The Accelerating Innovation Programme is open exclusively to registered UK companies actively engaged in developing technologies that align with mission areas. Project activity must take place within the UK.

Companies working in other supply chain sectors are actively encouraged to apply providing the proposal demonstrates a clear innovative business case for offshore wind.

To be eligible for support from the Wind Innovation Hub’s Accelerating Innovations
Programme you must be:

• A UK-registered company, of any size, with a valid Companies House registration number (charities, universities and research technology organisations (RTOs) are not eligible)
• Developing an innovative product, technology or service aligned with one of the following Wind Innovation Hub missions:
  • Transforming Blades – Advanced Turbine Technology
  • Deepwater Wind – Industrialised Foundations & Substructures
  • AC/DC Reliable Cable – Future Electrical Systems & Cables
  • Accelerated Consenting – Smart Environmental Services
  • Future Proofing Offshore Wind Operations – Next Generation Installation and O&M
• Able to demonstrate that your Innovation is at Technology Readiness Level 5-8
• Developing the innovation from within the UK (i.e. your company has people based in the UK, conducting the technology and commercial development)
• Able to accept up to £100k in Minimal Financial Assistance (MFA) value – see Subsidy Section of the Scope and Guidance document for details
• Able to commit resources to support the Wind Innovation Hub in the delivery of its support. Evidence of senior/C-suite level commitment is required

An individual company must submit only one application. Any company that submits more than one application will be deemed ineligible for all applications.

Transforming Blades – Advanced Turbine Technology

This mission area focuses on technologies that strengthen UK blade capability by improving blade design, manufacturing capacity and capability, quality, performance and lifecycle sustainability. Relevant technologies include advanced and recyclable materials, digital and AI-enabled design tools, manufacturing automation, defect detection, inspection systems and solutions that reduce blade mass while maintaining strength and reliability. Applicants should show how their innovation can improve blade productivity, quality, durability or environmental performance without requiring whole-system turbine redesign.

Deepwater Wind – Industrialised Foundations & Substructures

This mission area supports technologies that increase the UK’s capability to design, manufacture and deploy platforms and deepwater substructures at scale. Relevant innovations include floating platform concepts, hybrid or rigid structures, mooring and anchoring technologies, modular fabrication approaches, automated welding, robotics-enabled production, novel materials, digital design tools and solutions that improve serial manufacture and supply chain efficiency for sites operating beyond a depth of 50 metres. Applicants should demonstrate how their technology can reduce cost, strengthen reliability, increase production capacity or support the commercialisation of deepwater or floating offshore wind.

AC/DC Reliable Cable – Future Electrical Systems & Cables

This mission area focuses on technologies that improve the reliability, resilience and performance of offshore wind electrical systems and cable infrastructure. Relevant innovations include 132 kV dynamic cable systems for floating offshore wind, higher voltage array and export cable solutions, cable protection, advanced cable materials, monitoring and inspection technologies, smart joints, connectors and terminations, fault detection and cable protection systems, power electronics and solutions that reduce transmission losses. Applicants should show how their innovation can improve electrical system reliability, reduce downtime or enable the next generation of offshore wind projects.

Accelerated Consenting – Smart Environmental Services

This mission area supports technologies and services that improve the speed, quality and confidence of environmental assessment, monitoring and consenting for offshore wind. Relevant innovations include AI-driven environmental analysis, automated regulatory reporting and compliance tools, remote sensing and digital ecology platforms, and robotic and autonomous environmental survey/monitoring technologies. Applicants should demonstrate how their innovation can support faster, more sustainable deployment while maintaining robust environmental decision-making.

Future Proofing Offshore Wind Operations – Next Generation Installation and O&M

This mission area focuses on technologies that improve the way offshore wind farms are inspected, operated and maintained throughout their lifecycle. Relevant innovations in this Mission Area include technologies, products and services that support refurbishment and component reuse; major component exchange; condition health monitoring; autonomous and remote operation of offshore assets; and robotic and autonomous inspection and fault detection systems. Applicants should show how their innovation can improve safety, reduce maintenance time, increase asset availability and reduce whole-life cost.

At the Wind Innovation Hub, we believe that diverse teams drive stronger innovation and better outcomes for the offshore wind sector. The Accelerating Innovations Programme is committed to creating an inclusive programme where innovators from all backgrounds have equal opportunity to succeed. We actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups within innovation and engineering, including women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, neurodiverse individuals and founders from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are not formal selection criteria; however, by fostering a culture of openness, collaboration and respect, the Wind Innovation Hub aims to create an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and innovative ideas can thrive.

Should you require additional materials and/or support in your application for personal reasons, please contact the programme team. Enquiries can be sent to Magnus Willett, Accelerating Innovations Coordinator at ORE Catapult.

An Application Guidance Webinar will be held on 8 September 2026: further details will appear at the site below when available.

If you would like to discuss your application you can contact Innovate UK Business Connect’s Energy team.