Award-winning technology accelerator programme opens for UK companies targeting offshore wind success
Published: 18 December, 2024
UK supply chain companies looking to develop future opportunities in the offshore wind sector can apply from 16 December 2024 to secure a place on Launch Academy – the award-winning technology acceleration programme from the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult.
Launch Academy is an industry-recognised mentoring and business support programme designed to help early-stage companies with innovative, near-to-market products and services to progress in the offshore wind supply chain. Wraparound support comprises targeted technology development, business growth and professional services expertise.
Since 2020, through both national and regional programmes across the United Kingdom, Launch Academy has supported 57 companies which have gone on to raise £26.7m in private investment, £8.4m in grant funding and had 150 patents filed.
This latest programme will be sponsored by the offshore wind industry including EDF Renewables UK and Ireland, bp and ScottishPower Renewables. These sponsors will set a number of challenges that are encountered within the offshore wind sector, and will ask the competing companies to submit their most innovative solutions.
Industry experts from the sponsoring developers will also help to compile a shortlist of companies to be invited to take part in Stage Two of the process - pitching their solutions, and potential benefits for the wider industry, to the selection panel. The 10 companies chosen to join the cohort will undertake an eight-month Launch Academy journey, due to begin in April 2025.
Dr Stephen Wyatt, Director of Strategy and Emerging Technologies at ORE Catapult, said: “Now in its fifth successful year, the rigorous Launch Academy mentoring and business support programme provides the ideal launch pad for ambitious SMEs developing disruptive, innovative technologies capable of achieving success in the UK, and potentially global, supply chain serving the offshore energy sector.
“The UK has forged an enviable reputation for excellence and specialist expertise within the energy sector and we are keen for this latest Launch Academy cohort to bring additional creativity and innovation to further enhance that reputation. We are grateful to our industry partners and sponsors for their continued support of our Launch Academy mission to strengthen the UK’s offshore supply chain, and we will continue working with our cohort companies and expert partners to help drive the industry forward.”
Shiu Hui, New Technology and Innovation Manager, EDF Renewables UK and Ireland said: "We are delighted to be part of the National Launch Academy, ORE Catapult’s flagship technology accelerator programme. This initiative is designed to fast-track the development of innovative solutions in the offshore wind sector and bolster the UK supply chain. As a company, we remain committed to investing in and driving innovation to achieve sustainable growth, helping the UK reduce carbon emissions, and reach net-zero targets."
James Battensby, Senior Technology and Innovation Manager at bp offshore wind, said: “bp is pleased to once again support the Launch Academy programme. Accelerating the development of new technologies within the offshore wind supply chain is critically important to supporting the growth of the sector in the UK and addressing key industry challenges. I look forward to seeing the industry-focused solutions that emerge from this year's cohort."
Teresa Enriquez, Offshore Innovation Manager at ScottishPower Renewables said: “SPR will be continuing our partnership with the Launch Academy programme. We believe this programme is not only about innovation but also about being part of a community dedicated to sustainable growth and a greener future, contributing to the UK's net-zero targets. We look forward to another year of collaboration and enriching progress.”
Applications are open from 16 December 2024 and can be submitted until the closing deadline of 31 January 2025.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/offshore-renewable-energy-catapult/
Image credit ORE Catapult: National Launch Academy (March 2024) event
