TechX Programme Partners and Mentors
In addition to our strategic and professional services partners, our expert delivery partners, associate partners and mentors are the foundation of the TechX Accelerator programme, providing tuition and expert advice to the start-ups, as well as opportunities for field trials.
4c Engineering
4c Engineering
4c Engineering is a technology development team of 4 chartered engineers and one developing engineer. Our unique combination of technical expertise, prototyping capabilities, and data analysis skills make us a standout choice for companies looking for to develop their ideas or products. We have a strong history of innovation and technology development, with a particular specialism in the marine renewable sector, and a robust and honest client relationship approach that builds trust. Our flexible setup allows us to respond quickly to client needs and provide accelerated product development with a focus on reducing risk. Experience of working as embedded support inside client organisations, coupled with our cross-sector exposure gives us unique insights into common challenges in product development. We can also assist with consortium building, project formation and funding applications. We can help prepare your project for further investment by presenting a robust baseline, and clearly communicating the particular benefits of complex technologies in a way that is accessible to non-technical decision makers.
A2E Limited
A2E Limited
“A2E, part of the Pivot International Group of companies, is an electronic design services company committed to providing innovative embedded solutions for clients operating in the oil and gas and renewables sectors. Founded in 2002 we have many years’ experience in designing electronic modules, electronics for high temperature and pressure environments and electronic products for hazardous environments (ATEX, IECEx and Class/Div).
Our experience includes data loggers, pressure/temperature monitoring and motor controllers. Our team of engineers have detailed experience in areas such as ATEX, wireless, sensors and designs for high temperature/pressure environments. Our experience and expertise allow us to develop solutions to address your product challenges.
Through the wider Pivot Group we offer industrial and mechanical design and development and can take your product from initial concept through prototyping and testing to volume manufacturing. We leverage our global supply chain team to tackle component availability issues and provide volume manufacturing options through our facilities in North America, Mexico, China, and The Philippines. We have manufacturing partners in the UK and Europe for customers who require local manufacturing options.”
AAB
AAB
AAB’s Tech Team is supporting the cohort by using a combination of ‘1-2-many’ group sessions and 1-2-1s. When it comes to finance and accounting, we want to ensure the start-ups grow on accurate foundations. We advise them on getting the basics right – these 3 pillars are accurate management accounts every month using cloud accounting software like Xero, accessing good advice from an accountant and making sure year-end compliance is all organised. In the group sessions we provide advice on board meetings, due diligence and Directors’ responsibilities and also the additional areas an accounting firm can add value to the company.
Accenture
Accenture
Accenture is a global professional services company with leading capabilities in digital, cloud and security. Combining unmatched experience and specialised skills across more than 40 industries, it offers Strategy and Consulting, Interactive, Technology and Operations services — all powered by the world’s largest network of Advanced Technology and Intelligent Operations centres. Accenture’s 624,000 people deliver on the promise of technology and human ingenuity every day, serving clients in more than 120 countries. Accenture embraces the power of change to create value and shared success for its clients, people, shareholders, partners and communities.
Accenture looks to collaboratively deliver innovative solutions with its ecosystem partners to accelerate its clients’ net zero goals and decarbonise operations across the full value chain.
Find out more about Accenture here.
ADNOC
ADNOC
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) is one of the world’s leading energy producers and a primary catalyst for the growth and diversification of the Abu Dhabi economy. ADNOC has a network of fully-integrated businesses for exploration, production, storage, refining, and trading, as well as the development of a wide range of petrochemical products.
With an ambitious outlook for the future, ADNOC continues to look for innovative ways to maximise the value of resources, while applying the latest technology, developing mutually-beneficial partnerships, and driving In-Country Value.
Find out more about ADNOC here.
AVC Immedia
AVC Immedia
Animation and Video specialists, we help bring companies products, solutions and visions to life through the world of motion.
Barclays Eagle Labs
Barclays Eagle Labs
“Eagle Labs are a growing national network of incubator spaces that provide business incubation, virtual growth programmes, mentoring and co-working and office space for ambitious high-growth businesses.
By cultivating a community of likeminded entrepreneurs through a providing a collaborative work environment, access to their peers and opportunities to maximise growth through digital connections, curated events and funding opportunities, Eagle Labs are able to help start-ups to grow at pace.
Eagle Labs also specialises in positively disrupting key industries by bringing together key corporate players, industry bodies, leading universities and start-ups to enable rapid innovation and investment by asking them to collaborate and currently have dedicated LawTech, HealthTech, Digital Security, EnergyTech and AgriTech industry-aligned programmes.
