On Thursday 25 June 2026, UVAC will bring together leaders from education, industry, research, policy and the wider technical skills ecosystem for its Summer Innovation Exchange at the UK’s flagship offshore renewable energy innovation centre, the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult.

Titled “Powering Futures: Transforming Lives through Clean Energy, Innovation and Skills Excellence,” the event will explore how collaboration across education and industry can help shape the future workforce needed to deliver the UK’s clean energy ambitions and support long-term sustainable economic growth.

Hosted in partnership with the North East Institute of Technology and the ORE Catapult, the Innovation Exchange will focus on the critical role that technical, vocational and professional education and training plays in developing the skills, talent and innovation required for a rapidly evolving economy and a Net Zero future.

As the UK accelerates investment in offshore renewable energy and wider green industries, demand for skilled talent continues to grow. At the same time, employers across engineering and advanced manufacturing sectors face significant workforce shortages, changing skills demands and persistent diversity gaps. The Innovation Exchange provides an important opportunity for universities, colleges, employers and stakeholders to come together to explore practical solutions, share innovation and strengthen partnerships that support future workforce resilience.

Delegates will hear from national voices across education, industry, research and policy and explore how curiosity-driven research, workforce foresighting and inclusive talent development are helping to drive innovation and sustainable growth.

The event will also showcase how emerging technologies are transforming offshore renewable energy and supporting the UK’s strategic priorities, including:

• robotics, automation and artificial intelligence technologies
• floating offshore wind innovation
• turbine blade testing and infrastructure resilience
• marine energy innovation
• circular economy approaches to sustainable decommissioning

Through keynote presentations, practical insights and collaborative discussion, attendees will explore how organisations can strengthen capability, widen participation and build future-focused talent pipelines that support productivity, competitiveness and Net Zero ambitions.

A highlight of the day will be an exclusive guided tour of the ORE Catapult facilities, offering delegates the opportunity to experience cutting-edge innovation first-hand, including world-leading turbine blade testing facilities, autonomous inspection robotics and digital control rooms creating virtual twins of offshore wind farms.

The Innovation Exchange is designed for universities, further and higher technical education providers, employers, policymakers, researchers and sector stakeholders committed to shaping the future of skills, innovation and clean energy.

At a time when the UK is navigating major economic, technological and environmental transformation, collaboration between education and industry has never been more important. This event offers a valuable opportunity to connect with sector leaders, exchange ideas and help shape the future workforce needed for a greener, fairer and more prosperous future.

Date: Thursday 25 June 2026
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Venue: Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, Offshore House, Albert St in Blyth, England NE24 1LZ.

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