Babcock has partnered with Tech South West to launch a National Marine Autonomy Accelerator aimed at supporting high-growth companies developing autonomous marine systems and related technologies, according to the company.
The University of Plymouth will act as a specialist partner in the programme, which marks the first sector-specific cohort under Tech South West’s Growth Forge initiative. Since its launch in 2024, Growth Forge has supported more than 110 companies across multiple sectors. The marine autonomy cohort follows Plymouth’s recent designation as the UK’s National Centre for Marine Autonomy and reflects the South West’s growing profile in advanced marine technologies.
Andrew Munday, Babcock’s Global Technology Director, said the initiative forms part of the company’s wider engagement with smaller firms in the sector. “This partnership with Tech South West underpins our commitment to support and ultimately integrate the most forward-thinking SMEs into the wider capabilities we deliver for our customers.”
He added: “With our investment and long-standing presence in the region, we are enhancing existing marine autonomy initiatives, driving economic growth and strengthening the resilience of our local communities. Collaborating on next-generation marine autonomy means we are directly investing in growth in the UK and building a safer, more secure world for all.”
The accelerator builds on Babcock’s existing relationship with the University of Plymouth and their shared involvement in Team Plymouth, a collaborative initiative established following the UK Defence Growth Deal. The programme is intended to strengthen links between defence, research and industry in the field of marine autonomy.
Dan Pritchard, Co-Founder of Tech South West, said: “Bringing together Babcock’s defence expertise and the University of Plymouth’s research capabilities, creates something genuinely unique for founders. Working as part of a focused group, and directly alongside a major defence company, will bring real benefits to everyone involved. Accelerating innovation, defence procurement, regulatory frameworks and accessing testing facilities, we’ll be providing an array of targeted opportunities.”
Professor Kevin Jones, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Plymouth, said: “As a University, we have a long track record in using our expertise to foster innovation, and advances in marine autonomy and dual-use technologies are unlocking opportunities across the region and nationally.”
He continued: “We are committed to working together with our partners across Team Plymouth and the National Centre for Marine Autonomy, to support businesses of all shapes and sizes to grow and make the most of the possibility now coming their way.”
The programme is open to companies across the UK, including firms already active in the marine sector and those seeking to enter it.
