Grant funding programme opens for North East England offshore wind innovators
Posted on 08 April 2025
Ambitious companies based in Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland, developing potentially game-changing technologies for the UK’s burgeoning offshore wind sector, are encouraged to apply for a newly-launched £600,000 technology demonstration programme.
The TIGGOR (Technology, Innovation and Green Growth for Offshore Renewables) programme supports the development of innovative technologies and services which offer the potential to increase UK content in the offshore renewable energy supply chain through the provision of R&D grant funding and tailored business support.
This extension to the TIGGOR programme is funded by the North East Combined Authority (NECA) as part of its commitment to supporting the region’s offshore renewable energy supply chain. NECA has partnered with the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult to deliver the programme, with industry support provided by offshore wind developers Equinor and EDF Renewables.
Since its launch in October 2020, TIGGOR has funded 14 unique projects in the North East of England through £3.7M of shared R&D grant funding. This has led to the creation of 33 new jobs, 22 new apprenticeships & traineeships, and the introduction of 18 new products to market from the North East supply chain.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said:
“The North East has unrivalled access to the North Sea, and we are already a major international hub for the offshore energy and subsea sectors, with a global recognition for our world-class innovation and engineering expertise.
“Partnering with the TIGGOR programme demonstrates our ambitions to unlock a new generation of jobs, investment and training for people and businesses across the North East, whilst helping tackle the climate emergency and showcasing our region on the national and international stage. Doing so will help deliver our ambitious Local Growth plan, with a strong foundational economy and opportunity for everyone to fulfil their potential.”
Magnus Willett, Senior Project Manager – Strategy and Emerging Technologies, ORE Catapult, said:
“This extension of the TIGGOR 2 grant initiative provides a focused programme exclusively tailored to support high-growth North East companies, developing disruptive, innovative technologies, to apply for our extended team’s specialist expertise geared to accelerate their progress in the UK and international offshore wind sector.
“We are grateful to our partners, North East Combined Authority, Equinor and EDF Renewables for their continued invaluable support.”
Andrew Saunders, Equinor’s Prepare for Operations (PFO) Manager, Dogger Bank Wind Farm, said:
“Technology and innovation are key to drive growth and support job creation; and when applied to the offshore renewable sector are crucial for achieving the UK’s net zero targets and making Great Britain a green energy superpower. Equinor, as a partner on the world’s largest offshore wind farm is very pleased to support the extension of the TIGGOR 2 programme as a technical advisor; having proudly supported since the programme’s original inception.”
Shiu Hui, New Technology and Innovation Manager, EDF Renewables UK and Ireland said:
“With two offshore wind farms already operational in the North East, we recognise the immense potential for further job creation and growth in the region. Innovation within the supply chain is critical to this green growth and increasing UK content. We are proud to continue our support for the TIGGOR programme by sharing our technical expertise and would encourage companies in the sector to apply.”
Companies can apply to the technology demonstration programme from 1st April until 2nd May 2025. Applications are open to companies registered in Newcastle, North Tyneside or Northumberland already working in the following supply chain areas, or targeting entry to the sector.
- Smart digital services and autonomous robotics
- Pre-assembly, port and harbour
- Floating offshore wind
- Open category
Companies interested in applying are advised to read the ‘Application Scope and Guidance’ document available through the TIGGOR programme page of the ORE Catapult website.
As part of its wider offshore wind supply chain support portfolio, ORE Catapult is also launching a TIGGOR funded Fit for Offshore Renewables (F4OR) business mentoring programme exclusively for companies registered in Newcastle, Northumberland and North Tyneside – applications will open soon.
F4OR is one of the UK’s most successful supply chain support programmes delivering tailored business support, open to businesses looking to break into the offshore sector, scale up an existing presence in the industry, or make the transition to renewables from the likes of the oil and gas sector.
The programme has supported more than 150 companies over the last five years who have, on average, experienced an increase in turnover of 28% as a result of securing new contracts and many have gone on to become market-leading suppliers to the offshore wind sector.
For more information, visit our TIGGOR and F4OR pages, or get in touch at TIGGOR@ore.catapult.org.uk.
