BRIEF CONTEXT
Between September 2021 and September 2024, GreenOffshoreTech project has supported hundreds of SMEs in taking their innovative solutions to market.
These interviews are not intended to be exhaustive, but rather to gather feedback from some of the winners on the impact the funding has had on their business lives.
We’re looking for cross-national responses, representing different nationalities, sectors of the blue economy and experiences, as well as all genders.
“Only with the financial support from GOT was it possible to register the corresponding IP rights to create a solid basis.”
Name, job title: Dr.-Ing. Rainer Lebmeier, Owner and Manager
Company: Lebmeier
Country: Germany
Company website: www.lebmeier.de
LinkedIn Page: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rainer-lebmeier-50680b314
1. Why was GOT important to you/your SME?
We had an idea for the topic of GOT, but without the financial and, above all, professional support, the idea would never have been realized. It was only through the GOT project that the idea could be brought forward! Thanks to the excellent support from the clusters and Frank Schmull, the Lebmeier engineering office has now, after more than 30 years, become a German GmbH (Dr.-Ing. Lebmeier GmbH; www.lebmeier.de). And the topic of additively manufactured, optionally fiber-reinforced C/SiC ceramics led together with Ingo Meinelt to another GmbH (Asterio Technology GmbH; www.asteriotech.de).
2.What are the advantages of participating in a project like GOT?
For an SME, participating in an EU project on its own is a huge challenge. Only with the support of experienced clusters from the industry and the extensive assumption of administrative tasks is it possible for an SME to tackle such a task. The resulting new contacts and networks mean that we are still in contact with some of the participating companies from GOT, have already met at the SMM in Hamburg and have been able to expand our network again.
3. What were the big takeaways from participating and integrating into the GOT ecosystem?
Working in this innovative environment with so many small companies is an unbelievable pleasure and new ideas arise in every conversation which need to be investigated and will hopefully lead to new projects. However, this result would never have been possible without the umbrella of efficient clusters and companies that have always been on hand with help and advice. We will certainly look to participate in such projects again in the future.
4. From start to finish, what was the biggest challenge and the greatest achievement?
At the beginning of the project, it was a success to have reached the second round. And it was precisely this step-by-step approach that made none of the hurdles impossible for us. However, the requirements were always set so high that new things were created and progress was made at a rapid pace in an SME project. We realized that we could bring new ideas to the market with the right support, and at the same time we were able to adapt the company structure with expert support and found further new limited companies. Only with the financial support from GOT was it possible to register the corresponding IP rights to create a solid basis. In the end, reaching the final stage and successfully completing GOT is the greatest success for us in order to work successfully in this new network in the future.
“Working through each step of the GOT has helped us define our business plan, testing activities and approach to bringing the technology to market.”
Name, job title: Jacqueline Morrison, CEO & Founder
Company: Napkin Innovation
Country: United Kingdom
Company website: https://www.napkininnovation.co.uk/
LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/103465798
1. Why was GOT important to you/your SME?
The cash funding was incredibly helpful as was the experience of expanding beyond our UK network and into the EU.
2.What are the advantages of participating in a project like GOT?
Working through each step of the GOT has helped us define our business plan, testing activities and approach to bringing the technology to market.
3. What were the big takeaways from participating and integrating into the GOT ecosystem?
Having feedback on our business plan was very helpful as were the individual coaching sessions which allowed us to explore different points of view, our place in the supply chain, and our go-to-market strategy. We are now submitting a Stage Two application to the EIC Accelerator and working with GOT was definitely of value in preparing us for the EIC Accelerator proposal form and requirements.
4. From start to finish, what was the biggest challenge and the greatest achievement?
Preparing our pitching material for a different range of audiences, especially since green energy encompasses so much more than just our own sector of offshore wind. Our greatest achievement was attending the final pitching event in Hamburg where we got to not only test our pitch materials with the broader audience but also meet the GOT team of mentors and advisors and other participants in person.
