Babcock joins Growth Forge as Marine Autonomy Partner

Babcock International Group (Babcock) joins Growth Forge 2026 as a new partner, strengthening the collaboration already underway with the University of Plymouth and Team Plymouth through the UK Defence Growth Deal to drive forward innovation in marine autonomy.

Babcock plays a critical role in international defence. Operating globally, they set their sights across generations, approaching everything with a broad perspective. Forging close and committed partnerships with their defence and civil customers to deliver vital engineering and technology solutions that are part of their commitment to Lifetime Engineering. Collaboration with SMEs is a core part of their strategy. They have recently launched a new SME Charter designed to enable, reshape and accelerate how the UK defence sector engages with SMEs.

Andrew Munday, Global Technology Director, Babcock 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 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.”

Meet the expert:

Tom Coates is the Future Capabilities Director for Babcock with responsibility for technology and innovation coherence across our global footprint focusing on collaboration and integration with SMEs and R&D projects.

Prior to joining Babcock, Tom was in the Royal Navy where he also worked in roles for NATO, Head Office, DE&S and Innovation/Technology secondments to industry.

Find out more about Growth Forge and apply: https://www.techsouthwest.co.uk/growth-forge/marine-autonomy/