The exploitation activities of the VERTI-GO project are designed to ensure that project results are translated into tangible economic and societal value beyond the project’s lifetime. These activities focus on identifying exploitable outcomes, engaging key stakeholders, protecting intellectual assets, and preparing the project results for market uptake and investment.
1. Stakeholder and Value Chain Analysis
Floating offshore wind refers to wind turbines installed on floating platforms instead of being fixed directly to the seabed. This approach enables wind energy deployment in deep-water locations where fixed-bottom foundations are technically or economically unfeasible. The VERTI-GO project develops a floating wind turbine concept specifically designed for offshore conditions.
2. Identification and Assessment of Key Exploitable Results (KERs)
KERs generated by the project are identified and evaluated in terms of technical maturity, market potential, ownership, and exploitation pathways. This assessment guides subsequent protection and commercialisation decisions.
3. Intellectual Property Protection and Licensing
Appropriate intellectual property (IP) strategies are defined for the identified KERs. This includes patenting where relevant, as well as licensing and other contractual mechanisms to enable uptake by industrial partners while safeguarding the interests of the project consortium.
4. Exploitation and Business Planning
A comprehensive exploitation plan is developed and continuously refined throughout the project. This plan outlines the routes to market, target customer segments, value propositions, and partner roles. In parallel, a stand-alone business plan is prepared to support discussions with investors and facilitate post-project commercialisation.
5. Exploitation Workshop with Relevant Stakeholders
Dedicated exploitation workshops are organised (and attended by partners) with relevant stakeholders, with a strong focus on investors and end-users. These workshops are used to validate market needs, refine the business case, and align the VERTI-GO solution with user expectations. A final exploitation workshop at the end of the project brings together partners, stakeholders, and investors to present the project’s main achievements and discuss the business plan supporting market uptake.
6. Post-Project Exploitability of VERTI-GO project
Measures are taken to ensure that the VAWT system (used for on-site client demonstrations) and the Digital Twin remain fully functional, accessible, and exploitable after the project’s completion. This will support continued demonstrations, commercial discussions, and further development activities beyond the funded period.