Application support webinar - the recording is now available to watch here
The webinar covered information on the challenges that have been set, alongside supporting information on the overall programme vision and guidance on the application process.
Key Dates
Applications Open
Webinar
Application Deadline
Technical Due Diligence Interviews
Commercial Due Diligence Interviews
Cohort Selection
Welcome Day
Maritime Growth Summit
What is the Maritime Accelerator?
The Maritime Accelerator is a brand-new programme powered by Connected Places Catapult, designed to support SMEs with innovative solutions that can be applied to the Maritime space.
About the Programme
The Maritime Accelerator is a programme powered by Connected Places Catapult, designed to support SMEs with innovative solutions that can be applied in the maritime sector.
The programme will be joined by up to 10 SMEs at TRL 5-7 for a 4-month programme
where they will receive a bespoke programme tailored to their business needs. This will include market targeting and sizing, value proposition, delivery and pricing strategies, financial forecasting, pitching and effective communications which all aim to support the SMEs with their investment readiness, business modelling, customer profiling and enterprise selling.
The cohort will have an opportunity to work directly with a consortium of our programme partners which include Port of Tyne,
DP World,
National Shipbuilding Office,Serco,
University of Plymouth,
Houlder, and Maersk,
More partners will be announced soon.
Our partners will play an active role in challenge setting, SME selection and provide access to internal
expertise and testing facilities where relevant.
Accelerator Challenges
How can automation bring efficiencies to the maritime sector?
We are seeking SMEs with solutions that can automate and improve operational efficiencies of:
physical assets within ports
vessel operations and harbour activities
logistics to improve supply chain management
How can technology support the skills shortage within the maritime sector?
We are seeking SMEs with technology that can:
help identify and transfer relevant skills from other sectors into maritime
upskill existing staff to create a workforce that is ready for change
help reduce demand of physical assets in training
How can technology improve the maritime industry's decarbonisation journey?
We are seeking SMEs with solutions that can help support with decarbonisation efforts by:
better understanding operational efficiency of future fuels
tracking and monitoring of carbon emissions
reducing port infrastructure emissions
What's on offer to SMEs
Coaching and Mentoring
Including pitch coaching, business support and VC support
Solution Showcase
Event day to raise your profile among industry, potential customers, and investors
Investment Readiness
Tailored investment readiness programme, with support from investment coaches
Funding Opportunities
Opportunity to access our fund for trial proposal development or trialling
Trial Support
Trial design, deployment support, mentoring and evaluation
Business Development
4-month tailored business development support and introductions
Accelerator goals
- Bespoke business support for up to 10 disruptive SMEs
- Accelerate investment readiness and develop investment strategies
- Focus on facilitating discussions that lead to commercial contracts
- Support collaborative Research & Development - where appropriate/applicable
- Agile sprints and technical focused sessions to develop technologies and meet challenge requirements
- Support the implementation of potential trials with programme partners
- Support development of full time employees (or part-time equivalent)
Am I eligible for this programme?
You must be an SME
You must be a UK-registered business
Preferably an innovative solution at TRL 5-7
Your solution must address one or more of the identified challenges
You must be willing to travel on occasion for face-to-face meetings (but most of the programme will be conducted virtually)
Strategic Partners
