How clean energy startups can secure accelerator funding and scale faster

Scaling in the clean energy sector tests more than just your technology. It demands resilience, sharp commercial thinking and a strong sense of purpose. Bringing breakthrough solutions into a capital-intensive, highly regulated industry is no small feat – but with the right support and strategy it’s possible.

For startups working at the edge of energy innovation, the journey to scale is demanding. Success hinges on more than product development. It requires successful funding rounds, early adopter buy-in, credible partnerships and, in some cases, acquisition. Real-world trials often act as the catalyst, providing the evidence investors expect and the performance data customers need.

Yet this momentum is hard-won. In 2024 global cleantech venture capital fell nearly 61 per cent compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, strategic pilots remain tightly controlled by incumbents, with only a third of energy sector funding rounds involving corporate investors, reflecting ongoing caution around external innovation. This also highlights the need for stronger bridges between startups and established players.

Despite growing interest in net zero technologies, progress remains uneven. Many startups fall short – and not for lack of innovation. Limited market access and support make them risky bets in a high-stakes sector where there is little room for error.

Still, startups bring something the industry desperately needs: ingenuity, urgency and ambition. That is where accelerators and growth programmes come in – offering the structure, support and access needed to turn promise into performance.

Scale faster with strategic support

High-potential startups with an innovative product can benefit from targeted support. Joining a leading accelerator programme, with a niche focus on clean energy, can open doors to critical funding, invaluable mentorship and connections to industry leaders – all essential to scaling impact.  

The Net Zero Technology Centre’s (NZTC) TechX Accelerator has supported more than 80 startups to date. More than 90 per cent are still trading. Take Puls8, an Aberdeen-based TechX startup alum that developed a non-invasive tool to verify pipework and tubing integrity. It has helped offshore teams cut maintenance time by up to 50 per cent and save an estimated £785,000 per asset annually. Backed by further NZTC investment, Puls8 expanded into digital surveying before being acquired by bp. That deal is enabling global deployment and impact at scale.

Mocean Energy, another Scottish-based graduate, joined TechX with a small-scale wave energy converter prototype. Today, they have built a 20-metre device delivering renewable subsea power. A £1.6 million follow-on project with NZTC, TotalEnergies and Shell enabled real-world testing in the North Sea.

What unites these stories? Strong ideas, amplified by funding, mentorship and industry connections gained through the TechX accelerator programme.

The UK, home to Europe’s energy capital, offer a variety of accelerators and support focused on advancing clean energy innovation. But competition is fierce. Programmes such as Shell Startup Engine, ORE Catapult’s Launch Academy and NZTC’s TechX Accelerator receive hundreds, sometimes thousands, of applications for only a few places.

Those startups that stand out do more than pitch an idea. They demonstrate market fit, a compelling growth plan and a team that can execute. When that foundation is in place, the results can be transformational.

Our TechX team have reviewed hundreds of startup applicants, so we’ve pulled together our suggestions on how you can secure support from a energy startup accelerator.

Perfect your pitch

Clean energy accelerators are receiving record interest. Your pitch must grab attention fast – whether in writing or in person. Make it clear what your startup does, the problem you are solving and why it matters now.

Lead with a crisp, outcome-driven value proposition. Show how your technology reduces emissions, improves efficiency or supports the wider energy system. Be specific – define the need, the benefit and your edge, but avoid jargon.

Remember, you’re speaking to a business audience, not just technical experts. Investors, partners and programme teams want to understand not only what your technology does, but why it matters. Use clear language and bring your solution to life through stories and relatable analogies. Explain the problem you’re solving in human terms; paint a picture of the real-world impact.

Demonstrate real-world relevance. Energy systems are complex and risk-averse. A strong pitch reflects awareness of your deployment context, from policy barriers to infrastructure gaps and customer behaviour.

Importantly, back up your claims. Whether you have secured a trial, received grant funding or hold IP, show evidence of traction.

Think commercial

Having clever technology is not enough. You need to show you can take it to market.

Start by defining your target user – whether it is an industrial operators or part of the wider supply chain, understand how your solution fits into existing systems and what specific problem it addresses.

Then get into your business model. How will you make money? Who will your first customers be and how will you reach them? A realistic plan will account for long sales cycles, procurement complexity and trust barriers.

Demonstrate how you will gain credibility with early adopters – whether through pilots, partnerships or third-party validation. Your commercial story should show that you are not just building tech, you are building a business that can scale.

Prove your technical depth

Deep technical understanding is non-negotiable. Investors and partners will expect you to answer detailed questions, explain your technology’s underlying principles and anticipate potential challenges before they arise. Particularly in programmes backed by sector experts.

Be ready to discuss how your solution works, why it’s reliable and what might cause it to fail. Show that your technology can perform reliably at scale or integrate with existing infrastructure. Demonstrating awareness of limitations, risks and mitigation strategies shows maturity and builds confidence. Identify the standards, certifications or compliance steps relevant to your solution. Explain how you plan to meet them and highlight any progress you’ve already made. This builds confidence in your ability to operate in a real-world, regulated environment.

Finally, show that your team includes the right expertise to handle ongoing development, troubleshooting and optimisation. The ability to learn quickly from setbacks and adapt will help maintain momentum through the inevitable hurdles of scaling clean energy solutions. Remember, accelerators invest in people too. Highlight your team’s capability, clarity and commitment.

Be clear on your purpose

In clean energy, purpose matters. So does credibility.

Startups that stand out are led by people who understand the climate challenge and can explain why their work matters. Whether you are addressing hard-to-abate emissions or unlocking new power sources, clarity of purpose builds trust.

But authenticity also means recognising what you need to succeed – whether that is funding, field trials or policy support. The net zero transition will not be delivered by isolated technologies. Collaboration and openness are essential.

Make sure your purpose runs through everything – your product, your pitch, your team and your plans. It is often what separates a promising idea from an investable, scalable solution.

Not all startups start out with everything they need to succeed – and that’s where an accelerator can make a big difference. Whether it’s connections, mentorship, or just a push in the right direction, the right support can take a good idea to the next level.