Applications are now open for innovative companies based in Scotland to join the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult’s Launch Academy programme. 

Launch Academy is an industry-backed technology accelerator programme designed to support the commercialisation of new technologies that will enhance the UK’s offshore wind supply chain, enabling greater local content while supporting cost reduction.

The Launch Academy was established in 2020, and this will be the inaugural Scotland-wide programme which will provide 10 early-stage businesses with technology development and business growth support to help them to accelerate the commercialisation of products and services targeting the UK and global offshore wind markets.

Since 2020, Launch Academy has supported 57 companies, raised £26.7m in private investment, £8.4m in grant funding and had 150 patents filed through both the national and regional Launch Academy programmes across the United Kingdom.

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, as well as 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 the sponsoring organisations will engage and support the cohort companies throughout their seven-month Launch Academy journey. 

At the end of the programme, the innovators will pitch to industry partners and ORE Catapult’s network of investors with the aim of securing investment and a route to market 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.

“Scotland has forged an enviable reputation for excellence and specialist expertise within the energy sector and we are delighted to welcome the support of Scotland's 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 growth support, as well as industry insights and market connectivity, positioning them to thrive in the UK offshore wind supply chain.”

Applications are open from tomorrow, July 19, and can be submitted until the closing deadline of August 16.

A Launch Academy Scotland briefing webinar will take place on Monday, July 29.

Click here for more information and to sign up.