Opportunity North East (ONE), in partnership with Barclays Eagle Labs and CodeBase have launched the EnergyTech Bridge Programme.
This initiative is designed to support businesses in entering new markets, scaling internationally, innovating new products or services, and contributing to the transition towards cleaner, greener energy through digital technology innovation.
The programme brings together ambitious innovators: 27 digital tech businesses, including 22 north east companies - a record number for the programme. In addition, seven corporate international companies including NOV, Oceaneering, Global E&C, EDF Energy, Scottish and Southern Energy Networks (SSEN), Xodus and Seallfield Nuclear join the programme, with the aim to explore new innovative products and services to help them achieve their net zero goals.
Karen O’Hanlon, Digital Tech Director at ONE commented: “North east Scotland has one of the largest clusters of energy tech businesses in Europe and 42% of the regions digital sector are EnergyTech businesses. With 22 businesses from the region, this showcases the strength, ambition and capability the north east boasts in ClimateTech innovation. They provide tech products and services and respond to opportunities in emerging high-growth sectors such as ClimateTech, AgriTech, RegTech and renewables.
Image credit: Adele Keith
The EnergyTech Bridge programme is important as it takes an integrated approach for digital tech businesses to solve problems for the corporates with potential customers to build on their technology and showcase their innovations. The transition to net zero has a clear requirement for new innovative products and services, and the digital tech companies in the north east are ready and well placed to respond, to increase their international competitiveness, respond global demand and thereby contribute to grow the regional economy.”
The programme is set to accelerate growth and innovation by providing tailored support to SME businesses. Participants will benefit from expert mentoring, identify key energy transition challenges, enabling them with the tools to pitch to investors and potential customers, allowing them to grow and scale their business. Aiming to build a more resilient and forward-thinking tech ecosystem in north east Scotland.
On the day of the programme launch Glen McLellan, General Manager UK, NOV said, “It’s exciting to be in a room full of innovative people hearing what they’ve got to say and learning from SMEs. I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am now in my career without mentoring, and I feel passionate about sharing knowledge and experience with others.
Energy transition is a big part of what we are focussed on as a business. It’s exciting to see what new tech is out there and what we can learn from the SMEs who are right at the start of their journey, who are a group of very intelligent people with big ideas.”
Image credit: Adele Keith
Gareth McIntyre, Director at GDi commented, “ As a tech-focused business in Aberdeen, we see significant opportunities with transferring our digital twin technology into other industries, we’ve already engaged with the utility space, and now in discussions with wind farm owners to create digital twins of their assets.
"The North-east had a rich legacy in oil and gas industry and a region which is home to some of the greatest minds in the UK, maybe even in the world. We have built, maintained, managed, and provided life extension of critical infrastructure and we are experts in this space. Applying that knowledge into other industries, such as green energy is absolutely within our skillset.
"We were part of the previous EnergyTech cohort, and secured significant business by connecting with larger organisations. We’re excited to return for another year having benefitted from growth, securing revenue, gaining access to networks and expertise, and learning innovation.”
Gail Henderson, Founder of DEV4 Online Limited said, "We joined EnergyTech to explore partnerships, share insights, and integrate new technologies into our business. Networking is crucial for us, and this cohort has been invaluable in connecting with experts who possess the technology and skills we seek.
As an Aberdeen-based software company, we understand the importance of the energy transition. Our focus is on improving operational efficiency, and we are eager to collaborate with companies moving into renewables. This programme aligns perfectly with our goal of scaling up, enhancing our bespoke software, and supporting sustainable practices in the energy sector."