Not just funding: The overlooked advantages of startup accelerators 

If you’re building a startup in the clean energy space, you’ll already know it’s not for the faint-hearted. The urgency of the climate crisis makes the work feel more important than ever – but it also means the pressure is on. Capital is competitive, the path to scale is complex and the sector you’re trying to disrupt is often cautious, highly regulated and resistant to change.

At this early stage, it’s easy to assume that funding is the biggest barrier. And yes, securing investment is critical. But from working closely with nearly 90 clean energy startups through the TechX Clean Energy Accelerator, we’ve seen that what truly moves the dial for founders goes beyond capital.

So, what do early-stage clean energy startups really need to succeed? Here’s what we’ve learnt.

Real-world opportunities to validate your solution

When you’re building a complex solution – especially one in energy, infrastructure or heavy industry – theoretical performance isn’t enough. Startups need real-world environments to prove their technology can handle the operational, environmental and regulatory complexities it will face when commercialised.

This is where accelerators can make all the difference. They don’t just connect you to advice – they connect you to opportunity. In 2023, the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) reported a 100 per cent success rate in startups securing pilots and field trials through its cleantech accelerator and incubator network. That’s not a coincidence. It’s the result of strong ecosystems making the right introductions at the right time.

We’ve seen this play out consistently at TechX. Participating startups gain access to the Net Zero Technology Centre’s (NZTC) expansive industry network, which helps fast-track testing, validation and commercial conversations.

Take Mocean Energy, which joined one of TechX’s early cohorts. Their wave energy converter went on to secure a £1.6 million follow-on project with NZTC, TotalEnergies and Shell, unlocking real-world testing in the North Sea.

ACUA Ocean, part of our 2023 cohort, completed a full programme of harbour and sea trials  in 2024 for its hydrogen-powered uncrewed surface vessel. The trials included stability testing, payload deployment and regulatory checks carried out in partnership with Lloyd’s Register and the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

In this space, a well-placed pilot isn’t just validation. It’s often the difference between a promising pitch and a market-ready product.

Mentorship that doesn’t stop at advice

True mentorship goes beyond the occasional check-in or business 101 chat. What early-stage founders really need is access to people who have walked a similar path – those who understand the trade-offs, tough decisions and unique challenges that come with building a business in the energy sector.

Whether it involves refining a go-to-market strategy, navigating policy and regulation, or adjusting a product based on field feedback, consistent and honest guidance can make a real difference.

Over the years, we have worked with over 100 experienced individuals from technology, commercial and entrepreneurial backgrounds. Fernando C. Hernandez, Chairman of the Board of the Society of Low Carbon Technologies and Global Scot Business Ambassador, has supported our startups for almost five years. One of the first companies Fernando mentored was TechX Graduate Puls8, a piping and tubing verification company. He helped facilitate strategic discussions, draft their initial commercial proposals and provided insights into global markets. Today, Puls8 has been acquired by bp and is preparing its technology for global deployment.

This is the level of support we expect at TechX when recruiting mentors. Founders need more than advice; they need champions who open doors, make introductions and help turn technical potential into real-world impact.

A community that has your back

It’s easy to underestimate the emotional and mental toll of being a founder, especially in energy and technology sectors. Many are operating in high-stakes, underfunded and rapidly shifting spaces.

In fact, more than half of UK startup founders reported increased burnout over the last year, while almost one in five say their mental health has declined in the past six months. The pressure to deliver is enormous – and it can get lonely.

That’s why community matters. I’ve seen time and again how much founders benefit simply from talking to others who ‘get it’ – who know what it’s like to manage a small team while pitching for investment, chasing pilot opportunities and keeping the lights on (sometimes literally). Just being able to share the load, even briefly, can make a big difference.

TechX is an intensive training programme, but it also carves out the space for participants to switch off, recharge and enjoy the journey. Curated social events and informal meetups are designed to help founders build lasting connections with their peers.

Having a trusted circle of fellow founders, advisors and collaborators creates a sense of belonging and shared mission. When you’re surrounded by people who understand the highs and lows, who offer perspective, share advice and validate your experience, it becomes much easier to keep going.

“It’s been really lovely getting to know the other members of my cohort, especially the founders in the energy hardware space. Being able to share our challenges and frustrations, and celebrate each other’s technologies, has been a really meaningful experience. TechX has done a great job of bringing us together and creating a strong sense of community.”

Georgia Ware, Founder of HotGreen

Space to grow as a founder

We often talk about scaling businesses, but what about scaling founders? Leading a clean energy startup demands technical insight, commercial acumen and the ability to lead under pressure. Founders Forum Group reports that 23 per cent of startups fail due to team issues, including gaps in leadership skills among founders. It’s a lot to shoulder – and it’s okay to admit you need support, time or space to grow into the role.

The best support systems – whether accelerators, incubators or entrepreneurial-focused communities – don’t just look at your pitch deck. They invest in you as a person. They give you time to think, space to focus and people to lean on when things get tough.

In past cohorts, TechX has paired founders with dedicated leadership coaches who focus not just on scaling the business, but on developing the founder as a leader. From refining communication and management styles to helping articulate a clear, shared vision, these coaches play a crucial role in shaping confident, capable executives ready to lead teams through growth and change.

We see the value in people first and foremost. When founders grow, everything else can grow with them – the team, the technology and the impact.

Building for the long term

Clean energy innovation isn’t a sprint. It’s a long game with high stakes. Startups tackling climate and energy challenges are not just building businesses. They are shaping the infrastructure of our future.

So, while funding is vital, it’s not enough. What makes the real difference is access – to testing opportunities, experienced mentors, supportive communities and the credibility that opens doors. That’s where we should focus our collective effort if we want clean energy innovation to scale at the pace we need. And accelerators offer a powerful platform to make that access possible.

If you’re building something ambitious in clean energy, know this: you don’t have to go it alone. The right support at the right time can change everything.