Digital tech businesses drive innovation in clean energy

Digital tech businesses in north east Scotland are scaling, entering new markets, and pioneering clean energy innovations, with support from the EnergyTech Bridge Programme delivered by Opportunity North East (ONE), Barclays Eagle Labs and CodeBase.

Over the past seven months, 27 digital tech businesses have participated in the programme, reinforcing Aberdeen’s position as a hub for digital economic diversification and net-zero innovation. The programme also had participation from seven international corporations highlighting the region’s capacity for collaboration and industry transformation.

North east Scotland is home to one of UK’s fastest-growing tech clusters, which has doubled in size over the past five years, with over 300 businesses working across markets including EnergyTech, agritech and healthtech. ONE is committed to expanding the digital tech sector in the region, with a long-term goal of doubling businesses in the sector.

Launched in 2020, the EnergyTech Bridge Programme has supported more than 40 businesses across three cohorts, driving advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital solutions for the energy sector. Aberdeen’s EnergyTech cluster is pioneering AI applications that improve offshore safety, enhance workforce management, and increase operational efficiency. With ONE Tech Hub firmly established as the home of this growing ecosystem, the future of EnergyTech in the north east looks brighter than ever.

The programme concluded recently with a showcase event chaired by Fergus Mutch of True North. Eight participants pitched their solutions to an engaged audience of industry leaders, investors, and stakeholders. Each business demonstrated how their innovations contribute to greener, cleaner energy while targeting strategic partnerships, new markets, and advanced technological applications.

Industry panel featuring Glen Milne Production System Manager at Spirit Energy, Jaye Deighton Global Head of ICT and Innovation at Peterson, and James Purves Global Head of Digital Products at Xodus, explored AI’s transformative role in energy, with panellists addressing how artificial intelligence is shaping industrial operations, improving efficiency, and accelerating the sector’s transition to sustainability. The panel concluded with a forward-looking discussion on expected advancements in the next 12 months and the actions required to sustain momentum.

Jennifer Craw MBE, CEO at ONE commented, "The success of the EnergyTech Bridge Programme is a testament to the region’s ability to drive technological advancement and economic diversification. Participants are building businesses, developing groundbreaking technologies, and contributing to a thriving digital tech sector that is reshaping the region’s economy.

Through initiatives like EnergyTech, we’re not just creating opportunities—we’re building a future of high-value and skilled jobs. We are creating innovation-led businesses that can scale on the global stage. And accelerating the commercialisation of groundbreaking innovations that will shape the region’s future.”

Amanda Allan, Director of Barclays Eagle Labs said, “Through the EnergyTech Bridge Programme we have empowered over 40 businesses so far with AI and digital solutions that are essential to driving innovation in the energy sector. This initiative will help foster significant growth for north east Scotland. By investing in this sector, we are not only addressing today’s energy challenges but also securing a sustainable future for the UK economy.”

Peter Henderson, Director at Pisys, and winner of the showcase event, highlighted the programme’s impact, “The EnergyTech Programme has been really helpful—it has directly supported our business growth and provided invaluable connections. Being in a room with people who share the same ambitions and having access to potential customers has been a great opportunity. It has been a great shortcut to meeting the right people, including a major nuclear company, which will help us get into this new market successfully.”

As Aberdeen’s EnergyTech sector continues to scale, the EnergyTech Bridge Programme is proving to be a catalyst for businesses driving clean energy innovation.