Ørsted Digital Innovation Challenge

Ørsted, one of the world’s leading renewable energy companies, is seeking innovative digital solutions which have been developed in other industries and that can be adapted and applied to offshore wind operations and maintenance (O&M). Two successful companies will have the opportunity to develop solutions for the offshore wind sector, working alongside Ørsted on refining the use case while also receiving fully-funded support and access to sector-specific technology expertise from Digital Catapult and Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult. By leveraging knowledge from sectors such as fintech, transport, entertainment, health, defence, telecoms and infrastructure, among others, Ørsted aims to improve efficiency, reduce operational costs, and enhance the safety and reliability of offshore wind operations.

The sector generates vast amounts of data, but there is untapped potential to use it more effectively for better decision-making. Where there is a clear business case, installation of new sensors for additional data points, or remote collection methods can further improve operational insight. Strengthening O&M capabilities is essential, not just for safety and efficiency, but for maximising revenue and long-term competitiveness.

Ørsted is seeking participants with digital solutions which they believe could make a material benefit in the cost and/or risk associated with the O&M of offshore wind farms. Potential use cases, to help inspire applicants, include but are not limited to:

We also encourage innovative proposals that may not fit within the predefined categories but still align with O&M digitalisation goals. For a more detailed breakdown of the above use cases, please refer to the FAQs at the bottom of this page.

Other benefits

• Educational sessions – Gain insights into the offshore wind industry
• Expert support – Work closely with specialists from ORE Catapult and Digital Catapult to understand where your solution fits within the value chain, identify high-impact opportunities and assess your technology’s maturity and readiness for adoption
• Industry collaboration opportunities – Engage with Ørsted’s dedicated specialists and innovation teams
• Data Access & Integration – Integration with existing or legacy platforms can be considered on a case-by-case basis
• Retain all IP – All intellectual property (IP) developed by applicants will remain solely with them

Winners of the challenge will be provided with support to enable them to mature their solution towards commercialisation in the offshore wind sector.

All background intellectual property (IP) developed by applicants will remain solely with them. If further collaborative research and development is conducted with Ørsted, ORE Catapult, or Digital Catapult after the conclusion of this programme, ownership of new foreground IP will be subject to separate agreements.

Applications are welcome from solutions which address part of, or all of a use-case; as well as solutions which cover multiple use-cases. As stated, these use-cases are for inspiration only and solutions applicable to offshore wind operations and maintenance more broadly but outside of these use-cases are also welcome. Applicants should consider feasibility of their solutions if they are very ambitious and cover multiple use-cases since this will be included in the assessment criteria.

The Ørsted Digital Innovation Challenge supports legally registered and active UK based companies of all sizes, in particular:

• Companies in a position to act with agility
• Companies from any industry, provided they offer digital solutions that can be adapted to offshore wind Operations & Maintenance
• Companies with proposed solutions that demonstrate clear potential to improve efficiency, reduce costs, reduce risks or enhance safety in offshore wind O&M
• Solutions should either be at least TRL3, in an offshore wind context, according to a recognised TRL scale. Note that mature solutions TRL is reduced when applied to a new industry
• Companies with mature solutions from other sectors which have not been utilised or trialled in offshore wind before are still welcome to apply.

Please note, shortlisted companies must actively participate in challenge-related activities, including pitching their solution. The companies’ successful in progressing to the second stage of the programme where they receive support from ORE Catapult and Digital Catapult must commit to working with these delivery partners and the support that is being facilitated.

Applicants will be assessed based on five criteria:

1.Innovation & Alignment (20%)

The applicant should demonstrate that their company is clearly addressing the challenge as well as offering unique approaches not widely used in the industry.

2. Potential Impact (30%)

The applicant should demonstrate the potential of its solution to drive significant impact in offshore wind O&M activities.

3. Feasibility & Scalability (30%)

The applicant should demonstrate that their solution is technically feasible for real-world deployment in offshore wind O&M and its potential to scale.

4. Team Experience (10%)

The company and its employees should have the necessary experience and skill to consistently develop & deliver their solution.

5. Programme Fit (10%)

The applicant should demonstrate how they would benefit from being selected for this programme.

These evaluation criteria are to be used for the shortlisting stage, with shortlisted companies being invited to pitch. Judges shall discuss following the pitch day to decide final companies to participate in the programme.

Applications will open at 09:00 on Tuesday 2 September 2025 at and will remain open until 18:00 on Friday 03 October 2025.

All applicants must ensure they have read the challenge Terms and Conditions before submitting their application.

An overview of the process is outlined below:

1. Applicants must apply via registering to the online application linked from this page. You will be asked to motivate your reasons to apply and that you meet the conditional requirements for the Ørsted Digital Innovation Challenge.

2. Applications will be reviewed for eligibility and then followed by a shortlisting process of judging applications by Ørsted, Digital Catapult and ORE Catapult teams.

3. Shortlisted companies will be invited to participate in a pitch day on Thursday 20 November 2025.

4. Participants for the programme are chosen and will be informed via email. Each member will receive a confirmation email. All chosen participants will be required to read and sign the Letter of Engagement before the programme commences.