Through a competitive interview process, Pulcea and Kavaken are being announced as the competition finalists, one of which will have the opportunity to win £10,000 to support the development of their business and its growth journey in the North East of England’s offshore wind sector.
The competition, which was launched at Wind Energy Hamburg in 2022, and received a number of applications from businesses looking to open an operational base in the North of Tyne (North East England) so that they could work and develop in the vibrant offshore wind cluster that the region is well-known for. The competition offered businesses the opportunity to receive fully funded support to develop their product, make connections with the local ecosystem, develop their networks and attend flagship offshore wind events in the UK.
Kavaken, based in Istanbul, Turkey, uses artificial intelligence to generate more value from wind turbines using its advanced forecasting module (Forecast +). The technology helps asset owners to understand the capability of wind turbines, predict when they may fail and avoid potential break downs of major components. Led by Co-Founder and CEO, Bora Tokyay, the company is experiencing rapid success in the sector, working with companies such as Boreas Energy, Dost Energy and Statkraft.
Pulcea, based in Stirling, Scotland are experts in marine physics and are developing innovative technology to protect wildlife potentially impacted by offshore wind farm operations. New to the sector, the team led by Ian Armstrong is working with offshore wind operators to protect marine mammals and fish safely and effectively, in and around offshore wind farms. The company is also developing ways to reduce noise pollution from piling operations at depths of up to 100m.
Leading on the Offshore Wind Competition, Dr. Alan Lowdon OBE, Offshore Wind Sector Specialist said, “The North of Tyne offshore wind innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem is world-renowned. It’s important to continue to remain ahead of the pack by attracting new talent to the region. In Pulcea and Kavaken, the Offshore Wind Spin-in Competition has identified two high-quality, very complementary, offshore wind-focussed business that will add to the richness and diversity of the region’s offshore renewable energy cluster.”
The Inward Investment Capacity Fund, which is funded by The North of Tyne Combined Authority, seeks to bring more jobs to Northumberland, Newcastle and North Tyneside through inward investment.
Deputy Northumberland County Council Leader and NTCA Lead on Green Investment, Richard Wearmouth said “The purpose of the Inward Investment Capacity Fund is to bring provide high quality jobs for residents across the North of Tyne, so it’s great to see the Offshore Wind Spin in competition supporting businesses from outside of the region to grow and develop in our vibrant offshore renewables sector.
“Businesses operating in the green energy are key in supporting us on our drive to net zero and we’re pleased to see the fund encouraging more companies to invest in the North of Tyne.”
The competition winner will be announced during the North East’s leading offshore wind and renewable energy event, Offshore Wind North East, at The Beacon of Light, Sunderland, in November 2023.
To learn more about the inward investment support available from North of Tyne Combined Authority for businesses looking to locate into Northumberland, Newcastle or North Tyneside visit: www.northoftyne-ca.gov.uk/projects/inward-investment
