University helps to launch National Marine Autonomy Accelerator to drive innovation and opportunity

Delivered in partnership with Tech South West and Babcock, the programme will support high-growth companies working in autonomous marine systems

University helps to launch National Marine Autonomy Accelerator to drive innovation and opportunity

Delivered in partnership with Tech South West and Babcock, the programme will support high-growth companies working in autonomous marine systems

26 February 2026

The University of Plymouth is working alongside Tech South West and the Babcock International Group to deliver a programme that will support high-growth companies working in autonomous marine systems and technologies.

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.

It is now launching the first specialist cohort focused on marine autonomy, under the banner of the National Marine Autonomy Accelerator, and it 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, and is home to many of the country’s foremost companies working in the field.

The new programme follows a recent agreement between the University and Babcock, which included a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration on marine innovation and autonomous systems development.

It also builds on their shared role within Team Plymouth , the collaborative initiative launched to deliver a comprehensive package of defence-driven growth supported by Plymouth’s position in the UK Defence Growth Deal.

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.

Professor Kevin Jones
Deputy Vice-Chancellor - Research and Innovation

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Find our about our marine autonomy activities

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 growing investment and long‑standing presence in the region, focusing our efforts here enables us to enhance existing marine autonomy initiatives, drive economic growth and strengthen 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.

Andrew Munday
Global Technology Director, Babcock International Group

The National Marine Autonomy Accelerator programme is now accepting applications from companies across the UK, and is open to those already operating in the marine sector as well as those looking to move into this high-growth area.

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 features three Growth Days bringing participants together for intensive workshops, networking and expert input, with the first of them scheduled to take place on Wednesday 18 March at Exeter Science Park and the second at the University in June.

Over the space of around six months, companies benefit from structured online learning modules, peer group sessions, one-to-one mentoring, access to growth assessment tools, support from dedicated growth coaches, and expertise from partners and maritime sector leaders. It culminates in an Investor Day in October 2026, where companies can pitch to investors.

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.

Dan Pritchard
Co-Founder of Tech South West

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Get more details and apply to take part in the National Marine Autonomy Accelerator programme

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