Three North East companies are among the latest cohort of an offshore wind accelerator scheme that has secured £1m for its participants.
Newcastle offshore communications specialists Force 55; Gateshead-based virtual reality training firm VRAI and Teesside power engineering outfit MJR Power & Automation are among ten firms on the second intake of ORE Catapult's Launch Academy programme which is designed to support firms in the commercialisation of new products and services for the offshore wind sector. The trio are participating in the nine month programme that is backed by bp, ScottishPower Renewables and Scottish Enterprise.
Representatives from the North East contingent were among those sharing their progress recently at ORE Catapult's National Renewable Energy Centre in Blyth. At the midpoint of the Launch Academy schedule, the firms are under way with a range of offshore concepts including provision of 5G at sea, the replacement of diesel engines in vessels and hydrogen steam power.
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Alex Louden, senior technology acceleration manager at ORE Catapult, said: "Each of the ten companies have enjoyed fantastic successes since we started the latest round of Launch Academy in March 2022. It has been great to hear more about their impressive achievements and celebrate with them in person at our midterm event. We cannot wait to see how the grants, new hires and collaborations further enhance this selection of future businesses who will no doubt play a leading part in our renewable future."
In MJR Automation's case, the firm is also part of ORE Catapult's Fit 4 Offshore Renewables programme which supports businesses by increasing capability, competence and competitiveness, as they prepare to bid for work in the offshore wind sector. Paul Cairns, managing director at MJR Power & Automation said: "We have over a decade’s worth of experience providing equipment engineering, mobilisation, installation and service to the offshore sector and have provided our services on a number of flagship wind farms throughout the UK, including the likes of London array and Sheringham Shoal.
"Being part of the Fit 4 Offshore Renewables initiative will open several doors for MJR – further establishing our position as a reputable and trusted supplier - allowing us to expand our business in this rapidly growing industry and demonstrate our commitment to the UK's offshore renewables market."
Meanwhile, VRAI, which operates from Gateshead's PROTO, has received £130,000 in Offshore Wind Growth Partnership funding to develop its offer, which involves using virtual reality and artificial intelligence to make simulation training for hazardous environments more authentic.
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