Innovation on the Tyne: SeaGrown Wins ‘Outstanding Sustainability Contribution’ Award

The maritime sector is changing. You can feel it in the conversations, in the technology, and in the ambition of the people driving it forward.

Last week, our Founders, Wave Crookes and Laura Robinson, experienced this shift first-hand at Maritime Innovation Week 2025.

The event was a true tour of the UK's blue economy. It kicked off at the National 2050 Maritime Innovation Hub at the Port of Tyne, before moving south to the BT Tower in London.

Across three days, hundreds of international delegates gathered to discuss the skills, infrastructure, and innovation required to build a cleaner, smarter maritime future. The daily themes, ranging from 'Port of the Future' to 'Innovation in Action', highlighted just how rapidly our sector is evolving.

A Recognition of Real Impact

We were honoured to be part of the conversation, but we were even more thrilled to bring something home.

During the awards ceremony, SeaGrown was named the winner of the Outstanding Sustainability Contribution award, presented by Grant Brown from Hitachi Europe.

For us, this award is a validation of our core belief. That nature itself is the best technology we have.

It recognises that our Kelpedo™ offshore cultivation system is not just a concept, but a proven, nature-positive solution. It acknowledges that by cultivating seaweed in the high-energy waters of the North Sea, we are doing more than just producing a sustainable material. We are actively absorbing excess nutrients, capturing carbon, and boosting marine biodiversity.

A Shift in Mindset

SeaGrown Co-Founder and Operations Director, Wave Crookes, reflects on the changing tide in the industry.

"Real innovation isn't just about building smarter ships," he said. "It's about rethinking our relationship with the ocean. At SeaGrown, we stopped trying to conquer the North Sea and started working with it. This award is a huge vote of confidence, not just for our Kelpedo™ technology, but for the idea that nature-based solutions belong at the very heart of the UK's maritime masterplan."

The Power of Connection

To be recognised by industry leaders at such a prestigious, nationwide event is a significant milestone. It confirms that "cultivation" is now firmly on the maritime masterplan, sitting right alongside offshore wind and clean shipping as a pillar of the UK's sustainable future.

It was a privilege to discuss the future of the blue economy with Keir Mather MP, the Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation. We also relished the chance to share ideas with our fellow Venture Connect innovators, including Ashley Noseworthy (Edgeworth Environmental), Steven Birdsall (Gaist), Kevin Howell (HTG), and Ian Gemski (Tekgem).

A huge thank you to Dr Jo North, Paul Slater, Elaine Scott, and Brian Jackson (Director of Surveillance & Smart Solutions at BT) for organising such a world-class event.

We returned to Scarborough with a heavy trophy, a strengthened network, and a renewed energy to keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible in our ocean.