NovaUCD and PTSB have announced the Energy Futures Accelerator Programme, a new initiative designed to support early-stage Irish companies working in climate technology and renewable energy, alongside a €250 million Impact Lending Fund targeting SMEs investing in projects with environmental or social benefits.

As reported by Made in Ireland, the accelerator programme will open for applications in Autumn 2026 and is planned to commence in early 2027. It will combine NovaUCD's expertise in innovation and start-up development with PTSB's financial and business advisory capabilities, helping emerging companies commercialise and scale for international markets.

Liam Cronin, Director of Innovation at University College Dublin, said: "The focus of this dedicated programme, delivered by NovaUCD in collaboration with PTSB, will be to support emerging and young Irish start-ups, focused on addressing key climate and sustainability challenges, to fast-track their commercial viability to meet their global ambitions, drawing on UCD's expertise in this area including the UCD Energy Institute."

Patrick Farrell, Chief Retail Banking Officer at PTSB, said: "We know that businesses increasingly see sustainability not just as a responsibility, but as a commercial opportunity. Through this Fund, we want to help businesses invest in projects that deliver positive environmental and social impact while supporting their future growth and competitiveness."

The €250 million Impact Lending Fund will be available to SMEs across sustainable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable transport and agriculture, healthcare, education, female-led businesses, and projects supporting local economic development, subject to standard credit terms.

The dual announcement is supported by findings from PTSB's Reflecting Business Report 2026, which shows 72% of Irish SMEs now identify sustainability as a top commercial growth opportunity, up from 28% in 2025. Some 62% plan energy efficiency upgrades or sustainability initiatives in the coming year, compared with 33% last year, while 82% expect business growth over the next 12 months, up from 45% in 2025.

PTSB said it is already seeing strong and growing demand from businesses in the sustainability space and expects that trend to continue in the years ahead.