With more than 35 Eagle Labs across the country and more in the pipeline, our focus is to help to connect, educate and accelerate ambitious UK businesses and entrepreneurs.”
Blackfish Scotland
Blackfish Scotland
“Blackfish was forged from the tidal stream industry in 2016 and we thrive in developing innovative solutions to complex engineering challenges for renewable energy clients on and offshore. We provide bespoke mechanical systems design and structural engineering analysis services for ‘first of a kind’ technologies, solve ‘OMG it’s broken!’ challenges for clients, and develop our own bespoke products – for example an offshore charging system for electric wind-farm service vessels.
We are one of the UK’s leading names for engineering design and development services and we work very closely with our clients, usually on a ‘part of the team’ basis, and more often than not where our clients either don’t have such skills in-house, or are looking for a fresh approach to an unsolved problem.
So far we’ve completed more than 120 individual assignments in the clean energy sector – mostly confidential ‘below the radar’ projects you won’t think of as Blackfish projects – and previous clients include Orbital Marine Power, Airbus, and TechX Cohort 2 winners ‘Mocean’.
As a niche-services SME ourselves we are well-used to working with start-ups and getting from concept to MVP, and then on to first-of-a-kind, gen1, second-gen, etc technologies”
bp ventures
bp ventures
bp ventures invests in private, high growth, game-changing technology companies, who can help deliver bp’s net zero ambition. bp ventures plays a key role in helping bp reinvent itself as an integrated energy company, in line with bp’s new purpose: reimagining energy for people and planet. bp will do this by investing in a portfolio of high growth technology businesses that will benefit and extend its core businesses, as well as open up opportunities in digital adjacencies. bp will also invest in businesses that can help bp reduce carbon in its operations and production.
Find out more about bp ventures here.
Brodies LLP
Brodies LLP
Brodies LLP is the largest independent UK law firm headquartered in Scotland in terms of rankings, staff figures and turnover. We deliver legal services throughout the UK and globally. Our firm has over 400 lawyers, many of whom are dual qualified in Scots and English Law, and we have more leading individuals recognised by the independent legal directories than any other firm in Scotland. We are committed to providing user-friendly, pragmatic legal solutions for businesses and helping clients to achieve their commercial goals.
Celtic3d
Celtic3d
Celtic3d works with digital design tools, CAD and 3d printing, laser cutting and similar digital technologies. We use those capabilities to help our clients prototype their ideas, and to make scale models from customer designs to help engage with customers and stakeholders. Nothing grabs attention and communicates an idea quite as well as a physical model. We work with you to choose an appropriate scale and material and make sure the model is not only the right shape but also has the right look and gives the right impression. We use a mix of in-house capability and our network of trusted suppliers to provide industry-leading digital manufacturing services using the latest technology and factory-scale processes.
ConocoPhillips
ConocoPhillips
ConocoPhillips is committed to the efficient and effective exploration and production of oil and natural gas. Producing oil and natural gas and getting them to market takes ingenuity, technology and investment. Our innovative, collaborative efforts yield products that improve quality of life globally while producing economic benefits with far-reaching influence.
Dassault Systèmes
Dassault Systèmes
Dassault Systèmes, the 3DExperience company, is a world leader in design, engineering and simulation software. At the very heart of our business is our purpose to enable customers to innovate sustainably, enabling product, nature and life to work in harmony.
Find out more about Dassault Systèmes here.
DNV
DNV
DNV’s global presence and understanding of cross-industry requirements makes us the key partner for supporting all aspects of compliance. With experts who can provide advice on expected routes to compliance as well as how to demonstrate this to regional and global stakeholders, DNV is the trusted voice to tackle global transformation.
EDR Medeso
EDR Medeso
EDRMedeso, an ANSYS Elite Channel Partner founded in 1986, provides products and services for a comprehensive suite of engineering simulation tools. With offices across Northern Europe and working with over 1000 organisations, our experience spans nearly every field of engineering and design. The group’s UK presence sees offices in Sheffield and Edinburgh providing support, training and services to the region.
Find out more about EDRMedeso here.
Elevator
Elevator
Elevator is Scotland’s leading private sector organisation dedicated to supporting the entrepreneurs, inventors, disruptors, game changers and business leaders of today and tomorrow. As a social enterprise, we work to support entrepreneurship and employability across Scotland. Our mission is to recycle wealth back into the communities we support. Our profits are reinvested into developing and delivering programmes, events and initiatives around the themes of enterprise, employability and entrepreneurship. Our aim is for anyone who is starting or growing a business to have access to all the support they need to make it a success.
