The esteemed Launch Academy programme is now accepting applications in an effort to support innovators in Scotland targeting the offshore wind industry. Established in 2020, this programme aims to aid early-stage businesses in developing technologies that will drive the growth of the UK’s offshore wind supply chain and contribute to cost reduction efforts.
The inaugural Scotland-wide Launch Academy will welcome 10 early-stage businesses to receive technology development and business growth support. Since its establishment, the Launch Academy has supported 57 companies, generating £26.7m in private investment, £8.4m in grant funding, and 150 patents filed through national and regional programmes in the UK.
The Launch Academy Scotland programme is sponsored by Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, and prominent renewable energy developers BlueFloat Energy, Nadara Partnership, and Ocean Winds. Additionally, Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm will be supporting the initiative, providing a platform for 10 promising solutions to be selected by a panel of experts to join the Launch Academy Scotland cohort.
Throughout the seven-month programme, industry experts from sponsoring organisations will engage with and provide support to the cohort companies. The end goal is for innovators to pitch their products to industry partners and ORE Catapult’s network of investors, with the hopes of gaining investment and a route to market for their offerings.
Dr Stephen Wyatt, Director of Strategy and Emerging Technologies at ORE Catapult, expressed delight in the launch of the dedicated programme for Scotland, reflecting Scotland’s expertise in the energy sector. Shane Macken, Inch Cape’s Innovation Champion and Interface Manager, and David Robertson, Portfolio Director (Scotland) at BlueFloat Energy | Nadara Partnership, also expressed their enthusiasm for contributing to the programme.
The Launch Academy Scotland programme will receive funding from Caledonia, with the aim of encouraging innovation and manufacturing excellence in the offshore wind industry.
The call for applications for the Launch Academy programme is scheduled to commence tomorrow, 19 July 2024, with a closing deadline of 16 August 2024. Additionally, a Launch Academy Scotland briefing webinar is set to take place on Monday 29 July, 2024, providing interested parties with more information and an opportunity to sign up.
The Launch Academy Scotland programme presents a significant opportunity for Scottish companies to immerse themselves in the offshore wind industry, tapping into a wealth of support and resources. Engaging with established industry experts and key sponsors, early-stage businesses can leverage this platform to accelerate the development and commercialization of their innovative technologies, contributing to the growth of the UK’s offshore wind sector. If you’re an innovator with a groundbreaking solution for the offshore wind industry, this could be the perfect platform for you to shine!