Regional cluster organisation, Mersey Maritime, is launching a new service for the maritime ecosystem in the North West of the UK, to assist organisations in accessing innovation funding opportunities.
As part of the programme Mersey Maritime will fully fund a pilot project called ‘Innovating Maritime’, led by Dr Matt Fulton from the University of Liverpool.
“There is a significant amount of work that is already taking place to transform our industry into a low carbon and digital powerhouse but what is clear is how companies of all sizes feel confused and bewildered about how they can be part of this transformation. They are beginning to understand that investors will now want to see clear evidence of a commitment to investment in both decarbonisation and digital technology,” said Mersey Maritime Chief Executive Officer, Chris Shirling-Rooke.
“Over the past couple of years, we have seen our ‘Technology and Innovation Forum’ thrive, with partners including Peel Ports Group, Peel Land & Property, Bibby, Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), The Manufacturing Technology Centre and Royal HaskoningDHV, all playing key supporting roles. The part that was missing was the independent expertise to really support businesses to draw down the funding as well as showcase their technology to the tier one companies.”
“This new service will be free to our members, and I know they will find it invaluable. The need is clear, and we are 100% committed to supporting them to innovate in order to answer the big challenges that our industry faces.”
