A new industry-backed UK technology accelerator programme has been launched by ORE Catapult, designed to support innovative SMEs to commercialise new technologies. The Launch Academy is a national technology accelerator programme for the offshore wind industry, focusing on near to market solutions.
The bespoke nine-month programme will see a cohort of eight promising companies being given access to a package of support from the delivery partners, including legal, marketing, accountancy, IP, HR and investor readiness support as well as modules delivered by ORE Catapult such as technology assessment, supply chain readiness and business case review. At the end of each cohort, the innovators will pitch to the strategic partners and the Catapult’s network of investors with the aim of securing investment and a route to market for their products.
The Launch Academy initiative is supported by eight industrial and business support companies including Red Rock Power, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, Barclays Eagle Labs, investment body Green Angel Syndicate, accountancy firm BDO, IP company Murgitroyd, law firm Shepherd and Wedderburn and ScottishPower Renewables. The national programme will be supported by a number of regional feeder programmes.
