Applications are now open for companies in Scotland to join the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult's Launch Academy programme. The industry-backed technology accelerator aims to support the commercialisation of new technologies that will enhance the UK's offshore wind supply chain and promote cost reduction.
Since its inception in 2020, Launch Academy has assisted 57 companies, securing £26.7 million in private investment, £8.4 million in grant funding, and filing 150 patents through its national and regional 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, Ocean Winds, and Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm.
The programme will select the 10 most promising solutions to join the Launch Academy Scotland cohort. Industry experts from sponsoring organisations will engage with and support the cohort companies throughout their seven-month journey.
At the end of the programme, participants will pitch to industry partners and ORE Catapult's network of investors to secure investment and market routes 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.”
