This practical masterclass is designed specifically for organisations within the maritime ecosystem that are assessing the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition 7. The session will focus on helping businesses understand whether they are well‑positioned for the competition, and how to maximise their chances of success if they are.

Why attend?

• The session will walk attendees through the CMDC7 structure and eligibility, including project scales, match‑funding requirements, and the differences between feasibility studies, pre‑deployment trials, and deployment trials. Emphasis will be placed on understanding whether your organisation has the financial capacity, delivery capability, and market backing expected by Innovate UK.
• Beyond the specifics of the competition, the masterclass will place CMDC7 in the wider context of the UK innovation funding landscape, exploring how Innovate UK’s priorities around clean maritime, commercial readiness, and real‑world impact are shaping funding decisions. Attendees will gain insight into what assessors are really looking for, and why strong projects can still fail if they are not positioned correctly.
• The session will also highlight common pitfalls seen in grant applications, from underdeveloped routes to market and weak partner commitments, through to misalignment between technical ambition and delivery plans. Real‑world case studies will be used to illustrate how successful bids demonstrate industry adoption intent, operational readiness, and credible pathways to deployment.
  

Who should attend?
The event is suitable for organisations at varying stages of maturity, from SMEs developing low‑carbon maritime technologies to more established businesses preparing for large‑scale trials or deployment. It will be of particular value to those responsible for innovation strategy, project delivery, finance, or commercial.

About the speakers
Ayming UK
Part of Ayming Group, is a top European consulting firm specialising in R&D incentives, with 40 years of expertise. We support businesses at every stage – from early‑stage R&D through to large‑scale commercial investment – by identifying the right grant opportunities and guiding applications end‑to‑end. 
 
Alvaro Montero Bockos
Grant and innovation funding specialist with 12+ years’ experience securing and managing non-dilutive funding for deep-tech ventures. 
 
Wilf Prasher
Wilf is passionate about helping UK businesses grow. He began his career at a web development company, where he helped spin out part of the business that was later acquired. He went on to work as Commercial Director at a Series A–backed start-up, securing high-value, impactful deals with big brands.

If you have any questions please contact events@cp.catapult.org.uk