Babcock is partnering with Tech South West to launch a new National Marine Autonomy Accelerator to support high-growth companies working in autonomous marine systems and technologies.
The University of Plymouth is also supporting the programme as a specialist partner.
Since launching in 2024, Tech South West’s flagship Growth Forge programme has supported over 110 companies – of varying sizes and from a number of different sectors – on their growth journey.
This is the first specialist cohort focused on marine autonomy and is being launched just months after Plymouth was designated as the UK’s National Centre for Marine Autonomy. The South West is also increasingly being acknowledged as the UK’s leading hub for advanced marine technologies.
Andrew Munday, our Global Technology Director said: “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.”
“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 new programme builds on our existing partnership with the University of Plymouth, and our shared role within Team Plymouth, the collaborative initiative launched following the UK Defence Growth Deal.
The accelerator programme reflects our joint commitment to advancing marine autonomy and strengthening collaboration between defence, research and industry.
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.
“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 now accepting applications from across the UK. Running through the year, participating companies benefit from intensive support via Growth Days and online, including learning modules, peer groups, partner expertise, investor readiness, Investor Day, growth assessment tools, and expert growth coaches and mentors. The programme is open to companies already operating in the marine sector as well as those looking to move into this high-growth area.
Companies are invited to apply to attend three Growth Days bringing participants together for intensive workshops, networking and expert input:
● March 18 – Exeter Science Park
● June 24 – University of Plymouth
● September 15 – Future Space, University of the West of England
The programme culminates in an Investor Day in October 2026, where companies can pitch to investors.
Between Growth Days, companies benefit from:
● Structured online learning modules
● Peer group sessions
● One-to-one mentoring
● Access to growth assessment tools
● Support from dedicated growth coaches
● Expertise from partners and maritime sector leaders
Other partners across the full Growth Forge Programme include Microsoft, Program Agency, Ashfords, Howden and Westcotts.
For more details and to apply: https://www.techsouthwest.co.uk/growth-forge/