Offshore Wind Innovation Hub Unveils 2024 Cohort to Propel New York’s Offshore Wind Potential

Today marks a significant milestone for New York’s offshore wind industry as the Offshore Wind Innovation Hub announces its 2024 cohort. Six pioneering companies have been selected from a competitive pool of 78 applicants, each bringing unique and innovative solutions poised to advance the United States offshore wind capabilities.

A Visionary Initiative

Launched in January 2023, the Offshore Wind Innovation Hub is a collaborative effort spearheaded by Equinor, in partnership with the Urban Future Lab at NYU Tandon School of Engineering, and the National Offshore Wind R&D Consortium (NOWRDC), with support from the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). This initiative aims to position New York as a leader in offshore wind technology, fostering a robust and sustainable energy future.

Meet the 2024 Accelerator Cohort

The six companies selected for the 2024 Offshore Wind Innovation Hub Accelerator Cohort are:

1. Boxkite Software (Bristol, UK): Specializing in rapid, bankable-level accuracy energy yield assessments to evaluate site feasibility and design.
2. Claviate (Aarhus, DK): Utilizing AI-powered visual data platforms to enhance transparency and optimize construction management processes.
3. Indeximate (Hinckley, UK): Offering fiber optic sensing solutions for predictive maintenance of subsea power cables through remote integrity profiling.
4. Pliant Energy Systems (Brooklyn, US): Developing autonomous underwater vehicles with robotic propulsion technology for advanced seafloor surveying.
5. Sensatek (Daytona Beach, US): Innovating structural health monitoring of turbine blades using video imaging where every pixel acts as a vibration sensor.
6. Triton Anchor (Boston, US): Creating low-cost, modular foundation installation systems suitable for any mooring configuration, installed silently.

A Rigorous Selection Process

The evaluation process, involving thorough technical interviews and public presentations, took place on May 15th in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. The selected companies will embark on a six-month mentoring and business development program, providing them with strategic partnership opportunities with major offshore wind developers and suppliers. The program’s goal is to facilitate the commercialization of these innovations, enabling the companies to overcome adoption barriers and scale their solutions within New York and beyond.

Industry Leaders Weigh In

Reamonn Soto, Founder & CEO of Sensatek Propulsion Technology, Inc., expressed enthusiasm about the potential impact of this accelerator. “We believe the Offshore Wind Innovation Hub will be instrumental in commercializing our technology, offering invaluable market insights and facilitating key stakeholder relationships.”

Joanne Colls, Co-founder of Boxkite, highlighted the benefits of the local presence and mentorship provided by the program. “This accelerator will be pivotal in understanding customer needs within the US offshore wind sector and navigating the business cultural and regulatory differences between the UK and the US.”

Support from Key Stakeholders

Molly Morris, President of Equinor Renewables Americas, emphasized the transformative potential of the cohort. “These companies, with the support of the Offshore Wind Innovation Hub, will bring groundbreaking solutions to the offshore wind industry.”

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris lauded the innovative spirit of the selected companies, underscoring their role in advancing New York’s offshore wind industry and climate goals.

Tone Søndergaard, Director of the Offshore Wind Innovation Hub at Urban Future Lab, expressed excitement about the potential impact of the new cohort. “We look forward to supporting these companies as they bring novel technology to Brooklyn and the broader industry.”

A Catalyst for Innovation and Growth

The Offshore Wind Innovation Hub, based in Brooklyn, aims to drive an inclusive supply chain and accelerate the green economy. With NYCEDC’s involvement, the Hub provides extensive piloting and innovation opportunities throughout New York City. The Urban Future Lab and NYU Tandon School of Engineering bring a wealth of startup support experience and a vast network of ecosystem partners to help innovators scale up and commercialize their climate solutions.

Looking Ahead

Melissa Román Burch, COO of NYCEDC, acknowledged the program’s success in harnessing entrepreneurial power to grow New York City’s offshore wind industry. “The Hub supports early-stage climate companies with industry-specific partnerships and mentorship, integral to growing the green economy.”

Lyndie Hice-Dunton, Executive Director at NOWRDC, emphasized the significance of the cohort’s innovative technologies in propelling offshore wind development from concept to market-ready solutions.

Linda Ng Boyle, Vice Dean for Research at NYU Tandon School of Engineering, highlighted the collaborative potential of academia, government, and private industry in making New York City a hub for offshore wind.

For more information about the Offshore Wind Innovation Hub and its programs, visit Offshore Wind NYC.

About the Offshore Wind Innovation Hub

The Offshore Wind Innovation Hub catalyzes startups to unleash the potential of offshore wind in New York. By leveraging our hub in New York City, we aim to grow the US offshore wind industry through entrepreneurial support and fostering connections among innovators, local partners, investors, and the industry. Our commitment to diversity and equity will advance an inclusive supply chain and accelerate New York’s green economy.

About Empire Wind

Empire Wind is a major offshore wind project located 15-30 miles southeast of Long Island, with a capacity of over 2 GW, enough to power more than a million New York homes. For more details, visit Empire Wind.

About Equinor

Equinor is a leading international energy company and one of the largest offshore wind developers globally, with significant projects in the United States, including Empire Wind and Atlas Wind. Learn more at Equinor.

About NOWRDC

The National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium is a public-private partnership focused on advancing offshore wind technology in the US through high-impact research and cost-effective development. More information is available at NOWRDC.

About NYCEDC

New York City Economic Development Corporation is dedicated to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive economy for all New Yorkers. Discover more at NYCEDC.

About Urban Future Lab at NYU Tandon

The Urban Future Lab at NYU Tandon School of Engineering supports best-in-class climate tech startups focused on clean energy and sustainable urban infrastructure. Visit Urban Future Lab for more information.