“The mentorship and resources provided by GOT were invaluable in guiding us through the critical early stages of development.“
Name, job title: Erica Cruz, Team leader
Company: BlueOASIS
Country: Portugal
Company website: https://blueoasis.pt/
LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blueoasis/
1. Why was GOT important to you/your SME?
The GOT funding was essential to blueOASIS, as it provided the necessary financial support to develop our initial business plan and test our prototype of HydroTWIN at an early stage. The support received allowed us to accelerate key activities, including the refinement of technical requirements establishing a clear path to market. Without this initial boost, it would have been challenging to secure the additional investment needed to grow the product.
2.What are the advantages of participating in a project like GOT?
Participating in the GOT project offered several key advantages. The support received allowed us to fast-track our R&D, turning our concept into a working prototype. Additionally, GOT provided access to a network of industry experts, investors, and other innovative startups, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing. The mentorship and resources provided by GOT were invaluable in guiding us through the critical early stages of development.
3. What were the big takeaways from participating and integrating into the GOT ecosystem?
The biggest takeaway from the GOT ecosystem was the networking opportunities and the strategic guidance we received. Being part of this innovation ecosystem connected us with professionals who provided insights into the challenges and opportunities in the tech sector. The support network also helped us refine our business model, improve our market strategy, and validate our technology through early-stage testing. The exposure to other startups and innovators within the ecosystem fostered a collaborative environment, which was essential for sharing ideas and learning from others’ experiences.
4. From start to finish, what was the biggest challenge and the greatest achievement?
The biggest challenge we faced during the project was managing the rapid pace of development while ensuring the technical robustness of our prototype. Balancing tight timelines with the need for precise and reliable results required careful planning and coordination. Our greatest achievement, however, was successfully demonstrating our prototype in a real-world environment, proving the viability of our technology. This milestone was critical in securing further investment and validating our business model, positioning HydroTWIN for future growth and expansion.
“In the GOT project, communication was perfect, thanks to which we were able to successfully achieve the design goals.“
Name, job title: Piotr Franczak, Founder
Company: Cloudless
Country: Poland
Company website: https://cloudless.tech/
LinkedIn Page: https://linkedin.com/company/cloudless-tech
1. Why was GOT important to you/your SME?
Participating in GreenOffshoreTech was an important goal for us, because we could test our innovative idea and present it in an international environment. Our idea – High Altitude Maritime Observation System (HAMOS), which consists of flights of unmanned aircraft in the stratosphere – was well received by entities dealing with crisis management, science and research as well as the space sector. Secondly, the obtained financing allowed us to approach the implementation of the project in a highly professional manner.
2.What are the advantages of participating in a project like GOT?
Participation in the GOT project is a very valuable experience. Young companies/start-ups can gain both the necessary knowledge in the field of business and technology, and experienced entities can gain a fresh perspective and have innovative ideas verified. Establishing contacts, not only business ones, will be very valuable for everyone.
3. What were the big takeaways from participating and integrating into the GOT ecosystem?
During the project, we understood that we need to make sure that the recipient clearly understands the project goals. Often this is not obvious, especially when you are designing a completely new solution. Fortunately, in the GOT project, communication was perfect, thanks to which we were able to successfully achieve the design goals.
4. From start to finish, what was the biggest challenge and the greatest achievement?
Flights in the stratosphere are not an easy task. We combine issues from the border of aviation and space. There are only a few civilian companies in the world that perform such flights with unmanned aircraft. Carrying out a full analysis of the possibilities of flights over open sea areas and taking experimental aerial photos of water reservoirs from a height of 15-20 kilometers was a really big challenge and achievement. From the business side, I think that convincing customers to a completely new solution is also a big achievement. This gives motivation for further development and – in the near future – implementation of the solution on the market.
“We benefited greatly from the GOT ecosystem, such as through the industry feedback, 1:1 coaching, and especially the newly created partner network.”
