The UK’s National Oceanography Centre Launches New Innovation Hub in Southampton

The UK’s National Oceanography Centre (NOC) has unveiled a new Innovation Hub in Southampton, designed to accelerate advances in ocean technology and support sustainable growth across the blue economy.

Backed by a £200,000 investment, the facility will serve as a catalyst for innovation in marine autonomous systems (MAS), the blue economy, and beyond—bringing together researchers, businesses, and entrepreneurs to drive progress across the ocean and maritime sectors.

The new hub features state-of-the-art meeting, conference, and hot desking space, break out rooms, and dining zones, traditional office spaces, and cutting-edge soundproof acoustic smart pods over 304 sq m floor space.

A launch event was held at the new facility during the Ocean Business conference and exhibition, with more than 50 representatives from across the UK and beyond across the commercial, research, and academic sectors attending.

Mark Hamson, Innovation Hub Manager, expressed excitement about the potential of the hub to drive innovation and create jobs in sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, maritime transport, and renewable energy.

The hub, run under NOC Innovations, takes the former Marine Robotics Innovation Centre (MRIC) at NOC and its offering to a new level, extending services and facilities to support a wider range of organizations across the ocean and maritime sectors.

One of the new members is the global Ocean conservation charity, The Ocean Conservation Trust. CEO Ian McFadzen praised NOC’s new Innovation Hub for its network that champions economic resilience, innovation, and sustainability.

To support a wide range of businesses and innovators, the Innovation Hub offers tiered memberships to suit all organizations, from start-ups to multi-nationals, onsite or remote.

The NOC’s Innovation Hub is poised to drive progress and collaboration in the ocean and maritime sectors, fostering a sustainable future for all involved.