Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) has signed on as the newest program partner for the Greentown Labs’ Offshore Wind Challenge, developed in partnership with Vineyard Wind.

MassCEC will serve as an enabling partner throughout the Challenge and provide grant funding and in-kind support for startup pilot projects in Vineyard Wind’s lease areas in Massachusetts’ waters.

Together, Vineyard Wind, MassCEC, and Greentown Labs are working to foster the offshore wind innovation ecosystem in the Commonwealth.

The Offshore Wind Challenge is a six-month accelerator program supporting innovations in responsible development of offshore wind energy. The program is focused on fast-tracking entrepreneurs with the mentors and business and technical resources they need to bring marine mammal monitoring technologies to a state of practice with direct support from Vineyard Wind and MassCEC.

Staff from MassCEC’s Offshore Wind Program will provide expertise and guidance, help select startups for the Challenge, and support startups throughout the piloting process. Selected participants will also receive guidance from the team at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the New England Aquarium.

“MassCEC is pleased to join the Offshore Wind Challenge as an enabling partner, as the Offshore Wind Challenge complements the Baker-Polito Administration’s efforts to promote sustainable offshore wind development that protects fisheries and marine wildlife, including MassCEC’s long-term study of marine mammal activity and investments in innovation and technology development. This initiative provides MassCEC the opportunity to work with industry leaders like Greentown Labs, Vineyard Wind, the Woods hole Oceanographic Institute and the New England Aquarium to advance real-time detection of endangered whales during construction and operation of offshore wind projects.”

Stephen Pike, CEO of MassCEC.

“Vineyard Wind’s top priority as we work to develop the US’s first large scale offshore wind power installation is to make sure we do so while establishing the best possible industry standards. Getting MassCEC’s involvement in this startup accelerator will help advance the goal of harnessing new technologies to minimize the disruption to marine mammals and other wildlife. We want to thank Greentown Labs for their continued partnership and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center for their investment in an up-and-coming industry.”

Lars Thaaning Pedersen, CEO of Vineyard Wind.

The Offshore Wind Challenge is seeking submissions from startups that are innovating in marine mammal monitoring, either surrounding data collection and real-time transmission or data analysis. The deadline to apply has been extended to June 15.

“MassCEC has pioneered Massachusetts’ offshore wind industry over the past decade, pushing forward supply chain and infrastructure development, informing the development of ambitious policy frameworks, and bolstering job opportunities and technology advancement. MassCEC is a long-time partner and champion of Greentown Labs and we’re proud to have them join the Offshore Wind Challenge—we know the selected participants will benefit greatly from their expertise and support.”

Emily Reichert, CEO of Greentown Labs.