Name, job title: Hartmann Schleifer, Founder & CEO
Company: Nautitronix
Country: Germany
Company website: https://www.nautitronix.de/
LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nautitronix-ug/
1. Why was GOT important to you/your SME?
The GreenOffshore Tech (GOT) project was crucial for NautiTronix as it significantly accelerated our research and development process. Financial support from the project allowed us to develop a more sophisticated Battery Management System (BMS), moving beyond our initial focus on lead-acid batteries to include Lithium-ion and other types, which are essential for the marine sector. This adaptability helped us align with broader industry trends and customer needs.
2.What are the advantages of participating in a project like GOT?
Participating in the GOT project provided numerous advantages. The financial support we received was instrumental in accelerating our research and development, allowing us to enhance our Battery Management System more rapidly than would have otherwise been possible. This support helped facilitate the development of new product strategies for both existing and new products, ensuring our offerings remained innovative and competitive.
Furthermore, the project allowed us to significantly extend our knowledge base through a rich partner network and targeted 1:1 coaching. This expansion of knowledge not only improved our technical capabilities but also enhanced our strategic thinking and business acumen. These interactions have been pivotal in refining our business strategies and marketing approaches, helping us navigate the complexities of product development and commercialization in the competitive marine industry.
3. What were the big takeaways from participating and integrating into the GOT ecosystem?
A major takeaway from our participation was recognizing the importance of agility in product development and leveraging industry feedback effectively. Although our pilot projects were conducted outside the GOT ecosystem, we benefited greatly from the GOT ecosystem, such as through the industry feedback, 1:1 coaching, and especially the newly created partner network. These resources were crucial for refining our product development process, ensuring that the BMS was robust, efficient, and well-aligned with industry needs and standards. This integration has been vital for positioning our product for broader application across the marine industry.
4. From start to finish, what was the biggest challenge and the greatest achievement?
The biggest challenge was adapting our hardware design to support multiple battery types, a task that led to delays and increased project complexity. Particularly challenging was the fact that the prototype for additional battery types has not yet been completed. Achieving a higher Technology Readiness Level (TRL) necessary for commercial deployment remains an ongoing task.
Our greatest achievement was the successful development and real-world testing of the BMS prototype, which demonstrated significant potential to enhance battery life and efficiency in marine applications. These successes laid a strong foundation for further research and development and the upcoming commercialization of the BMS. Importantly, integrating the new BMS with our existing product, NautiTronix pro, which is already successfully used for digital ship inspection and enhancing ship efficiency, significantly strengthens our market position and extends the functionality and application areas of our product line in the maritime economy.
“The program’s funding helped us maintain momentum, while the external recognition strengthened our credibility with key stakeholders.”
Name, job title: Björn Jónsson, Founder & COO
Company: Hefring Marine
Country: Iceland
Company website: https://www.hefringmarine.com/
LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hefringmarine/
1. Why was GOT important to you/your SME?
The GreenOffshoreTech (GOT) program was important to Hefring Marine because it provided both financial and mentoring support, along with essential external validation at a critical stage in our company’s development. This validation was valuable as we continued to advance our Intelligent Marine Assistance System (IMAS), improving fuel efficiency and reducing carbon emissions for small to mid-size vessels. The program’s funding helped us maintain momentum, while the external recognition strengthened our credibility with key stakeholders.
2.What are the advantages of participating in a project like GOT?
The advantages of participating in the GOT program extended beyond financial support. It provided access to a network of like-minded SMEs, valuable business development webinars, and essential mentoring, all of which contributed to refining both our technology strategy and business plan. Additionally, being selected for the GOT program offered external validation, which was a significant benefit when presenting the company and our IMAS solution to the maritime market and potential investors.
