Removing barriers to commercialisation for SMEs
Launch Academy is ORE Catapult’s flagship technology accelerator programme, designed to enhance the UK’s offshore wind supply chain, enable greater UK content and support cost reduction by identifying innovative solutions to real industry problems.
Launch Academy 2024 will provide a group of up to ten companies the opportunity to participate in a structured and comprehensive programme, delivered by ORE Catapult with input from key industry players and external delivery partners over 7-9 months.
The programme is driven by challenges provided by industry sponsors and delivers a diverse variety of modules to support the cohort companies on their journey to commercialisation.
This video introduces Launch Academy and demonstrates how it provides a complete ecosystem to support the commercialisation of ambitious companies launching new products and services in the offshore renewables sector.
Chris currently works as an Innovation Manager at the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, with a particular focus on technology accelerators.
Passionate about supporting the development of technologies enabling the clean energy transition, Chris is driven by a desire to support SMEs and innovators to flourish in the dynamic, fast-evolving renewable energy industry. Chris leads in the delivery of Launch Academy, ORE Catapult’s flagship technology accelerator programme, which is designed to support SMEs developing innovative technology solutions relevant to the offshore renewable energy sector by accelerating technology development and removing barriers to commercialisation.
Prior to joining ORE Catapult, Chris previously held a number of roles accruing experience managing a number of SMEs in the entertainment and retail trade sectors. In particular, he gained targeted experience in supporting companies to rapidly scale up and become established both in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.
Chris obtained an MSc in Renewable Energy Systems and the Environment from the University of Strathclyde in 2022, which coupled with a background in Mechanical Engineering provided a grounded understanding of the renewable energy landscape and the challenges linked to the wider energy transition. Chris is currently working towards Chartered Engineer status with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), and is a committed STEM ambassador with a passion for sharing knowledge and experience with future generations.