Marine-i Inviting Applications to a £1 Million Innovation Fund

Marine-i, the EU funded programme set up to boost the marine technology sector in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, is inviting applications to a £1 million innovation fund.

The fund has been created to support research, development and innovation in marine robotics and autonomous vessels. This is an area of marine technology that has been growing rapidly over recent years and which offers major commercial opportunities for those businesses that can develop the technologies of the future.

Some of the key drivers for innovation are expected to be improving the reliability of autonomous systems, using robots to replace people in hazardous environments, increasing mission capabilities, and improving offshore monitoring.

The Marine-i team has released a Call for Applications, which gives full details on the fund and explains how businesses can apply. This can be seen here.

Applications for funding support must be submitted by midnight on 27th April 2018.

Professor Lars Johanning, Marine-i lead, says:

“Robotics and autonomous systems are among the most exciting new developments in marine technology. This is a fantastic opportunity for Cornwall-based businesses who are working in this area to bring their ideas to market more quickly. As well as funding support, the selected businesses will be able to benefit from comprehensive help from the Marine-i partners, including access to some of the leading researchers in marine technology, technology assessments, and subsidised graduate staff. We have a dedicated business engagement team who will be able to assist companies with their applications. So I would urge interested parties to make contact with us as soon as possible.”

Part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Marine-i is a £9.3m collaboration between the University of Exeter, Plymouth University, The Cornwall College Group, Cornwall Marine Network, Cornwall Development Company and the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult.