Ørsted has launched the UK Digital Innovation Challenge in partnership with Digital Catapult and the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult. The initiative seeks to adapt digital technologies from other sectors to improve the efficiency, performance, safety, and sustainability of offshore wind operations.
It is open to UK-registered companies of all sizes, with eligible solutions expected to fall within Technology Readiness Levels 3 to 7.
Potential applications include predictive maintenance, operations modelling, automated inspections, logistics and resource management, remote maintenance and workforce training, and supply chain transparency. Proposals outside these areas are also invited if they support the wider digitalisation of offshore wind operations and maintenance. Solutions will need to be adapted to offshore conditions, including remoteness, harsh weather, limited access, and variable connectivity.
Two companies will be selected to receive tailored support worth around £50,000 each over six months, including engineering advice, validation, testing with operational data, and commercialisation guidance. There may also be opportunities to work further with Ørsted on developing and piloting the technologies within its global portfolio, which includes 12 offshore wind farms in the UK.
Applications close on 3 October 2025, with winners to be announced in early 2026.
