UK companies determined to fast track their technology within the offshore wind sector can apply to join Launch Academy, the award-winning technology acceleration programme run by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, from today (Thursday 29th January 2026).
Launch Academy is an industry-recognised business support programme designed to help early-stage companies, with innovative products and services, progress within the offshore wind supply chain.
Andrew Macdonald, Director of Business Development at ORE Catapult said:
“This is the sixth year that we have run Launch Academy – providing fantastic opportunities for ambitious SMEs looking to break into the offshore wind space, to progress their innovative technologies and move us ever closer towards the UK’s clean energy ambitions, and potential global success.
“We are grateful to our industry sponsors for their continued support of the Launch Academy mission to strengthen the UK’s offshore supply chain, and we welcome their expertise in supporting the next cohort of inspiring companies over the course of the programme.”
Since it started in 2020, Launch Academy has supported 74 companies that have collectively raised £27.5m in private investment, £11.7m in grant funding and had 153 patents filed across its regional and national programmes. Wraparound programme support includes targeted technology development, business growth and professional services expertise.
The one-year national Launch Academy programme will be sponsored by offshore wind industry heavyweights ScottishPower Renewables, EDF Power Solutions, and JERA Nex bp.
Angela Angulo, Head of Offshore Wind Innovation at ScottishPower Renewables, said:
“As long‑standing partners of the Launch Academy, we really value the opportunity to help shape the challenges, gain early insight into emerging innovation, and work closely with promising UK businesses at a formative stage. Continuing to grow and strengthen our offshore wind supply chain is essential for the sector, and innovative SMEs are right at the heart of that.
“Launch Academy provides companies with the tailored support they need to thrive in this market, especially those transitioning from other industries, while also developing solutions that tackle the real‑life challenges developers like us face every day. We’re looking forward to engaging with the programme’s newest cohort.”
Sioban Butler, Principal Procurement and Contracts Manager at EDF power solutions, added:
“EDF power solutions is proud to sponsor ORE Catapult’s award-winning Launch Academy programme as it aligns perfectly with our vision to accelerate the transition to a low carbon future and the need to enhance the UK’s offshore wind supply chain. The programme looks at the challenges of today to deliver on tomorrow’s energy innovations.”
Alfonso Montero López, Chief Technology Officer at JERA Nex bp, said:
“Supporting Launch Academy is about backing the innovators who could shape the future of offshore wind. The programme provides a pathway for emerging technologies to move from concept to commercial reality, helping ambitious UK companies engage with the offshore wind supply chain. JERA Nex bp is delighted to sponsor a programme that supports innovation and helps accelerate the development of the UK offshore wind sector.”
Innovation challenges, set by sponsors for this latest Launch Academy programme, include:
- Innovative sensing and inspection hardware for long‑term offshore infrastructure performance
- Advanced lifting, transport and component handling solutions for Offshore Wind, (including portside operations)
- Technologies to speed up offshore wind construction and reduce environmental impact
- An open call for any technology that solves an offshore wind industry challenge
A total of 10 companies will be selected from applicants for this national Launch Academy programme that will start in June 2026.
Click here for more information on Launch Academy and to apply.
Applications close on Wednesday 25 March.
A briefing webinar on the Launch Academy programme will take place at 2pm on Wednesday 18 February. For more information and to sign up, click here.
