The UK Net Zero Technology Centre has selected 12 clean energy technology start-ups 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.
The programme is backed by partners including BP, Equinor, ADNOC, Accenture and Deep Science Ventures.
Selected from over 200 applications, spanning 50 countries, TechX’s 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 include Cedeco, which is developing a mechanical alternative to grout for offshore wind turbine jacket installation and HonuWorx, which is developing uncrewed systems for the deployment and control of subsea robots that drive down the cost and emissions of offshore operations.
Others include Brayfoil Technologies, which is commercialising a new wind turbine blade design that uses bio-mimicry to improve performance and efficiency, T-Omega Wind, which is behind a concept for low-cost floating wind turbines for coastal community energy which can resist wave-induced motion and align to the wind by weathervaning and ZEM Fuel Systems, which is developing an ammonia-based fuel cell to power marine vehicles for zero-carbon transportation.
The latest TechX cohort shows a significant increase in gender-diversity, with more than 40% of the start-ups having a female leader or co-leader.
TechX conducted extensive research in 2021, highlighting the benefits diversity can bring to start-ups, including increased performance, innovation and employee retention.
TechX’s start-up alumni continue to see success, having generated more than £5m in revenue in 2021, and forecasting £10-12m in 2022.
The programme aims to rapidly accelerate companies into the clean energy industry, shortening the road to commercialisation.
Mark Anderson (pictured), TechX director, said: “With more than 230 applications, we saw an impressive and diverse mix of start-ups apply to take part in our award-winning accelerator programme.
“While a tough task, we were delighted to select 12 ambitious companies that offer innovative and impactful solutions that can help shape the future of energy.”