The TechX Accelerator, delivered by the Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC), is an intensive 12-week program designed to support innovative startups developing technologies that can accelerate the transition toward affordable, sustainable energy. Open to startups globally, the program combines grant funding, technical expertise, industry connections, mentoring, and commercialization support to help founders turn promising technologies into deployable real-world solutions.
Technology Focus Areas
TechX is focused on innovative, patentable hardware technologies at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3–6. Solutions should contribute to the energy transition and fall within one or more of the program's three primary focus areas:
• Clean Power: Technologies for offshore renewable power generation, energy storage, and the management and maintenance of power systems.
• Clean Fuels: Technologies related to hydrogen, alternative fuel production, carbon capture, fuel cells and generators, fuel storage and transportation, and chemicals or feedstocks used in fuel production.
• Clean Production: Technologies supporting emissions reduction, efficient production, decommissioning, asset integrity, measurement, monitoring and verification, inspection, and maintenance.
TechX is particularly interested in digitally enabled hardware incorporating technologies such as artificial intelligence, sensors, autonomous systems, or drone platforms for industrial, offshore, inspection, and energy applications.
Participant Benefits
• Up to £50,000 in Funding: Selected startups can receive up to £50,000 to support technology and business development. The funding is subject to an Advance Subscription Agreement (ASA), under which NZTC's funding may convert into equity under certain conditions.
• Technology Development Support: Work with technical experts to develop prototypes or minimum viable products and advance technologies toward commercialization.
• Business Model Validation: Test value propositions and business models with technical specialists and potential industrial customers across the energy value chain.
• Industry Trials and Pilots: Access opportunities to secure field trials and pilot technologies with energy companies and industry partners.
• Investor Readiness: Receive support with capital-raising strategy, investor pitches, and preparation for investor meetings.
• Demo Day Exposure: Present the startup and its technology to potential customers and ecosystem stakeholders during the program's final showcase.
• Energy Industry Network: Connect with NZTC's extensive network of energy operators, technology specialists, partners, mentors, investors, and potential customers.
• IP and Business Support: Gain guidance on intellectual property strategy, patents, legal and tax structuring, branding, team development, and demonstrating carbon impact.
• Long-Term Growth Support: Participants can access an additional two years of business support and co-working space following the accelerator.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be developing a pre-commercial technology at TRL 3–6, ranging from experimental proof of concept to a prototype demonstrated in a relevant environment. The technology should be novel, patentable hardware capable of delivering significant improvements in areas such as cost, efficiency, or performance.
Although applications are open globally, startups must either have a presence in Scotland or demonstrate strong ambitions to deploy their technology and generate economic impact in the North East of Scotland. Successful international applicants will be required to establish a UK company if they do not already have one.
Participating startups must also commit to the full 12-week program, including online workshops based around GMT working hours and travel within the UK for required in-person sessions. At least one team member must be available for required activities from Monday to Thursday throughout the program.
Application Process and Timeline
• Step 1 – Submit Application: Apply through the TechX online application platform and provide information about the business, founding team, and technology.
• Step 2 – Video and Slide Deck: Submit a five-minute video addressing technology innovation, technology impact, team strength, and fit with TechX, alongside a supporting deck of no more than six slides.
• Step 3 – NZTC Assessment: Applications are reviewed by NZTC technology experts from 28 September – 10 October 2026.
• Step 4 – Further Information: Selected startups progress to a due diligence information stage from 12 – 30 October 2026.
• Step 5 – Industry Review: Shortlisted companies are assessed by external industry reviewers from 2 – 6 November 2026, with up to 14 startups progressing to the finalist stage.
• Step 6 – Finalist Review Day: Finalists participate in a review session on 12 November 2026 to discuss their technology and business.
• Step 7 – Startup Notification: Finalists are informed of the outcome between 16 – 20 November 2026, after which successful startups proceed to due diligence and onboarding.
• Step 8 – Pre-Accelerator Onboarding: Successful participants complete onboarding activities ahead of the 2027 accelerator, including an in-person onboarding week scheduled for 7 – 11 December 2026.
• Application Deadline: 21 September 2026, 23:59 GMT+1.
Program Network and Support
TechX connects participating startups with the Net Zero Technology Centre's global network of technical experts, mentors, investors, energy operators, supply-chain organizations, and potential customers. Partners contribute through workshops, specialist sessions, technology-development support, industry introductions, and opportunities that may lead to prototype development, field trials, investment, and commercial partnerships.
The accelerator is managed by NZTC's TechX team, including Acceleration Manager Edward Pollock and Acceleration Lead Mariah Forbes, who oversee program delivery, startup onboarding, curriculum development, stakeholder engagement, assessment activities, investor engagement, and milestone events such as Demo Day.
Startups developing disruptive hardware solutions for clean power, clean fuels, or clean production can use the TechX Accelerator to advance their technology, validate commercial opportunities, strengthen their business strategy, and connect with the energy industry. With funding, technical expertise, industry access, investor preparation, and longer-term growth support, the program provides a structured pathway for early-stage energy technology companies seeking to move from pre-commercial development toward real-world deployment.