3. What were the big takeaways from participating and integrating into the GOT ecosystem?
A key takeaway from the program was the combination of mentoring, business development guidance, collaboration with other SMEs, and the external validation that came with being selected for GOT. The mentoring we received helped us refine both our business plan and the technical aspects of our vessel operator guidance system for improved fuel optimization and emissions reduction. Additionally, external validation was crucial in attracting potential partners and investor interest during a pivotal stage of our development. Our integration into the GOT ecosystem also highlighted the value of collaboration in advancing green innovation, particularly in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, while the encouragement we received throughout the program was instrumental in helping us overcome challenges and continue progressing.
4. From start to finish, what was the biggest challenge and the greatest achievement?
Our primary challenge was integrating our AI-based system into existing vessel operations without causing any downtime. With the guidance of GOT mentors and the external support provided, we were able to address this challenge successfully. A key achievement was demonstrating that the system could be easily installed on board, resulting in immediate improvements in vessel fuel efficiency and emissions reduction. The external validation gained through our participation in GOT not only confirmed the effectiveness of our technology but also strengthened our credibility within the competitive maritime market.
“Thanks to the GOT project we were able to establish contacts with major European rotor blade manufacturers.“
Name, job title: Martin Hein, CEO of Polownia Sp. z o.o. | KiriCore Sustainable Materials
Company: KiriCore Sustainable Materials
Country: Poland
Company website: http://www.kiricore.eu/
LinkedIn Page: KiriCore Sustainable Materials
1. Why was GOT important to you/your SME?
It gave us the opportunity to develop our Minimum Viable Product, our KiriCore Material Mats. Our KiriCore Material Mats, which are based on Kiri wood, are a more sustainable and cost-effective substitute for Balsa core material and foams as core material in wind turbine blade composites.
2.What are the advantages of participating in a project like GOT?
Of course, the financial support was important for us. But at least as important were the networking opportunities with European partners, companies and investors, and the seminars and workshops. So thanks to the GOT project we were able to establish contacts with major European rotor blade manufacturers.
3. What were the big takeaways from participating and integrating into the GOT ecosystem?
Thanks to the GreenOffshoreTech ecosystem, we have been able to open up further areas of application for our KiriCore Material mats as a core material for composites. For example, we are currently in contact with manufacturers of rail vehicles, where composites are becoming increasingly important and our sustainable KiriCore Material mats, which are based on Kiri wood grown in Europe, are very suitable as a core material, Furthermore, we were also able to become a member of the Composites United Network on the basis of the GOT ecosystem, which further expands our network and the area of application of our KiriCore Material mats, as our KiriCore Material mats have a significantly better resin uptake behavior compared to Balsa core material. This has some implications for recycling and reuse of our KiriCore Material mats after their end-of-life as core material in composites of rotor blades of wind turbines. This is the reason, why there is interest of numerous companies in the Composites United network.
4. From start to finish, what was the biggest challenge and the greatest achievement?
The biggest challenge was the development of the Minimum Viable Product, the KiriCore Material mats. Here numerous tests had to be carried out, furthermore it was important to use Kiri wood from European origin in order to gain initial experience regarding the upscaling of the supply chain and the processing of the Kiri wood as well as the production of the KiriCore Material Mats. The biggest achievement was that we were able to win a first manufacturer of rotor blades for wind turbines to construct a prototype blade with composites based on KiriCore Material mats with us.
“Being accepted onto the programme was the catalyst we were needing to file our invention and then participate in GOT.”
Name, job title: Ian Armstrong, Managing Director
Company: Pulcea
Country: Scotland
Company website: https://www.pulcea.com/
LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pulcea/
1. Why was GOT important to you/your SME?
Being accepted onto the programme was the catalyst we were needing to file our invention and then participate in GOT.
2.What are the advantages of participating in a project like GOT?
Learning in a very structured manner, feedback from experts, further tuition.
3. What were the big takeaways from participating and integrating into the GOT ecosystem?
How useful it was from start to finish.
4. From start to finish, what was the biggest challenge and the greatest achievement?
Our biggest challenge was to learn how to communicate better. Greatest achievement was to be part of the final selection of the first cohort. It provided the base for our ongoing development in 2024.