The Oil and Gas Technology Centre

Choosing this programme

• TechX takes hardware for the energy transition, not software-only or consumer products. Check that your technology fits clean power, clean fuels or clean production.
• Your technology should be at technology readiness level 3 to 6.
• Multi-team founders are welcome.

How applications work

• Apply online through the TechX application platform.
• The first stage is a five-minute video and a slide deck. Upload the video as an unlisted YouTube, Vimeo or Dropbox link. If it is password-protected, include the password in the application. Free tools such as iMovie, Clipchamp or Shotcut are enough for trimming.

How selection works

• Applications are assessed on four criteria: technology innovation, technology impact, team strength and fit with TechX.

Before you apply

• Accepted startups sign an Advanced Subscription Agreement before the programme starts. The grant converts into equity under certain conditions, so read it first.
• Be ready to set up a UK company if you are accepted.
• Commit to the full programme, including in-person weeks in the UK and online workshops run on GMT.
• The application window for the 2027 cohort is listed as 22 July to 27 September 2026. Some NZTC pages say applications are closed, so register your interest to hear about the next round.

The Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) runs the TechX Energy Transition Accelerator from Aberdeen, Scotland. It works with hardware startups that aim to make energy cleaner, cheaper and more reliable, and it supports graduates with business growth help after the programme ends.

How the programme works

TechX is an intensive accelerator. Selected startups test their value proposition and business model with technical experts and potential industrial customers. They build a prototype or minimum viable product, secure field trials with industry partners, and get help structuring capital raising and investor pitches. Teams also receive support on building diverse teams, articulating their startup story and brand, structuring the business from a legal and tax perspective, calculating their technology's carbon impact, and protecting their IP. The programme ends with the TechX Demo Day, where startups pitch to potential customers and investors. Teams also take part in regular online workshops and in-person weeks in the UK, so plan for travel to Scotland.

NZTC gives two different lengths for the accelerator. Its programme page describes a 12-week programme, while its Demo Day and TechX Growth pages refer to 14 weeks. Confirm the timetable with the team before you plan around it.

After the accelerator, graduates can join TechX Growth. It offers business support, access to experts, links into the wider NZTC network, and bookable co-working space in Aberdeen.

Who can apply

TechX is aimed at innovative startups whose technology sits between technology readiness level 3, a proof of concept, and level 6, a prototype demonstrated in a relevant environment. Multi-team founders are welcome. The technology should be new hardware with a clear role in the energy transition, in clean power, clean fuels or clean production. Digital technologies can be considered when they link to physical energy infrastructure. Renewables for domestic use, electric vehicles and consumer products are outside its scope.

Startups can apply from anywhere in the world. Accepted teams must have a presence in Scotland, or show strong plans to create economic impact in the North East of Scotland, and must set up a UK company if they do not already have one. Funding depends on meeting the UK Subsidy Control Act (2022). Teams must commit to the full programme, with at least one member attending every required session and the in-person weeks in the UK.

Funding and equity

Selected startups receive grant funding. Before the programme starts, each startup signs an Advanced Subscription Agreement, also known as a SAFE. Under that agreement, the grant converts into equity held by NZTC under certain conditions. Read the terms before you accept a place.

Facilities

TechX Growth graduates can book co-working space in Aberdeen, shared with other Pioneer companies, at the ETZ EnergyWorks scale-up hub. NZTC is a delivery partner in that hub, alongside the National Manufacturing Institute of Scotland.

Scale

NZTC states that it has screened more than 3,500 technologies, has field trials complete, planned or underway for 174 technologies, has seen 74 technologies commercialised, and has accelerated 130 startups. These are NZTC's own figures, and the site does not date them.

Who runs it

An acceleration manager oversees delivery of the TechX Accelerator, and an acceleration lead oversees the programme and curriculum planning, applicant attraction, start-up onboarding, TechX Roadshows and the Demo Day. Each year the Demo Day marks the end of the accelerator, and the 2026 cohort pitched there.

Locations

The Head Office is at Level 2, W-Zero-1, Hareness Road, Altens, Aberdeen. NZTC also runs a Technology Testing Hub on Exploration Drive, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, for operational testing of new technologies in wells, decommissioning and asset integrity.