The new multi-million pound Marine-i project will provide exciting and highly sought opportunities for graduates.

The £9.3m collaboration between the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, the Cornwall College Group (TCCG), Cornwall Marine Network, Cornwall Development Company and the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, is aiming to bring a new generation of innovation in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly’s marine sector.

TCCG will deliver and oversee a variety of three, six and nine month innovation projects in which a graduate is placed into a business to carry out a specific project. Justin Olosunde, director of technology TCCG, said that through the award-winning engineering departments and Falmouth Marine School, the group “can bring its expertise in key marine technology disciplines to Marine-i, including advanced engineering, materials and hydraulics.”

He added: “Marine-i is fantastic news for the region, but also an exceptional opportunity for graduates. A business development manager will work with businesses to scope projects, find suitable candidates and support the graduate throughout the project, while mentors will provide technical project focussed advice and support to graduates in placements in SMEs in order to support the project and maximise the contribution of the graduate to the business.”

Up to £6.8m of European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) has been secured to develop marine technology research, development and innovation activities in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly through Marine-i.

It is anticipated that 13 new graduate-level jobs will be delivered through the programme leading to long-term sustainable careers.

Allyson Glover, programme director at Unlocking Potential, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Marine-i to support these new graduate-level jobs which will be focussed on delivering innovative projects for marine businesses here in Cornwall.

“Graduates have a big role to play in the future of the marine sector and we are looking forward to supporting both early-level graduate roles as well as helping businesses access more experienced higher level skills to support the growth in the sector.”

Marine-i will be based at Chi Gallos, a bespoke office complex at the heart of the Hayle Marine Renewables Business Park, and will also support businesses wishing to access the £3.18m Marine Challenge Fund – a delegated grant scheme that has been specifically designed to drive marine sector research, development and innovation.

Project manager Professor Lars Johanning said: “Marine-i will strengthen business innovation and has been set up in direct response to the Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly marine roadmap to secure the continued growth of this sector.

"There is an expectation that as the regional commercial infrastructure grows, the marine sector will grow in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly through smart innovations benefiting from the expertise and skills within the local supply chain, FE and HE. This funding provides a unique opportunity for businesses to enhance expertise and create jobs through collaboration and co-creation.”