The interest in Norway´s first offshore wind accelerator has been formidable. The industry partners had their first physical kickoff in Oslo today to start the selection process.

So far, 68 companies have registered their interest in the NOW Accelerator, that was launched last year.

-We are thrilled to see so many interesting startups and scaleups who have ideas that will bring the offshore wind industry forward, says Accelerator Manager in Norwegian Offshore Wind, Narve Hansen.

The industry partners met in Oslo today to discuss the process further. They are working to identify specific challenges that the industry needs to get solved. The partners are Fred Olsen Seawind, Hafslund Eco, Vattenfall, Ørsted, Subsea 7, Equinor, Deep Wind Offshore, EDF Renewables, Corio Generation and Å Energi.

The partners will select the startups and scaleups they want to work with in the program.

-These companies will get mentoring and master classes during their collaboration with the industry partners. It will be a unique opportunity to solve challenges and develop ideas together with the industry itself, and we urge even more startups and scaleups to apply for our program, says Hansen.

The startup scene in Norway has fostered offshore wind innovations in floater technology, AI and predictive maintenance, drone technology, mapping of areas and other groundbreaking innovations. The startups who have signed up for the program offer a wide range of solutions.

-Undoubtfully, this year will be one of many milestones within offshore wind innovations, and we are at a very important stage in the development of bringing cost down, especially within floating technology, says Hansen.

Norway has the most floater technologies under development in the world, and the world leading Marine Energy Test Centre on the country´s West Coast is a driving force for innovation in the offshore wind industry.

Source NOW