£2 Million offshore wind innovation programme opens for applications
Published: 02 September, 2026
The first initiative from the Wind Innovation Hub – the Accelerating Innovations programme – is now accepting applications for support from high-potential UK companies developing mission-aligned technologies targeting the offshore wind sector. The programme will provide tailored in-kind support, to a maximum value of £100k per organisation, for up to 20 successful applicants.
This support will be used to address some of the most pressing challenges facing each business and innovation, and the Wind Innovation Hub will identify the best support pathways for businesses accepted onto the programme. Companies working in other supply chain sectors are actively encouraged to apply, providing the proposal demonstrates a clear innovative business case for offshore wind.
High-growth companies are eligible to apply if they are developing an innovative product, technology or service aligned with one of the following five mission areas:
• Transforming Blades - Advanced Turbine Technology
• Deepwater Wind - Industrialised Foundations & Substructures
• AC/DC Reliable Cable - Future Electrical Systems & Cables
• Accelerated Consenting - Smart Environmental Services
• Future Proofing Offshore Wind Operations - Next Generation Installation and O&M
Lynne McIntosh-Grieve, Programme Director for the Wind Innovation Hub said: “I’m delighted that we have launched The Wind Innovation Hub’s first call - The Accelerating Innovations programme (AIP), funded by Innovate UK. The AIP has been specifically designed to support high-growth UK companies to derisk and develop their innovative technologies, products and services to help us reach our nation’s ambitious renewable energy targets, create new jobs, and deliver sustainable economic growth.”
Rob Saunders, Director Clean Energy, Innovate UK said: "At Innovate UK, we're committed to helping turn great innovation into successful, scaling businesses. The UK has a strong foundation in offshore wind innovation, and we want to help translate that strength into economic growth, industrial capability and global competitiveness.
"The journey from innovation to commercial success can be challenging, particularly for ambitious businesses developing new technologies in a rapidly growing sector. That's why the Wind Innovation Hub's Accelerating Innovations programme provides tailored support to help companies overcome barriers, seize opportunities and accelerate their growth.
"This programme will show how the partnership between Innovate UK and the Wind Innovation Hub can accelerate the next generation of offshore wind innovators. By helping the best innovators to build capability, forge strategic partnerships and bring innovations to market, we're driving economic growth in a vital sector, while strengthening the UK's offshore wind ecosystem so it is ready to deliver its potential in our clean energy future."
Applications for support from the Accelerating Innovations programme can be submitted until 11.59pm on Monday, 5th October 2026 via windinnovationhub.skipso.com. The application submission process is administered through a third party, and managed by The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, with a briefing webinar to be hosted on Monday, 8th September – webinar registration link.
Launched at Global Offshore Wind in June 2026, The Wind Innovation Hub is an independent, mission-lead partnership bringing together the specialist skills and expertise of the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult with the advanced manufacturing know-how of NCC, and NMIS (National Manufacturing Institute Scotland)’s growing network of world-class manufacturing R&D facilities.
The Hub’s role is to specify where innovation investment should be directed to achieve the 2024 Industrial Growth Plan (IGP) for offshore wind.
Visit www.windinnovationhub.com for more information.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/windinnovationhub/
