The ProtoAtlantic project, which aims to develop and validate a model for the prototyping and exploitation of innovative ideas in the maritime sector, has opened a call for entrepreneurs to apply for free testing of their technologies at a number of world renowned test facilities.

The closing date for applications is 4th February 2019.

The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), Innovalia Association, INESC TEC, University College Cork, EMERGE, Cork County Council, and Technopõle Brest Iroise are working in partnership to deliver the ProtoAtlantic project.

Funded by Interreg Atlantic Area, the project aims to develop and validate a model for the prototyping and exploitation of innovative ideas in the maritime sector in the Atlantic Area.

Product development for technology in the marine environment is expensive and inherently risky.

The fast-tracked acceleration programme utilises the expertise within the project partnership to offer candidates a product development process that runs from concept through to pre-commercial trials.  The call is targeted at the following marine sectors:

• Renewable Energy
• Blue Biotechnology
• Marine Robotics

Other relevant technology sectors in the marine environment with high growth potential will also be considered for the programme.

Successful candidates will have the opportunity to test and validate their technology at world renowned test facilities:

• European Marine Energy Centre in Scotland,
• Lir National Ocean Test Facility in Ireland,
• Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science in Portugal,
• Marine Park in Spain.

Focusing on four key stages prototyping, tank testing, marine testing and verification, the facilities are offering successful applicants access to their facilities as well as providing financial support for activities whilst under test.

This process will be underpinned by an approved verification process which will ensure the credibility of technologies.  The testing period for successful applicants will conclude in October 2020.

Jorge Galvan, Project Manager at Innovalia, said:
“The ProtoAtlantic project is providing entrepreneurs with an ideal path to take an innovative idea from the business model stage all the way to market validation and testing. This opportunity offers a fast-tracked structured process, not only with access to funds but support and mentorship from a wide range of industry experts”.

Myles Heward, Performance Test Engineer at EMEC, who is leading the real-sea testing explained:
“EMEC are well known for testing wave and tidal devices, however we’d like to encourage not only marine renewable developers to apply, but extend this to include developers from the blue biotechnology and marine robotics field.

“We look forward to taking the most promising technologies for trials at our test facilities here in Orkney. The testing will be carried out in a real sea environment, which will allow us to assess the performance, reliability and survivability of the technologies. The sea trials will allow developers to prove their technology and help the entrepreneurs take a step closer to commercial roll out”.

To find out more about the programme and to apply, click here. If you have any queries please email.