The Marine Energy Engineering Centre of Excellence (MEECE), led by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, has launched the Wales Innovation in Marine Monitoring Competition.
This competition aims to provide targeted support and remove barriers to encourage business in the marine monitoring industry to enter the UK offshore wind supply chain which will enable the development of Irish and Celtic Sea offshore renewable projects.
Through specialist advice, access to workshop development and onshore and offshore pilot testing, this unique opportunity aims to support Small and Medium size Enterprises (SMEs) to transform their businesses by validating and de-risking their innovative marine environment monitoring technologies.
MEECE is part of our Pembroke Dock Marine project which is working to put Wales and Welsh companies at the heart of the UK’s growing marine and offshore renewable energy sectors. Based at Pembroke Dock, the centre delivers research, development and demonstration activities to support innovation in the offshore renewable energy supply chain, accelerating the commercialisation of the wave, tidal and offshore wind sectors.
To apply for the competition the company must be:
- A UK registered business
- A micro, small or medium-sized enterprise (SME)
- Active or growing work activities in the marine and maritime innovation cluster in Wales
- Have a demonstrable ambition for business growth
- Provide monetary and/or in-kind contribution to the total project costs
- Make only one submission to this funding call per company
- Show a clear intent to diversify the business into offshore wind or demonstrate existing capability in the sector.
- Can clearly articulate a desire to enter / grow their presence in the offshore wind market.
- Understand their own needs and deficiencies as a business and have a proactive attitude to business improvement and constructive feedback.
- Demonstrate how the intervention would impact their business and the additionality it would provide by having identified needs met.
Cllr Rob Stewart, Chairman of the Swansea Bay City Deal said:
"The launch of the Wales Innovation in Marine Monitoring Competition marks a significant step forward in unlocking the potential for local SMEs to enter the UK’s offshore wind sector. By providing targeted support and removing key barriers to entry, this initiative empowers businesses in the marine monitoring industry to play a vital role in the development of offshore renewable projects in the Irish and Celtic Sea — helping to drive a cleaner, greener future while strengthening the regional supply chain.”
Read more about eligibility, the application process, funding and evaluation in the scope and guidance document.
Applications close on Tuesday 12th of August, 2025.