The latest version of a programme which supports firms working at the intersection of the energy transition and digital tech innovation has been launched by Opportunity North East (ONE), in partnership with Barclays Eagle Labs and CodeBase.

The EnergyTech Bridge Programme aims to support digital tech firms with entering new markets, scaling internationally, innovating with new products or services, and contributing to the transition towards cleaner, greener energy.

It’s now bringing together 27 tech businesses, as well as 22 north east-based companies—a record number for the EnergyTech Bridge.

Additionally, seven corporate international companies including the likes of EDF Energy, Scottish and Southern Energy Networks (SSEN), and Oceaneering have joined the programme, with the aim to explore new products and services to help them achieve their net zero goals.

“North east Scotland has one of the largest clusters of energy tech businesses in Europe and 42% of the region’s digital sector are EnergyTech businesses,” commented Karen O’Hanlon, digital tech director at ONE.

“With 22 businesses from the region, this showcases the strength, ambition and capability the north east boasts in ClimateTech innovation. They provide tech products and services and respond to opportunities in emerging high-growth sectors such as ClimateTech, AgriTech, RegTech and renewables.

“The EnergyTech Bridge programme is important as it takes an integrated approach for digital tech businesses to solve problems for the corporates with potential customers to build on their technology and showcase their innovations.

“The transition to net zero has a clear requirement for new innovative products and services, and the digital tech companies in the north east are ready and well placed to respond, to increase their international competitiveness, respond to global demand and thereby contribute to grow the regional economy.”

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Gareth McIntyre, director at virtual asset management tech provider GDi, a company which is returning for the latest programme, commented: “As a tech-focused business in Aberdeen, we see significant opportunities with transferring our digital twin technology into other industries, we’ve already engaged with the utility space, and now in discussions with wind farm owners to create digital twins of their assets.

“The north east had a rich legacy in oil and gas industry and a region which is home to some of the greatest minds in the UK, maybe even in the world. We have built, maintained, managed, and provided life extension of critical infrastructure and we are experts in this space. Applying that knowledge into other industries, such as green energy is absolutely within our skillset.

“We were part of the previous EnergyTech cohort, and secured significant business by connecting with larger organisations. We’re excited to return for another year having benefited from growth, securing revenue, gaining access to networks and expertise, and learning innovation.”