Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult has extended the reach of its award-winning Launch Academy programme. Applications are now open to Scottish companies and can be submitted until the closing deadline of 16 August 2024.
Launch Academy is an industry-backed technology accelerator programme designed to support the commercialisation of new technologies that will enhance the UK’s offshore wind supply chain, enabling greater local content while supporting cost reduction.
Dr Stephen Wyatt, Director of Strategy and Emerging Technologies at ORE Catapult, said, “Our Launch Academy was established in 2020 to accelerate early-stage disruptive innovations which can address the challenges facing the offshore renewables sector. I’m delighted that we have this dedicated programme for Scotland linking so closely to the biggest offshore wind projects in our waters.
“Launch Academy Scotland will mentor 10 promising companies, providing them with technical and business growth support, as well as industry insights and market connectivity, positioning them to thrive in the UK offshore wind supply chain.”
Launch Academy Scotland is sponsored by BlueFloat Energy, Nadara Partnership, Ocean Winds, Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, and Scottish Enterprise.
Industry experts from the sponsoring organisations will engage and support the cohort companies throughout their seven-month Launch Academy journey. At the end of the programme, the innovators will pitch to industry partners and ORE Catapult’s network of investors with the aim of securing investment and a route to market for their products.
Since 2020, Launch Academy has supported 57 companies, raised £26.7m in private investment, £8.4m in grant funding and had 150 patents filed through both the national and regional Launch Academy programmes across the United Kingdom.
Image; ORE Catapult - National Renewable Energy Centre in Blyth.