Energy Industries Council (EIC)
Energy Industries Council (EIC)
EIC is one of the world’s largest energy trade associations for companies that supply goods and services to the energy industries worldwide. Established in 1943, the EIC is a not-for-profit organisation with a membership of over 800 companies worldwide. Its members range in size from major international contractors, operators and manufacturers through to more specialised product and service companies.
Equinor Ventures
Equinor Ventures
Equinor Ventures invests in and supports innovative companies to shape the future of energy. Equinor Ventures is Equinor’s corporate venture arm dedicated to investing in ambitious early phase and growth companies. Equinor believes that the innovation, creativity and agility of start-ups can drive change, and transition the energy industry towards a low carbon future. Equinor Venture can provide venture capital, project-based funding of early phase ideas and an accelerator programme. All this is supported by expert technical and financial guidance, and a strong drive for implementing the solutions in Equinor’s own business.
Find out more about Equinor here.
BECOME A MENTOR
We’re always on the search for new mentors – can you support our TechX Clean Energy Accelerator Programme?
- Have you started successful businesses and want to pass on your knowledge?
- Do you have business, technology or investment experience and want to give something back?
- Are you passionate about supporting the next generation of clean energy start-ups, and accelerating a net zero energy industry?
Aicha
Bounaim
Aicha Bounaim
Experienced Researcher and Technical Lead with more than 20 years experience including 17+ years in Energy industry with a PhD in Applied Mathematics. I am directly applying all competencies acquired during these years towards energy transition and new energy workflows…a lot of learning enabled in my new role.
Prior to my current job, I worked with different applications of mathematics to real world problems such as medical imaging for a breast cancer detection technique and for an environmental problem from oceanography point of view.
During my research career, I have also been involved in different teaching positions in French universities and engineering schools, but also within Norwegian Master and PhD programs. In recent years, I have acquired good skills as International Reviewer and Expert in evaluation of innovation and research programs at European and International levels and technology transfer competitions.
Amrit
Chandan
Amrit Chandan
I am an engineer by training with start up business experience. I have won several awards for my work and have received mentoring from some pretty great mentors. I am now looking forward to pay this forward to help mentor someone and help them to avoid the same mistakes I have made.
Caragh
McWhirr
Caragh McWhirr
I lead Xodus’ Hydrogen Centre of Excellence as Head of Hydrogen Strategy globally. I have 22 years experience in the energy sector, a broad technical engineering base as well as experience in Xodus’ Advisory business. I have been a secondee into NZTC’s Energy Systems Integration solution centre for 3 years. I’m a member of the ECITB’s Net Zero Network, and of UCL’s Industry Advisory Panel, and have a keen interest in supporting the development of skills in hydrogen and energy transition. I’m keen to share the technical, commercial and innovation skills I have developed with those working to achieve net zero goals.
Caroline
Roberts Haritonov
Caroline Roberts Haritonov
I’m a chartered engineer and Astrimar’s Managing Director and Chief Consultant. I have over 30 years’ oil, gas and subsea engineering experience, focused on reliability engineering, technology qualification, technical risk and integrity management. Since founding Astrimar in 2010, I’ve helped develop industry best practice, including API-RP-17N, API-RP-17Q and NZTC’s own TQ guidance. I’ve coached operators and technology developers in their implementation, and developed Astrimar’s low-cost Innovation Management Tool, RAPAT – providing a technology qualification management framework and access to in-built expert help. I’m passionate about helping innovators understand and prevent failure throughout the product life cycle and support technology success.
Denis
Pinto
Denis Pinto
Consultant with extensive commercial and engineering skills in flow measurement as well as hydrocarbon allocation and accounting within the oil and gas industry in both domestic and international markets. In my career I have been instrumental in getting new and innovative technology adopted to help reduce the lifting costs in oil and gas. Plus I am involved with Hydrogen, Wind Turbines, drones and robotics.
Donald
Girvan
Donald Girvan
I am a respected business leader with 30+ years’ C-Suite experience in SMEs. I am accustomed to leading teams in growth mode, commercialising new product/service lines and improving financial performance. I have worked extensively in the energy sector and spent 12 years working in Canada where I owned my own business. Most of my work today is focused on strategy consulting/advisory work, non-exec work and mentoring/coaching, all of it with SMEs. I enjoy the knowledge transfer associated with mentoring and see it as a natural extension of the work that I do. I have a particular interest in new technology.
