ORE Catapult, a leading innovation center for offshore renewable energy (ORE), has recently launched an accelerator program in East Anglia with a focus on developing new products and services for the United Kingdom’s offshore renewables sector. This marks the first time that ORE Catapult has organized its Launch Academy in the East of England, an area known as one of the largest offshore renewable energy hubs in the country.
The regional program has been established following the successful implementation of previous national and regional Launch Academy initiatives, which have provided support to 38 companies and generated over £22 million in investments since 2019. Recognizing the vast amount of talent and innovation emerging from the East of England, ORE Catapult’s innovation manager, Imogen Stevenson, believes that these developments could play a crucial role in supporting the significant offshore wind industry in the region and beyond.
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The funding for this program has been generously provided by ORE Catapult, along with the support of RWE, a prominent offshore wind developer, and the local governing bodies of Norfolk County Council, Essex County Council, and Suffolk County Council. Additionally, Marks & Clerk, Birketts, and Lovewell Blake have graciously offered pro bono assistance.
One of the selected companies for the regional Launch Academy program is Exo Engineering based in Norfolk. Exo Engineering specializes in the development of eco-reefs that offer underwater protection for offshore wind infrastructure, such as turbine foundations, while simultaneously providing a nurturing environment for various marine life forms. William Coulet, the managing director of Exo Engineering, expressed his enthusiasm for the Launch Academy East of England program, emphasizing its potential to enhance their understanding of the specific requirements within the offshore renewables industry. Coulet believes that gaining market knowledge and refining their offerings are pivotal to expanding their business in the offshore renewables sector. He affirms that customer-centric solutions remain a top priority for Exo Engineering and that participating in the Launch Academy will enable them to achieve the necessary momentum for success.
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The program is scheduled to run until December 2023, during which time each participating company will receive support valued at up to £25,000. This comprehensive initiative seeks to foster the growth and advancement of innovative ventures in the offshore renewable energy sector, paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future.
