Connected Places Catapult Launches 'Maritime SME Funding Guide' for Sustainable Innovation

Connected Places Catapult, a leading innovation centre, has recently unveiled its comprehensive "Maritime SME Innovation Funding Guide" to assist entrepreneurs, start-ups, SMEs, and growing companies in the maritime industry. The guide is a valuable resource for those seeking funding solutions to drive innovation or address maritime challenges.

Compiled with insights and knowledge from maritime specialists, the guide serves as a singular reference point for funding options within the maritime innovation landscape. The collaborative effort involved Connected Places Catapult's SME Innovation Support team, industry investors, and sector leaders, all recognised within the maritime ecosystem.

Focusing on delivering a holistic view, the guide critically evaluates well-known sources of innovation support, such as Innovate UK grants, while shedding light on lesser-known opportunities like alternative finance and tax incentives. Additionally, the guide explores non-financial support available through accelerators and similar programs in the maritime sector, enabling entrepreneurs to make informed decisions based on their growth strategy and needs.

One of the key challenges highlighted in the guide is that the maritime sector must reduce emissions by 40% by 2030 and at least 50% by 2050. In response to this substantial task, the guide emphasises the pivotal role that innovative SMEs must play in driving the transition to carbon neutrality. Whether emerging from the maritime industry or other sectors, the success of innovations is contingent upon a robust and diversified funding strategy that considers both public and private capital.#

Find out more and download the report here