The Offshore Wind Innovation Hub (OWIH) is open for business and announced its first call for applications.
Melissa Román Burch, NYCEDC; Doreen Harris, NYSERDA; Molly Morris, Equinor. Brian Young
The Brooklyn, New York-based Hub was founded in mid-2022 to identify and help develop promising start-ups to drive new innovations in the offshore wind industry. The three-year initiative is backed by Equinor and bp, partners developing the Empire Wind and Beacon Wind offshore wind projects, together with Urban Future Lab (UFL), the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, and the National Offshore Wind Research & Development Consortium (NOWRDC), and is supported by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC).
Designed to facilitate testing opportunities, fast-track commercialization and develop strategic partnerships, startups will have access to the co-working space and programming at the OWIH located in Industry City. The Accelerator Program will let cohort companies begin a six-month mentoring and business development program in June 2023.
“We’re thrilled to launch the Accelerator Program at our Offshore Wind Innovation Hub with our esteemed partners to accelerate innovation in New York’s burgeoning offshore wind industry,” said Molly Morris, president of Equinor Wind U.S. “The demand for offshore wind is rapidly increasing, and innovative ideas and technological advancement are needed to help the industry develop in the U.S. and beyond.”
The first call for applications is focused on finding startups that provide technology and solutions related to the development phase of offshore wind in New York. The application can be found here and the deadline for submission is March 27, 2023.
The Offshore Wind Innovation Hub will also offer membership to stakeholders outside the Accelerator Program. Interested parties can apply for access to the co-working facilities in Industry City, community programming, as well as workshops and networking opportunities with industry peers. Applications to become a community member are open year-round.
“Equinor’s Innovation Hub will call on New York’s world-class entrepreneurial talent to develop cutting-edge technologies, and accelerate advances in the offshore wind industry,” said NYCEDC Chief Operating Officer Melissa Román Burch. “We are thrilled the Hub will partner with Venture Access NYC – an NYCEDC initiative to create a more inclusive and representative tech startup ecosystem. Together with our industry and community partners, we are building a nation-leading offshore wind ecosystem and a more inclusive future for New Yorkers.”
Equinor is the operator on behalf of its 50-50 strategic partnership with bp. Together, the companies are developing the Beacon Wind and Empire Wind projects, which will supply 3.3 gigawatts (GWs) of renewable energy to New York — enough to power nearly two million homes.
Doreen M. Harris, President and CEO, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) said, “As we solidify New York’s leadership in offshore wind, we must bolster innovation in an end-to-end ecosystem–from concept to commercialization–that supports this game-changing industry. The launch of Equinor’s Offshore Wind Innovation Hub will build a strong network that allows new cleantech businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs to accelerate the time to market for their technologies, overcome industry barriers and bring forward economic opportunity for all New Yorkers.”
News item from the Offshore Wind Innovation Hub
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