Launch Academy supports the commercialisation of UK-based SMEs as they seek to introduce innovative new products and services into the offshore wind industry.
Developed to bring cutting-edge technology development and business support under one roof, Launch Academy provides a cohort of up to ten companies the opportunity to participate in a structured and comprehensive programme that is delivered by ORE Catapult in conjunction with input from some key industry players and external delivery partners over the course of 7-9 months.
Launch Academy is driven by challenges or themes provided by industry sponsors and provides value by delivering a diverse variety of “modules” to successful cohort companies.
In addition to gaining access to ORE Catapult’s 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.
Types of support provided by our external partners include the provision of legal advice and templates for documentation such as NDAs, IP strategy clinics exploring how and when to protect intellectual property and critical input on the development of investor pitch decks.
By participating in Launch Academy, successful cohort companies also benefit from unique networking opportunities with market-leading end-users and key industry organisations.
At the end of the programme, each cohort company will attend a “Graduation” event, which includes a chance to pitch to our industry sponsors alongside ORE Catapult’s network of investors.
Senior Technology Acceleration Manager, Alex Louden, answers some of the common questions he’s come across since the technology accelerator was launched back in 2019.
As the offshore wind industry continues to grow at a record pace, ORE Catapult has recognised the need to improve the route-to-market for start-ups and SMEs in the sector. Listen to the ReEnergise podcast episode to learn more about the Launch Academy and other supply chain growth programmes run by the Catapult.