The Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) has announced the twelve clean energy technology start-ups selected for the fourth cohort of the award-winning TechX Accelerator Programme.
Starting the 15-week intensive programme in late February, each of the start-ups selected will receive expert mentoring and support, including a grant of up to £100,000.
Backed by a suite of industry-leading partners, including bp, Equinor, ADNOC, Accenture and Deep Science Ventures, their guidance can help successful companies secure field trials and learn how to pitch to potential customers.
Selected from over 200 applications, spanning 50 countries, NZTC says its next cohort of entrepreneurs offer “cutting-edge, clean energy enabling solutions” that will help shape and accelerate a net zero energy industry.
The start-ups selected are:
- Aquature – Technology to produce green chemicals and carbon neutral fuels from wastewater, using a net energy-positive bio-electrochemical process.
- BeeX Autonomous Systems – Hovering Autonomous Marine Systems, paired with a subscription-based software portal to conduct intelligent assessments and analyses of underwater assets.
- Brayfoil Technologies – A novel wind turbine blade design that utilises bio-mimicry to improve performance and efficiency.
- Cedeco – Technology offering a mechanical alternative to grout for offshore wind turbine jacket installation.
- Dunia Innovation – The world’s first self-driving laboratory for electrocatalytic CO2 utilisation, significantly speeding up catalyst discovery.
- HonuWorx – Uncrewed systems for the deployment and control of subsea robots that drive down the cost and emissions of offshore operations.
- JET Engineering System Solutions – Floating telecom mesh networked 5G buoys that enable safe, secure and sustainable smart operations by combining data with communications.
- PJP Eye – Rechargeable plant-based dual carbon batteries that utilise industrial waste instead of rare metals, with potential applications in marine and aviation.
- RepAir Carbon Capture – A modular, cheaper way of capturing carbon through an electrochemical system powered by electricity.
- T-Omega Wind – Low-cost floating wind turbines for coastal community energy which can resist wave-induced motion and align to the wind by weathervaning.
- UP Catalyst – A carbon-capturing reactor that can convert airborne CO2 into graphite.
- ZEM Fuel Systems – An ammonia-based fuel cell to power marine vehicles resulting in zero-carbon transportation.
Making good on the mission statement of the round, the latest cohort shows a significant increase in gender-diversity, with more than 40% of the start-ups having a female leader or co-leader. The companies selected also span a range of countries, including the US, Singapore, Japan, South Africa, Israel and Estonia, as well as the UK.
More than 33 start-ups have graduated from TechX since its launch, with more than 20 field trials completed and five companies having commercialised. Its alumni have now generated more than £5 million in revenue in 2021, and forecasting £10-12m in 2022.
TechX director Mark Anderson noted the “impressive and diverse mix of start-ups” that applied under the fourth round.
“Our fourth cohort marks the first to fully focus on clean energy – start-ups like these are essential in discovering untapped potential that can help us close the gap in net zero technologies. We look forward to working with cohort four, and introducing them to all of the valuable opportunities that come with TechX.”
Net Zero Technology Centre chief executive Colette Cohen added that “disruptive, inspiring and innovative technologies” were at the heart of the NZTC’s mission.
“The range of solutions and ideas we saw as part of the TechX selection process was inspiring. We are excited to be supporting these 12 new companies, led by strong diverse teams, on their journey to delivering technology that will accelerate a net zero energy system, create jobs and build Scotland’s reputation in clean energy technology,” she noted.
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