Overview
Innovate UK is investing up to £10m in the first phase of the Offshore Wind Innovation Programme to accelerate UK business growth and strengthen the UK’s global leadership in offshore wind.
Opening on 7 April 2026, two competitions will share up to £10m to support early and mid-stage offshore wind innovation projects that help companies develop new technologies, scale their businesses and compete internationally.
Join our online briefing sessions and surgeries, commencing on 13 April 2026 for an overview of the competition, including the scope, timelines and the types of projects that are eligible for funding.
About the competition
The Future Offshore Wind Technologies competition is split into 2 strands.
Feasibility studies
This strand supports early-stage innovation projects that explore the technical and commercial feasibility of new offshore wind technologies. Projects should test new ideas, assess their potential and generate the evidence needed to progress towards further research, development and commercialisation.
Projects must focus on one of the following areas:
- advanced turbine technology
- industrialised foundations and substructures
- future electrical systems and cables
- smart environmental services
- or next generation installation, operations and maintenance
Industrial research
This strand supports mid-stage innovation projects where technologies are more developed and require further research and development before commercial deployment. Projects should focus on advancing solutions that can deliver significant improvements to offshore wind technologies and supply chains.
Projects must focus on one of the following areas:
- offshore wind turbine blades or towers
- foundation and substructure solutions for deep water
- or innovations to reduce cable failure rates
Who should attend?
This opportunity is open to UK-based companies, including SMEs, working in offshore wind and related supply chains.
When registering, please confirm which competition you are interested in applying for and indicate the relevant priority area for your proposed project.
Future Offshore Wind Technologies Sessions
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10:00-11:00
This strand supports early-stage innovation projects that explore the technical and commercial feasibility of new offshore wind technologies. Projects should test new ideas, assess their potential and generate the evidence needed to progress towards further research, development and commercialisation.
Projects must focus on one of the following areas: advanced turbine technology, industrialised foundations and substructures, future electrical systems and cables, smart environmental services, or next generation installation, operations and maintenance.
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13:00-14:00
This strand supports mid-stage innovation projects where technologies are more developed and require further research and development before commercial deployment. Projects should focus on advancing solutions that can deliver significant improvements to offshore wind technologies and supply chains.
Projects must focus on one of the following areas: offshore wind turbine blades or towers, foundation and substructure solutions for deep water, or innovations to reduce cable failure rates.
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13:00-15:00
This session will help answer any questions you may have about either competition strand.
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10:00-11:00
Come along to these informal ‘drop-in’ surgeries to ask any questions you may have about your application.
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12:00-13:00
Come along to these informal ‘drop-in’ surgeries to ask any questions you may have about your application.
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15:00-16:00
Come along to these informal ‘drop-in’ surgeries to ask any questions you may have about your application.
Accessibility and Inclusion
We are committed to ensuring our events are accessible for all.
If you experience any barriers to registering, for any reason, please contact us by email: enquiries@iukbc.org.uk or phone: +44 03333 403250 and we will support your registration.