Venture Connect, an initiative connecting North East SMEs with investors to drive sustainable innovation in the maritime industry, will return in 2025 following its success in 2024.
The 2050 Maritime Innovation Hub, a collaborative initiative led by the Port of Tyne and partners including Connected Places Catapult, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult (OREC), Nissan, and the Department for Transport, announced that applications are now being accepted for the Venture Connect Green Investment Programme 2025.
Participants will benefit from expert coaching, tailored one-on-one mentorship, and access to a robust network of investors and peers. The programme supports innovators addressing critical industry challenges such as decarbonisation, clean energy transition, battery technology, green logistics, and climate resilience.
The return of Venture Connect for 2025 was officially announced by Julia Prescot CBE during the third annual Maritime Innovation Week, held at London’s BT Tower and the Port of Tyne’s 2050 Maritime Innovation Hub which brought together over 300 thought leaders, policymakers, and innovators.
Julia Prescott CBE, Deputy Chair at the Port of Tyne said:
“Watching last year’s Venture Connect participants pitch their businesses on stage at Maritime Innovation Week was incredibly exciting. The goal of Venture Connect is to create a supportive community of people dedicated to helping these innovators succeed. This reflects the collaborative and nurturing ecosystem the programme has cultivated.”
Dr Jo North, Innovation Ecosystem Director at the Port of Tyne said:
“The North East has a thriving tech and innovation ecosystem, and the return of Venture Connect will build on this momentum. We’re so proud of the eight participants in our 2024 programme and all that they have achieved. We’re ready for the next cohort to spark green growth and ambition, not just locally, but across the wider maritime industry – driving collaboration, investment, and tangible commercial opportunities.”
Mahfuz Kamal, CEO and Founder of Newcastle University spin-off RecoVolt said:
“As a university spin-off, we’re still in the early stages of our journey, and securing the right support is crucial. The Venture Connect programme provided us with training in public speaking, presentation skills, and refining our value propositions. The skills we gained from the programme have been invaluable in helping us become investment-ready.”
Audrey Roos, Chief Operating Officer, Link Technologies added:
“The Venture Connect programme has been exceptional in building our confidence and refining our pitch. They’ve given us the belief that we can grow, innovate, and take our company to where we need to be.”
Applications for the 2025 Venture Connect programme are open now. Interested SMEs can visit portoftyne.co.uk/about-us/2050-innovation-hub/venture-connect for more information and to submit their applications.
