Could your innovation help accelerate the energy transition? ENU researchers, spin-outs and startups are encouraged to apply for funding and support through the TechX energy transition accelerator.
Applications are now open for Cohort 9 of the TechX Energy Transition Accelerator, offering ambitious startups the opportunity to access funding, industry connections and expert support to help bring innovative energy technologies to market.
Delivered by the Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC), a not-for-profit innovation centre supporting technologies that accelerate the transition to net zero, the accelerator is focused on supporting pioneering technologies while creating economic impact across Scotland and the wider UK.
Successful applicants will receive up to £50,000 in funding and participate in an intensive 12-week programme, gaining access to NZTC’s extensive network of industry partners, investors, mentors and technology experts.
What you’ll gain
Selected startups will benefit from:
- Up to £50,000 in funding
- A tailored 12-week accelerator programme
- Expert mentoring and technical support
- Access to industry partners and potential customers
- Opportunities to secure pilot projects and field trials
- Support to strengthen commercial strategy and investment readiness
- Access to NZTC’s network of investors and energy sector leaders
The programme is designed to help startups refine their technology, strengthen their value proposition and accelerate their route to market.
Who is this opportunity for?
The TechX energy transition accelerator is ideal for members of the Edinburgh Napier University research and innovation community who are developing innovative technologies that can support the transition to net zero.
This opportunity may be particularly relevant to:
- Researchers and research teams with commercially viable innovations
- Academic entrepreneurs exploring routes to market
- University spin-outs and commercialisation projects
- Startup founders and early-stage businesses
- Innovators developing technologies in clean power, clean fuels or clean production
Applicants should be working on a novel technology at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between 3 and 6, from proof of concept through to prototype stage, and have ambitions to create economic impact in Scotland and the wider UK.
Successful participants will gain access to funding, expert mentoring, industry partnerships and investor networks designed to accelerate the development and commercialisation of transformative technologies.
Areas of interest
TechX is seeking startups developing next-generation technologies within:
- Clean power
- Clean fuels
- Clean production
Applications are particularly encouraged from ambitious multi-founder teams whose solutions have the potential to contribute to a cleaner, more affordable and resilient energy future.
Key dates
- Applications open: Now
- Applications close: 21 September 2026 at 23:59 (BST)
Upcoming information events
The TechX team will be hosting a range of events to help prospective applicants learn more about the programme and develop strong applications.
- 24 August 2026, 14:00 to 14:30 – Application Support Webinar: Eligibility, essentials & easy wins
- 27 August 2026, 10:00 to 11:00 – Application Insights Workshop (Aberdeen): Uncovering the secret to securing £50,000 in funding for your startup
- 1 September 2026, 11:00 to 14:00 Applicant Workshop (Aberdeen): Prepare, present and progress
There may also be an additional in-person information session in Glasgow during the week commencing 7 September 2026.
Find out more
If you’re developing a breakthrough technology that could help accelerate the energy transition, this is an excellent opportunity to access funding, expert support and valuable industry connections.
To learn more about the programme, register for an upcoming event or start your application, visit the TechX website or contact the team directly at TechX@netzerotc.com.