OPPORTUNITY North East (ONE) has partnered with Barclays Eagle Labs and CodeBase to launch the EnergyTech Bridge programme to support businesses looking to transition to cleaner, greener energy.
The programme brings together ambitious innovators including digital tech start-ups, smaller scale-ups and established energy companies focused on accelerating the transition to cleaner, greener energy through digital innovation.
The EnergyTech Bridge programme has been running successfully for two years with 15 digital technology companies from the North East of Scotland and the programme has now been updated for 2024 to be more in line with the global transition to net zero and the opportunities that clean, green energy brings.
This decade will be crucial for climate action, calling for fundamental change and disruptive digital innovation. Growth in this sector has the potential to gain a competitive advantage in a fast-growing global market. In the North East, we have the opportunity to leverage our decades of expertise in offshore energy production to position the North East of Scotland at the forefront of Scotland’s just transition to net zero.
Technologies, particularly in the digital technology sector, are showing promising signs of driving this change, with a focus on green energy, primarily offshore wind, and climate technologies as the preferred route to scale and new market opportunities.
Karen O’Hanlon, Digital Technology Director at ONE, commented: “The North East of Scotland is home to one of the largest clusters of energy technology companies in Europe. These companies are increasingly offering technology products and services outside the oil and gas market, responding to opportunities in emerging high-growth sectors such as clean tech, climate tech and renewable energy. This diversification is essential to the continued growth of the region’s innovative technology cluster, and their in-depth knowledge of the energy sector differentiates them from other companies in the UK.”
ONE wants to hear from established energy companies that have or are developing green or clean energy expertise, or that are actively seeking solutions that support the transition from fossil fuel-based energy production and consumption systems to renewable energy sources such as offshore wind and hydrogen.
Luis Ibarra, CEO and Founder of eCERTO and EnergyTech SME Alumni, commented: “EnergyTech Bridge is special because other programs focus on supporting founders and helping them start their companies. [EnergyTech Bridge] It helps us build strong relationships with partners and potential customers.”
“The variety of startups that participated in this program exceeded our expectations,” said Worley and Jim Renton, senior vice president of EnergyTech Corporate Alumni. “Connecting startups with established companies is something we’ve never been involved in before. Connecting with them generated strong interest in following through on this effort. We’re optimistic that we’ll be able to sign startups thanks to EnergyTech Bridge.”
ONE will be hosting an information session at the ONE Tech Hub in School Hill, Aberdeen on 27 February to share information about the programme and explain how innovators and established businesses can benefit from it.
For more information or to secure your place at the information event, please visit the ONE website