Offshore wind tech firms split seven figure innovation pot

Ten tech start-ups have secured more than £1 million funding to deliver solutions for the UK’s offshore wind industry.

Part of the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult’s second Launch Academy accelerator programme, the ten firms have each developed a solution for issues within the offshore wind industry, from providing 5G at sea to replacing diesel engines in marine vessels with renewable hydrogen steam power.

The Launch Academy’s nine-month – BP, ScottishPower Renewables and Scottish Enterprise-backed – programme was established in 2019 and focuses on commercialising near-to-market products and solutions within the offshore wind industry.

It brings technology development and business support under one roof, allowing companies to access its in-house technical capability, alongside a range of business growth expertise from our partners.

The programme takes a ten-strong cohort per year and offers legal, marketing, accountancy, intellectual property, HR and investor readiness support, alongside modules delivered by ORE Catapult – including technology assessment, export market introductions, supply chain readiness and business case review.

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The following companies will receive support services worth approximately £25,000 each alongside funding to help them develop their technology, business and commercialise their solutions.

• 4Ax Technologies – Remotely controlled, AI-equipped, internal inspection of turbine blades.
• Crack Map – Non-contact inspection technology combining AI and fracture mechanics.
• MasterFilter – Enhanced filtration devices for lubrication systems within wind turbines and reduce mechanical wear.
• JET Engineering System Solutions – 5G connectivity at sea for reliable communications and real-time data collection via robust floating networks.
• VRAI – Data-driven VR simulation training for high hazard environments.
• Force 55 – Software delivering real-time, geo-referenced, status updates for offshore workers and assets.
• Future Energy Associates – Data science tools for wind farm development and optimisation.
• MJR Power & Automation – A charging system for battery electric crew transfer vessels.
• IONATE – Hybrid intelligent transformer with comprehensive power-flow control, enabling safe and affordable integration of renewables.
• Steamology – Hydrogen steam powered engine for the decarbonisation of marine vessels.

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