Innovation Exchange challenge: ORE Catapult Launch Academy National 6

Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult's flagship accelerator for offshore wind innovation, designed to support a cohort of up to 10 high-growth UK SMEs. The 12-month award-winning programme provides tailored technical and commercial support, including innovation management, IP strategy, and direct feedback from industry sponsors to accelerate technologies toward commercial deployment. The Launch Academy has a proven track record, having supported 74 businesses to progress 54 innovations to market and secure over £39m in combined funding and investment since 2020. The programme connects innovators directly with leading offshore wind developers including ScottishPower Renewables, JERA Nex bp, and EDF Power Solutions to address real industry challenges and de-risk investment. Participants benefit from direct access to ORE Catapult and developers, technical and business support, market and cost-benefit analysis, investor readiness, branding, and legal foundations. The programme targets UK-based SMEs or innovators with near-market solutions, typically between Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4-6.