Applications are now open for companies based in Scotland to join the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult’s Launch Academy programme.
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.
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 UK.
Launch Academy Scotland is sponsored by Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, developers BlueFloat Energy, Nadara Partnership and Ocean Winds, as well as Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm.
The 10 most promising solutions will be selected by a panel of experts to join the Launch Academy Scotland cohort.
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.
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.”