Donna
McWilliams
Donna McWilliams
Currently managing director at Electra Learning, where we deliver Training and Change Management services to Corporate Energy clients when they are upgrading or implementing IT Business Systems. We have offices in the UK and Canada so have experience of working internationally. In my role, my focus is on business growth, strategy, managing people and process.
Eleanor
Akers
Eleanor Akers
I have been fortunate enough to benefit from the support and advise of a diverse range of mentors throughout my corporate career and since the launch of my start up ion 2021. Tech X provides a fantastic opportunity to share the things I’ve learnt and pay it forwards.
Fernando
C. Hernandez
Fernando C. Hernandez
I am an experienced specialist in energy and technology with multi-continental experience, and I am the principal at Hernandez Analytica. I have 18 years of industry experience. Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, appointed me as a business ambassador (GlobalScot) to Scotland, due to my accomplishments in Americas’ Energy Sector. I am also an award-winning TechX mentor and have strategically guided two different start-ups (via Cohort 3 and 4) in securing TechX awards. I also collaborate with Scottish Development International on diverse energy projects. I serve as a Chairman at the Marine Technology Society, and I am a selected Forbes contributor.
Fraser
Dunsmore Pritchard
Fraser Dunsmore Pritchard
Fraser D. Pritchard (CXO, Director, Partner, Mentor | Corporate Direction & Development | Technologies Commercialisation | Strategic & Leadership Resilience). My specialty is commercialising disruptive business models and new energy technologies, and specifically how to build sustainable value and revenue for the long term through effective corporate governance, development of markets diversity, and smart capital structuring.
I possess unique insights into the challenges facing start-up and underperforming businesses. I am a natural trouble-shooter on identifying sustainable improvements to under-performing companies, and I’m passionate about coaching and mentoring leadership to perform to the demands of their companies and above their peers.
I have operated in a variety of CXO roles worldwide, as Executive, Non-Executive and Independent Director, and have held directorships with public and private companies across Europe and the Americas
Garry
Millard
Garry Millard
With 43+ years of multi-disciplinary experience in a diverse range of companies within the global energy sector I am commercially driven with a strong contractual and customer focus. I have significant experience working with Private Equity backed businesses as a Director/MD/CEO and specialise in developing and implementing strategy, globalisation, M&A, patented technology, commercial, and contracts, team building and succession planning. I currently hold a number on Non-Executive and Executive Director roles.
John
Cohen
John Cohen
The challenges facing the world today can only be unlocked through innovation and persistence. I have over 35 years experience as an international oilfield services leader working in both operations and sales and marketing. The skill and experience gained in Schlumberger plus my work as a Supplier Manager for ConocoPhillips in the Global Procurement group provides unique skills and experience which I hope would be beneficial supporting the development, scaling and commercialisation of an emerging company and overcoming todays challenges.
I have dual Nationality (English and Norwegian) and I am equally at home in both cultures. I’m a keen golfer and own 3 dogs.”
John
Liley
John Liley
Strategic Planning | Technology Commercialisation | Business Growth
I am a semi-retired company Director and Chartered Engineer with a 40-year career focused on complex product innovation from aerospace and energy sectors. I have strong networking and consultancy skills, expertise in all aspects of the start-up ecosystem and a deep commitment to growth. My board level roles have included commercial, business development, IP strategy and operations.
I’m passionate about sharing my expertise in support of new ventures. Currently, I mentor a portfolio of startup and growth stage businesses within two university incubators, Be-the-Business (a government Advisory Board service), and the NZTC.
John
Scrimgeour
John Scrimgeour
I am currently Chairman of Archer Knight a Market Intelligence Company that uses AI to gather information on all offshore operations, though principally subsea.
I have mentored several startups, from the NZTC and elsewhere. I enjoy assisting energtic people with ideas that have the potential to make a difference and am paricularly keen on business with the potential to develop Aberdeens’ future as an energy hub.
I started as a Petroleum Engineer and worked up to COO, mainly in UK but was GM of four overseas subsiduaries in Africa and Colombia.
John
Straw
John Straw
I am a serial technology entrepreneur, published author and early stage startup investor.
During the past seven years I’ve also served as a Senior Advisor to McKinsey and Company and on the Boards of various businesses including Provident plc and Lytt (a subsidiary of bp).
Now semi retired my significant interest in helping startup raise funding rounds and scale their product and marketing operations. My investment portfolio is now 13 startups including ManyPets (previously BoughtByMany) with a return >5000%.
I am a Board Director for bp owned startup, Lytt.
