THE PROGRAMME
Developed to bring cutting-edge technology development and business support under one roof, Launch Academy National provides a cohort of ten companies the opportunity to participate in a structured and comprehensive programme that is delivered by our team in partnership with key industry players and external delivery partners over the course of 12 months.
The programme supports the acceleration of offshore wind technology and commercial development, connecting innovators directly with our industry sponsors, ScottishPower Renewables, JERA Nex bp and EDF Power Solutions, to address major industry challenges and de-risk investment.
OUR INDUSTRY SPONSORS
SUPPLY CHAIN SUPPORT THROUGH LAUNCH ACADEMY
In addition to gaining access to our significant in-house technical capabilities, Launch Academy cohort companies benefit from the opportunity to participate in workshops and 1-1 sessions delivered by our expert external delivery partners. This support is specific and targeted to ensure that all companies that graduate from Launch Academy have the skillsets, tools, structures and knowledge necessary to succeed in the offshore renewable energy industry.
The programme’s content centres around three pillars; Specialised Industry Knowledge, Business Growth Expertise and Professional Services.
This support is delivered across 3 pillars via a variety of modules, including:
Offshore Wind Innovation Support
Specialised Industry Knowledge, ORE Catapult
Technology Development Support
Specialised Industry Knowledge, ORE Catapult
Market and Cost Benefit Analysis
Specialised Industry Knowledge, ORE Catapult
Offshore Wind 101
Specialised Industry Knowledge, ORE Catapult
Investor Readiness and Value Proposition
Business Growth Expertise, Sustainable Ventures
Branding and Marketing
Business Growth Expertise, Sustainable Ventures
Grant Funding 101
Business Growth Expertise, ORE Catapult
IP Support
Professional Services, Murgitroyd
Legal Support
Professional Services, Shepherd and Wedderburn
High Growth Accounting
Professional Services, BDO
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Professional Services, ORE Catapult
Technology Qualification Guidance
Professional Services, DNV
2026 INNOVATION CHALLENGES:
INNOVATIVE SENSING & INSPECTION HARDWARE
We're seeking solutions that address the need for real-time monitoring of aging assets to reduce costly manual interventions and boost long term offshroe infrastructure performance.
Learn more
MORE INFO & APPLICATION PROCESS
Launch Academy is a technology accelerator programme with direct support and engagement with the offshore wind industry.
Our Launch Academy 6 industry sponsors, ScottishPower Renewables, JERA Nex bp and EDF Power Solutions provide a direct industry pull through our innovation challenges and are able to engage with cutting-edge innovation developed throughout the entire UK supply chain. The industry partners also provide a plethora of support throughout the nine-month duration of the programme, alongside our own experts in technology development, market analysis, business case development and commercialisation of innovative technologies.
To discover more about programme eligibility, the application process, key dates and for more information about the innovation challenges, please visit the application portal.
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 progress 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.”
Andrew Macdonald
Director of Business Development
CONTACT OUR TEAM
