Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult has appointed Cristina Garcia-Duffy, as technical director and a member of its executive management team.
Working with colleagues across the business, she will lead the strategic development of the Catapult’s technical capabilities and new areas of innovation, taking up the role in February 2022.
Commenting on the appointment, ORE Catapult Chief Executive Andrew Jamieson said: “Cristina’s extensive experience working at the forefront of the aerospace industry will bring new insight and fresh thinking to ORE Catapult, supporting our teams in the delivery of world-class engineering, and to our industry and academic partners as we collaboratively develop the next generation of renewable energy technologies.”
Garcia-Duffy said: “The offshore renewables market is set to undergo unprecedented growth in the next decade, and for the UK to hold a leading position will require the sector to work together with a shared vision.
“I see ORE Catapult as an essential enabler in that effort – delivering on world-leading research programmes and continuing to grow best-in-kind capabilities for our clients. I am thrilled to be joining at such a vibrant time and I look forward to working with the Catapult team to help make our vision happen.”
Garcia-Duffy is current head of technology – sustainability and strategy at the Aerospace Technology Institute.
Meanwhile, applications are now open for UK innovators to join the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult’s industry-backed national technology accelerator programme, designed to support the commercialisation of new technologies that will enhance the UK’s offshore wind supply chain, enabling greater UK content, whilst supporting cost reduction.
The Launch Academy initiative focuses on near-to-market solutions and is supported by nine industrial and business support specialists including ScottishPower Renewables, BP, Barclays Eagle Labs and investment body Green Angel Syndicate.
Scottish Enterprise is also providing £60,000 in funding for the project.
At the end of the programme, the innovators will pitch to industry partners and the Catapult’s network of investors with the aim of securing investment and a route to market for their products.