Marine-i funds Innovation Accelerator Programme for local businesses

Marine-i is supporting a new three-part coaching programme to help local businesses bring their innovation ideas to market.

Part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Marine-i is designed to help the marine technology sector in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly grow through harnessing the full potential of research and innovation.

This new programme is aimed at businesses which have a marine tech innovation idea and have not previously received support through Marine-i. It is free of charge to eligible businesses based in Cornwall and the isles of Scilly.

The programme will be delivered by Growth & Innovation Consultant Ben Rotheray, from The Value Engine. Ben said: “The hands-on workshops will cover a range of core topics. Day One is about defining your innovation, target markets and sharpening your value proposition. On Day Two we cover mapping your business, identifying the critical drivers for success. Day Three focuses on developing individual action plans to move forward to a successful launch of your innovation idea. By the end of these workshops, you'll have clarity on these vital topics and an effective action plan to turn your idea into a growing revenue stream.”

The workshops will be held at Bedruthan Hotel and Spa, Mawgan Porth on 21st January, 17th February and 25th March 2022. Each session runs from 9.30am-3.30pm.

Prof Lars Johanning, Programme Director for Marine-i, said: “We are delighted to be able to support this programme. Many small businesses are great at creating pioneering new product ideas, but need some expert guidance in how to develop their idea and bring it to market. This is an exciting opportunity for local business to receive fully funded training to accelerate innovation development, as well as network with other marine tech businesses in Cornwall. We hope that we will see many of these new ideas making waves in the marketplace in the near future.”

Businesses interested in signing up for the programme should email: L.beverley-jones@exeter.ac.uk