Entrants to this competition must be:

• UK-based SMEs or innovators with near-market solutions, typically between Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4–6.
• Companies from offshore wind or relevant sectors (e.g., marine engineering, construction, robotics) with technologies that can be adapted for offshore wind.

Further guidance on applicant eligibility can be found on the Launch Academy website: National Launch Academy | ORE Catapult

 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I): Launch Academy actively encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, and neurodiverse individuals, to drive stronger innovation outcomes.

Addressing the need for real-time monitoring of aging assets to reduce costly manual interventions. Areas of specific interest include:

• Vibration Monitoring: Compact, battery-powered units for use during turbine commissioning—specifically before grid connection and full data access—to validate potential damage and warranty claims.
• Corrosion Assessment: Remote, real-time assessment and monitoring of corrosion in structural elements like monopiles and submerged flanges within harsh marine environments.
• Cable Health: Advanced monitoring and early-fault detection technologies for subsea cables to prevent outages caused by fatigue, abrasion, or thermal hotspots.

Improving the assembly and logistics for both bottom-fixed and floating wind projects. Areas of specific interest include:

• UAV Heavy Lifting: Structured solutions for planning and execution of heavy lifting operations using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for offshore transport and tool delivery.
• Floating Wind Assembly: Innovations for heavy-lift, assembly, and management of oversized components, covering both quayside and offshore stages.
• Major Component Exchange: Technical innovation for construction and major component exchange within fixed-bottom offshore wind turbines.

Hardware-based innovations to accelerate deployment timelines while upholding high environmental standards. Areas of specific interest include:

• Rapid-Change Tech: Quick-connect interfaces and modular assemblies designed to speed up the installation and change-out of offshore wind components.
• Subsea Environmental Protection: Hardware solutions that limit underwater noise, minimize seabed disturbance, and reduce sediment plumes during piling and installation.
• Floating Wind Deployment Optimisation: Space-efficient wet-storage and reliable tow-out solutions for floating foundations and assembled turbine units.
• Deep-Water Installation: Novel installation solutions specifically tailored for deep-water fixed-bottom offshore wind projects.

Launch Academy welcomes applications from exceptional companies addressing industry challenges beyond the defined focus areas.

The Launch Academy, is specialised in offshore wind so successful applicants will be benefiting from:

• Industry Engagement: Direct access to ORE Catapult, developers (EDF, SPR, JERA Nex bp), and sector showcasing opportunities.
• Technical & Business Support: Tailored 12-month support including technology development support, market & cost-benefit analysis, investor readiness, branding, and legal foundations.
• Proven Growth: On average, programme participants have progressed their TRL by +1 and contributed to the creation of 68 new high-quality jobs since 2020.
• Scaling Potential: Exposure to the UK offshore wind market’s 95GW development pipeline.

• Application Guidance Webinar: 18th February 2026, 2-3.30pm – click here to register for a place
• Application Window: 29th January – 25th March 2026
• Pitch Sessions (In Person): 28th and 29th April 2026
• Successful Cohort Notified: 5th May 2026
• Onboarding & Launch Days: May & June 2026