Our marine autonomy accelerator supports companies developing autonomous maritime systems and technologies, helping them move from innovation to real‑world deployment.
Delivered with Babcock International and supported by the University of Plymouth, the programme connects founders directly with two of the UK’s most influential organisations in marine autonomy, defence engineering and ocean research.
The programme covers the full spectrum of growth needs: strategy, leadership, technology, commercialisation, market awareness, funding, finance, marketing, brand, legal considerations and risk.
Growth Forge Marine Autonomy brings together sector specialists to help you tackle the specific challenges of scaling in marine autonomy. You’ll take part in focused growth strategy sessions, connect with experts across defence, research and commercial maritime, and join a dedicated peer group of founders working on similar technologies. You’ll also meet investors with a clear interest in marine autonomy and ocean‑focused innovation.
Alongside the in‑person Growth Days, you’ll receive ongoing input from business experts, mentors and coaches, with guided support and drop‑in sessions throughout the year.
The programme is open to marine autonomy and marine technology companies across the South West — from early‑stage innovators to established businesses looking to scale.
Growth Forge gives you high-impact business support precision-engineered for your company needs.
Using our assessment approach, we identify the 2–3 areas that will have the greatest impact on your growth and focus the programme around those priorities.
Through a combination of face‑to‑face Growth Days, online Peer Groups, 1‑1 mentoring, expert consultations and ongoing support, we help you strengthen your operations and move toward your goals with clarity and momentum
Alongside business development, you'll polish your skills in investor readiness, securing investor meetings, nailing your pitch and raising investment.
What's involved
Access insights from specialists in developing businesses focussed on innovation in the marine space.
You'll receive guided instruction from some of the sharpest innovators in the sector, and tap into unparalleled support.
You'll also access insights from experts in growth specialisms including Finance & Funding, Investors, Legal & IP, Managing Risk, Talent, Brand & Marketing, Technology, Going Global and Sales & Leadership.
You'll be matched with a dedicated mentor, to help you keep on track and get the most out of the programme.
With years of experience building tech brands, they can act as an invaluable sounding board and partner in growth.
Receive ongoing guidance from experienced business founders and consultants who have "been there, done that".
You'll gain practical advice on all aspects of your business, including product development, targeting the market, engaging with investors, building your team and delivering a winning pitch.
Three immersive face-to-face Growth Days packed with workshops, 1-1s and growth sessions to give you on-the-ground knowledge to turn your growth roadmap into reality.
Hosted at bustling centres of innovation across the region, you'll hear first-hand from growth experts and coaches and get your questions answered.
Based on your goals and growth priorities, and your initial business assessment, you will be matched into a Peer Group of up to 10 founders.
Build trusted relationships, share and learn from common challenges, and develop a founder network to propel you forward.
These online workshops are a great way to get specific expert insight, and ask questions on the full array of growth topics.
This is where you'll tap into live insights around funding, legals, talent, marketing, technology, pitching and more.
Take advantage of pitch training and investor readiness sessions, then put yourself forward for our busy PitchUp Live Series 2025, including online and in person events including SW of England Investment Summits and London Showcase events.
Local support and drop-in sessions at the region's most dynamic tech hubs.
Tap into support and tech expertise around the South West, with our local tech hub partners.
Impactful support for your growth stage
Early Stage
Strategic Vision & Validation
Founder Leadership & Mindset
Product Development Fundamentals
Financial Foundations
Fundraising Essentials
Customer Discovery & Early Sales
Growth
Growth Strategy & Expansion
Leadership Evolution
Product Evolution
Growth Finance & Metrics
Series A Mastery
Sales Systems & Acceleration
Scale
Corporate Strategy & Vision
Executive Leadership
Product Innovation & Platform
Corporate Finance & Strategy
Advanced Fundraising & Exits
Enterprise Sales & Partnerships
Impact testimonials
“The networks, guidance, and genuine desire to help me succeed has been amazing.”
Luke Cramphorn-Neal
Nimbus Agritech
“I found the Growth Forge days very useful especially to discuss other people's experiences and also learn about some of the elements of the business which I hadn’t considered before.”
Paul Greenwood
IntegrateAI
“Growth Forge has been pivotal for us."
"We have learnt a huge amount and we are going to be focusing on building our community and working towards rejoining next year with a clear path to growth.”
Jorge Lopez
Moovafy
"The networking opportunities and expertise gained through the Growth Forge programme has been fundamental to our growth trajectory this year, and was key to our introduction to Angel Investors Bristol and growth mentors."
Anthony Peake
Intelligent AI
"Growth Forge has been a fantastic way for us to meet an incredible network of people, get expert advice, achieve goal setting and accountability.
"I'd really recommend it to anyone who's looking for support."
Joe Babbage
Data Harmony
"Growth Forge has absolutely helped us with our strategy and understanding where we need to grow."
Gabriela Isas
Good With
"From growth strategies to investment scenarios, we are learning so much about what we need to get in place or build out from our position to run with the aspirations we see for our business. The Growth Forge team are facilitating a fantastic programme that far exceeds our expectations."
Pete Woodward
Securious
Programme timeline
Whenever you're ready
Applications
Submit your application at the bottom of this page 👇
Ongoing and every quarter
Business Assessment
Get a complete 360° business profile to tailor the programme based on your priority growth needs.
Monthly (except Aug & Dec)
Peer Groups
Based on your business profile and goals, you will be matched into a Peer Group of up to 10 founders.
Build trusted relationships, share and learn from common challenges, and develop a founder network to propel you forward.
March, May, Oct
Face-to-Face Growth Day
Three immersive face-to-face sessions to give you on-the-ground knowledge to turn your growth roadmap into reality.
Hosted at bustling centres of innovation across the region, you'll hear first-hand from growth experts and coaches and get your questions answered.
July and December
Seasonal Socials
Informal get-togethers with the Growth Forge community of founders, mentors and partners.
PitchUp Live online, Investment Summits, London Showcase
Pitch your Product
Dive into our Funding and Finance events and gain fast-track access to live pitch opportunities in front of motivated investors.
FAQs
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