SCORE programme, being delivered by OrbisEnergy, has launched a £6 million grant fund to help more than 200 companies unlock innovations in offshore renewable energy sector.
The programme will provide grants of up to £50,000 to support small and medium sized businesses in Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk, and Suffolk that are developing new technologies.
SCORE programme managers are particularly interested to hear from oil and gas companies looking to diversify into offshore renewables, according to OrbisEnergy.
Johnathan Reynolds from OrbisEnergy said: “We’re confident we can help over 200 businesses to develop their bright ideas, and in the process create 100 additional jobs for the region. The SCORE programme will help to unleash great new ideas to lower costs and increase efficiency in technologies behind offshore wind, wave, tidal and other marine sectors.”
The funding is designed to help companies in a wide range of areas, including research and development, collaboration with universities and research bodies, securing patents, acquiring specialist equipment or services and investigating the commercial viability of processes and technologies.
The programme is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is open to companies with fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover of less than €50 million.
Grants are available for up to 40% of eligible costs or £50,000, whichever is the lower, with a minimum grant of £2,500, OrbisEnergy informed.
Aside from OrbisEnergy, the current SCORE programme is delivered in partnership with enterprise specialists Nwes, energy industry experts Nautilus Associates and the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult.
OrbisEnergy, owned by Suffolk County Council and managed by Nwes Property Services, is the hub for offshore renewables at the UK’s most easterly point in Lowestoft, Suffolk acting as a catalyst for sector growth and supply chain development.