Critical Climate Innovations for Transitioning to a Zero-Carbon Energy System

​The path to net zero demands breakthrough technologies, and the UK is home to a growing wave of founders building them. Join us for an evening exploring the critical innovations reshaping our energy system, from smarter grids and demand-side flexibility to the next generation of clean-energy infrastructure.

​This session brings together two contrasting models of climate innovation: a pure-software play rebuilding the digital plumbing of energy markets, and a software-enabled hardware company turning a physical product into a connected grid asset. Together, they illustrate the breadth of what climate tech looks like today, and the very different paths founders take to scale it.

​We're proud to spotlight innovation from Oxford and beyond, with featured companies based both locally and in London.

​This event is jointly delivered by the ZERO Founders Network (ZERO Institute), the Oriel Environment Group, and Oxfordshire Greentech. Bringing together three communities that sit at the heart of Oxford's climate and entrepreneurship ecosystem, the collaboration reflects the shared ambition of our networks: to connect researchers, founders, investors, and students working on the technologies the energy transition demands.

​Featured speakers

​Jemma Wong, Chief Growth Officer, tem (London) tem is rebuilding the core infrastructure of the energy market through pure software. Its AI-native transaction platform connects businesses directly with renewable generators, cutting out the inefficiencies of legacy wholesale markets to make clean energy cheaper, fairer, and more transparent. Backed by Lightspeed, Atomico, and Hitachi Ventures, tem recently closed a $75M Series B to accelerate its international expansion.

​Pete Armstrong, Founder & CEO, Mixergy (Oxford) An Oxford spinout born out of Pete's PhD research, Mixergy has reinvented the humble hot water tank as software-enabled hardware. Its smart, connected cylinders heat only the water you need, cutting household energy use by up to 40%, and act as a distributed "virtual battery" that helps the grid absorb more renewables. Mixergy was awarded the King's Award for Enterprise in Innovation in 2025 and now partners with the likes of British Gas and Centrica.

​Panel: Software vs. Software-Enabled Hardware, Two Paths to Decarbonising Energy

​Jemma and Pete will be joined on stage by:

• ​Georg Todd, Oxford Science Enterprises

• ​Cara Reuner, World Fund

​Together, they'll unpack what it really takes to build and scale climate companies along two very different trajectories. How do capital requirements, go-to-market motions, and commercialisation timelines differ between a pure-software business and a hardware-led one? Where are investors leaning in, and what does each model need from the broader ecosystem to succeed? Expect a candid conversation on the trade-offs, and on why the energy transition needs both.

​Startup Showcase: Rising Climate-Tech Pitches

​To close the evening, we'll hand the stage to the next generation. 5–8 rising climate-tech startups will each deliver a short pitch, giving attendees a front-row view of some of the most exciting early-stage companies emerging from Oxford and the wider UK ecosystem. Expect a fast-paced, high-signal session, and plenty of opportunities to connect with the founders over drinks afterwards.

​Whether you're building a climate startup, backing one, or working on the science that underpins the transition, this is a chance to hear directly from the people driving the UK's climate-tech ecosystem, and to connect with the community shaping what comes next.

​This event is part of Ox Tech Week (26–29 May 2026), a citywide celebration of technology and innovation in Oxford, UK. By signing up to this event you agree to share your details with the OxTechWeek team. If you would like to already receive occasional updates about OxTechWeek subscribe here. Please note that by signing up to this event you acknowledge that it is organised separately from the OTW team and falls solely under the responsibility and liability of the partner organisation.