The article examines institutional barriers to the development of technological entrepreneurship in Russia’s regions under the conditions of world economic restructuring and the energy transition. Drawing on academic literature, official statistics and materials of development institutions, the study identifies major groups of barriers: regulatory and administrative restrictions, infrastructural and financial deficits, human capital, information and market constraints. Their combined impact slows the scaling of startups, reduces regional participation in international technological and energy cooperation and limits integration into projects aimed at reducing the carbon footprint and improving energy efficiency. Comparison of regions with different levels of innovation activity reveals persistent institutional traps as well as successful governance practices. The paper proposes policy directions for mitigating barriers, strengthening regional start up ecosystems and improving Russia’s competitiveness on global energy and technology markets.