Technology accelerator programme for Scottish companies looking to succeed in offshore wind opens

The prestigious Launch Academy was established in 2020 and will be a first for Scotland and will provide 10 early stage companies with technology development and business growth support to help them accelerate the commercialisation of products and services for the UK and global offshore wind market.

Since 2020, Launch Academy has supported 57 companies, raised £26.7m of private investment, £8.4m of grant funding and filed 150 patents across 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, global renewable energy developers BlueFloat Energy | Nadara Partnership and Ocean Winds, and 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 sponsoring organizations will engage and support cohort companies throughout their seven-month Launch Academy journey. At the end of the program, innovators will pitch their ideas to industry partners and ORE Catapult’s network of investors to secure investment and a route to market for their products.

“Our Launch Academy was established in 2020 to accelerate early stage breakthrough innovation that can address the challenges facing the offshore renewables sector,” said Dr Stephen Wyatt, Director of Strategy and Emerging Technologies at ORE Catapult. “I am delighted that we have this dedicated programme for Scotland, which is so closely aligned with the largest offshore wind projects in our waters. Scotland has built an enviable reputation for excellence and expertise in the energy sector and we are delighted to welcome the support of the Scottish Enterprise Agencies, Inch Cape, BlueFloat Energy | Nadara Partnership and Ocean Winds as we launch this latest programme. Launch Academy Scotland will mentor 10 promising companies, providing them with technical and business support, as well as industry insight and market connectivity to enable them to grow within the UK offshore wind supply chain.”

Applications can be submitted from today, July 19, 2024, until August 16, 2024.

The Launch Academy Scotland information webinar will take place on Monday 29 July 2024.

For additional information:

Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult (ORE)

Startup Academy Program

Launch Academy Scotland: Informational webinar