerator was just the beginning. After graduating from the accelerator they continued to benefit through our Net Zero R&D Programme, which connects startups with industry-led, academically driven projects. These partnerships, often with leading Scottish universities, provide a critical pathway for advancing complex technologies from lab to market, bridging the gap between scientific discovery and commercial deployment.

In just a few years, the company has risen from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2 – a concept formulated, to TRL 5 – a partial scale prototype set to be validated in the relevant environment. This is a huge leap in a relatively short space of time.

Another stand out is Mocean Energy, an Edinburgh-based startup that has made remarkable strides since joining our 2019 TechX cohort. When they entered the programme, they had only a small-scale model of their wave energy converter, weighing just a few kilogrammes. Today, the company has developed a full-size, 20-metre-long device weighing 38 tonnes, capable of delivering reliable, renewable power for a range of subsea applications, including control systems, remotely operated vehicles and fully autonomous underwater vehicles.

Mocean Energy is another startup that benefited not only from our accelerator, but through NZTC’s vast network. Following their time in TechX, the company went on to secure a £1.6 million project with NZTC, involving industry majors such as TotalEnergies and Shell. This has allowed the technology to be rigorously tested and trialled in the North Sea.

There is no silver bullet for accelerating deep tech. Navigating the landscape of technical hurdles, regulatory requirements, and market readiness requires patience and persistence. However, by leveraging focused networks and tailored support, we can conquer through collaboration. This integrated approach will guide emerging companies through a multifaceted development journey at an accelerated pace, ultimately unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation.

Start-ups are at the forefront of this revolution, and we are actively seeking visionary entrepreneurs for our next TechX cohort. Together, we can bring breakthrough innovations closer to market. In doing so, we not only close technological gaps but also drive a transformative shift towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.

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