Nine offshore innovation companies complete ORE Catapult’s Launch Academy in eastern UK

Nine companies across Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex have celebrated the successful completion of the first East of England Launch Academy, an award-winning technology accelerator programme aimed at revolutionising the UK’s offshore renewable energy sector, from the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult.

The graduation ceremony took place at The Hold in Ipswich, marking a significant milestone for the cohort company’s journeys in the offshore renewable energy sector. The companies graduating were Extend Robotics, Fern Communications, Recyclatrack, Exo Engineering, Urban XR, Aquaterra Energy, Front Technologies, Mission Zero Technologies and Haven Dredging.

Launch Academy East of England was developed following the success of previous national and regional Launch Academy programmes that have supported 47 companies, raised £25.2m in private investment, £7.8m in grant funding, and had 48 patents filed across the UK since 2020.

Stephen Wyatt, director of strategy and emerging technologies at the ORE Catapult, said:  "Strengthening the UK's offshore supply chain is crucial for a smooth transition towards our net zero targets and represents a huge opportunity for businesses across the UK. For the first time, Launch Academy East of England has equipped companies in the East Anglia region with the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in the offshore renewable energy sector – tapping into the wind industry in the region.”

Funding for the programme was provided by ORE Catapult, leading offshore wind developer RWE, Norfolk County Council, Essex County Council, and Suffolk County Council, with pro bono support from Marks & Clerk, Birketts, and Lovewell Blake.

David Terry, supply chain development manager at RWE, said: “Launch Academy is proving a very important support programme for companies developing opportunities in the market, and RWE is delighted to offer sponsorship and expertise to provide market knowledge and project information where we can. This year’s Launch Academy cohort has proven their commitment, innovation and entrepreneurship in offshore wind.

“RWE plans to invest €55 billion worldwide in green technologies in the years 2024 to 2030. We are fully committed to both driving innovation and supporting supply chain growth across all phases of an Offshore Wind Farm’s lifecycle – from development, through construction and operation, to end-of-life decommissioning.”

The graduation celebrated the progress achieved by the companies following six months of specialised training and tailored support modules provided by ORE Catapult and its expert partners.

ORE Catapult

https://ore.catapult.org.uk