My specialist knowledge is in fund raising and digital sales and marketing (having previously started and sold 2 digital marketing businesses)
Katy
Sutherland
Katy Sutherland
I have 15+ years experience in the Energy Industry in Corporate Strategy, Corporate Finance and Business Advisory roles. I run my own consultancy business, focused on getting companies transaction or investor-ready. Key activities include: development of investor-ready business plans and pitch-books, value proposition design, market analysis and positioning and due diligence preparedness. Prior to running my own business, I worked in M&A and strategy roles at both Simmons & Company (now Piper Sandler) and AAB. I hold an LLB (hons), MSc in Business and Management and a Certificate in Corporate Finance from the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment.
Marco
Poliafico
Marco Poliafico
I have 15+ years of professional experience within the cleantech and sustainability industries. My expertise lies at the crossroad between strategy, analytics and operations. I have been supporting 100+ startups globally since 2017, mainly focusing on: 1. Strategy, 2. Business models, and 3. Pitch coaching. I reguarly deliver talks at entrepreneurial and coaching events, and contributed to a book on startups. My vision is “A sustainable and ethical Planet with 100% renewable energy and sustainable tourism
Mark
Richards
Mark Richards
I have over 40 years of experience in the oil and gas service sector, including 21 years at Schlumberger and 16 years at CGG. I have worked on offshore seismic acquisition, marine operations, HR, marine sales and business development. I now run my own business as a financial broker and am a full-time consultant for the Chinese company BGP, as global SVP heading up their multi-client business. I work at executive level in IOCs and NOCs, and at a ministerial level for government contracts. I have developed multi-million dollar projects globally, responsible for P&L and $250M revenues. I have been a director on several boards, in the UK and internationally
Nigel
Lees
Nigel Lees
I am a strategist, thought leader, exec and non-exec director, and experienced chair with over three decades of experience in the energy sector, from oil and gas through renewables and onto the development of alternative energy solutions for the future.
Oluchi
Tabansi
Oluchi Tabansi
Hi, I’m Oluchi (pronounced as Or-lu-chi), an Energy consulting manager at Accenture.
I have over 12 years of industry experience in engineering, advisory and service delivery, product development and innovation, research and analytics, and project/programme management roles across the upstream and midstream energy value chain.
My career spans the energy and technology industries (including a technology start-up) in which I have led several capital project and asset portfolio improvement programs for client in Europe, Middle East, Africa and the Americas, aligning business goals with solutions to drive asset performance improvements, competitive growth, and bottom-line gains.
I am passionate about driving tangible change to enable energy transition, sustainable innovation, digital transformation and operational excellence through measurement, research and data-informed decision-making.
I have a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Petroleum Engineering, and a Masters in Petroleum Geoscience.
Rudy
de la Fuente
Rudy de la Fuente
I founded Industrial Gas Consultants (IGC) in 2019, and my resilient vision—before and after the pandemic—has kept IGC at the forefront of net zero and decarbonization projects. My hydrogen experience, spanning over a decade, is paramount in IGC advancing energy transition and low-carbon projects in the U.S. and abroad. IGC has partnered with European companies to extend and incorporate emerging net zero and ESG technologies on IGC projects. I am passionate about building ecosystems in emerging markets with partner companies. I firmly believe it’s my societal responsibility to train the next generation of industrial specialists.
Ryan
Menzies
Ryan Menzies
I am an experienced business professional with a track record of growing and developing SME’s. I have grown SME’s from start up to £15M, and through exit. Particular strengths in company culture, talent attraction, management team growth and development, and achieving early stage sustainable growth.
Experience in onshore and offshore renewables, hydrogen, and traditional oil and gas sectors, primarily from a consulting engineering services perspective. Additional experience of developing and commercialising technical software products, and physical product IP.
Currently founder and managing Director of Apollo Engineering Consultants (Apollo), an engineering services business active across the energy sector.”
Stewart
Cameron
Stewart Cameron
I am an experienced attorney and business owner. I started our firm in 2011 on my own and have grown it to 15 people operating out of three offices across the UK. I see new innovations on a daily basis in my role as a patent attorney and have decades of experience in advising startups and SMEs as well as larger corporates – not only on IP but also on the commercial aspects relating to innovation.
Tim
Gibbons
Tim Gibbons
I help people and companies to sell their products and services more effectively. I have over 25 years of sales experience gained with three major companies. I held a variety of managerial and sales roles in each organisation demonstrating an ability to grow the business in all cases.
I founded Hoolock Consulting over 7 years ago to provide sales consulting and training to companies based on The Equation of Sales. Building trust with customers, understanding their needs and articulating the value of the products are the cornerstones of my approach.