PTSB, NovaUCD launch energy accelerator for start-ups

PTSB and NovaUCD have opened applications for a new accelerator programme for climate technology and renewable energy start-ups and scale-ups in Ireland. The six-month initiative will support companies working across the energy transition.

The programme, the PTSB NovaUCD Energy Futures Accelerator, is aimed at Ireland-based businesses and will begin in January. It is designed to help early-stage and scaling companies refine their commercial plans, prepare for fundraising and develop routes to market.

The initiative combines NovaUCD's start-up support with input from PTSB and research expertise from Rinn Energy, a research centre focused on decarbonising energy systems and co-led by University College Dublin and University College Cork. It is intended for companies with a clear link to renewable energy, the utilities sector or the wider energy transition.

Applications are open to businesses working in areas including renewable energy, storage, grid technologies, smart infrastructure, energy management, data and AI, electrification, sustainable transport, the built environment, the circular economy, carbon reduction and nature-positive solutions.

Support includes commercial mentorship, founder training, fundraising guidance, and access to workspace and business networks at NovaUCD. Participants will also receive masterclasses from Rinn Energy academics and researchers on energy technologies, sector challenges and market opportunities.

Applications will be assessed on their alignment with the energy transition, the originality of the product or business model, potential environmental impact, market opportunity, evidence of progress and the strength of the founding team.

Minister Alan Dillon, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, said the programme fits with broader industrial policy around green growth.

"The PTSB NovaUCD Energy Futures Accelerator will help innovative Irish companies develop and scale the technologies needed for the green energy transition. By supporting cutting-edge climate and energy businesses, the programme will help create high-quality jobs and new economic opportunities in communities across Ireland. Initiatives such as this will align closely with, and complement, the Green Growth Industrial Strategy currently being developed by my Department. This upcoming strategy is focused on building Irish capability and capacity across renewable energy and green technology supply chains and ensuring the benefits of the green transition are felt right across the country," said Dillon.

Programme focus

The accelerator is designed for both younger businesses and more established companies seeking to enter or expand in energy-related markets. Its scope extends beyond energy generation alone, reflecting the range of technologies and services now tied to decarbonisation and changes in the power system.

"We are delighted to open the application process for ambitious Irish start-ups and scale-ups to join our exciting new Energy Futures Accelerator Programme which we are delivering in partnership with PTSB," said Michelle Doyle, Senior Manager, Strategic Innovation Partnerships, NovaUCD.

"The focus of this 6-month dedicated programme is to support emerging start-ups and more established scale-ups, which are focused on addressing key climate and sustainability challenges, to fast-track their commercial viability to meet their global ambitions. Applicants do not necessarily need to be focused exclusively on energy, but they must show a clear use case, customer opportunity or potential impact in renewable energy or the wider energy transition," said Doyle.

This means organisers are seeking businesses whose products can serve energy customers or support decarbonisation indirectly, not only companies building generation assets or core utility infrastructure. It also widens the potential pool of applicants to software, analytics and transport ventures.

For PTSB, the programme builds on its work with business customers and sustainability-linked initiatives. The bank said the accelerator is intended to support firms that can contribute to environmental goals while building commercially viable operations.

"PTSB is committed to supporting businesses and sectors that deliver positive social and environmental outcomes and contribute to long-term sustainable growth. We are delighted to partner with NovaUCD to launch the inaugural PTSB NovaUCD Energy Futures Accelerator Programme and formally open the application process today. This new programme will support emerging climate technology and renewable energy businesses to accelerate their growth and foster innovation, while helping to strengthen Ireland's clean energy sector," said Courtnee Kyle, Head of Sustainability, PTSB.

The programme comes as Ireland seeks to expand domestic activity across renewable energy and related supply chains, with demand growing for technologies that improve grid flexibility, reduce emissions and support electrification across transport, buildings and industry.

NovaUCD has supported high-technology start-ups since 2003, while Rinn Energy brings together researchers across science, engineering, economics, policy and social sciences to examine the decarbonisation of energy systems. The accelerator will conclude with a final showcase after six months.