Vineyard Wind and US technology incubator Greentown Labs are seeking submissions from start-ups that are innovating in marine mammal monitoring.
The Offshore Wind Challenge is a six-month accelerator programme housed at Greentown Labs in Somerville, Massachusetts.
It is focused on “fast-tracking” entrepreneurs with the mentors and business and technical resources they need to launch or scale successful ventures with direct support from Vineyard Wind.
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and the New England Aquarium are also supporting the programme.
Vineyard Wind, which is developing wind farms off the coast of Massachusetts and Connecticut, is committed to protecting North Atlantic right whales and other marine species off the north-east US during all phases of the project’s development and operations.
The developer’s chief executive Lars Pedersen said: “There is a very real opportunity for innovation regarding the data associated with marine mammal monitoring and we are fortunate to be working with a talented Greentown Labs team to engage with start-ups and entrepreneurs on this initiative.
“We look forward to carefully reviewing all submissions and eventually working with those selected for the programme.”
Start-ups chosen to participate in the programme will “benefit” from mentorship, networking opportunities, educational workshops, and partnership-focused programming through Greentown Launch, a six-month partnership acceleration programme for start-ups provided by Greentown Labs.
Within this framework, the Offshore Wind Challenge will help these companies explore opportunities to work with Vineyard Wind.
Greentown Labs chief executive Emily Reichert said: “The offshore wind industry presents an incredible opportunity for the north-east US and Greentown Labs is thrilled to partner with Vineyard Wind to identify technologies that will simultaneously protect marine life in our oceans and advance the industry.
“We’re eager to receive applications from entrepreneurs from around the world and proud to have support from WHOI and the Aquarium who will provide valuable expertise throughout the Challenge.”
Applications for the Offshore Wind Challenge are due by 31 May.