Scout, Pilot, and Partner with the Next Generation of Marine Autonomy. Before They Scale.
The marine autonomy revolution is accelerating, but the most disruptive startups often remain invisible until they're already working with your competitors.
Get early introductions to 10–20 high-potential marine autonomy startups (AUVs, ROVs, AI-driven navigation, sensors, and autonomy software) 6–12 months before they commercialise or raise major funding.
Connect with startups aligned to your defence, port operations, risk management, or insurance priorities. Custom shortlists tailored to your business units and R&D focus.
Test and validate technologies through real-world pilot programmes including port automation, maritime risk modelling, and defence applications, before committing to major investment.
Position your organisation as a thought leader in marine autonomy through co-branded reports, webinars, and events that showcase your commitment to innovation.
Everything you need to identify, engage, and partner with the most promising marine autonomy innovators.
Early introductions to 10–20 high-potential marine autonomy startups covering AUVs, ROVs, AI-driven navigation, sensors, and autonomy software.
Custom shortlists of startups tailored to your specific business units, R&D focus, or corporate venture goals. No generic lists.
Test and validate startup technologies in real-world scenarios: port automation, maritime risk modelling, defence applications, and more.
Co-branded reports, webinars, and events that showcase your organisation's commitment to innovation in marine autonomy.
Join our Industry Advisory Board to shape the programme's focus and gain early insights into emerging trends shaping the sector.
No requirement to partner or invest. Explore every opportunity completely on your own terms: scout, evaluate, and decide at your pace.
MAIC runs year-round, with new startups joining every quarter. Engage with multiple cohorts simultaneously, so you always have fresh opportunities to explore.
Review startup profiles, attend innovation briefings, and request 1:1 introductions with the startups most relevant to your priorities.
Kickoff workshop, startup pitches, and strategic priority alignment, ensuring every introduction is calibrated to your goals.
Structured startup deep dives, pilot discussions, and advisory board sessions to move from scouting to serious evaluation.
Pilot programme launches, custom demo days, and ROI case studies to build the evidence base for strategic decisions.
Innovation showcase, partnership signings, and annual strategic review to set the agenda for the year ahead.
Choose the engagement level that fits your organisation's innovation strategy, or work with us to build a bespoke programme.
You're a leader in defence, port operations, insurance or adjacent industries (e.g. energy, shipping, logistics).
You want to scout, pilot, or partner with marine autonomy startups before they scale.
You're focused on innovation, R&D, corporate venturing, or risk management.
Steampunk Ventures is the official Investment Partner for the Tech South West Marine Autonomy Accelerator, run in partnership with Babcock International and the University of Plymouth. MAIC sponsors gain direct access to the startups and ecosystem emerging from this programme.
Learn More About the Accelerator →Register your interest in under 2 minutes. No commitment required.
We'll be in touch within 24 hours to discuss your sponsorship options.
Steampunk Ventures is a leading consultancy specialising in corporate engagement for deep tech and climate startups. We've helped 50+ startups raise £100M+ and 10+ corporates launch pilot programmes with cutting-edge innovators.
MAIC is our dedicated programme connecting industry leaders with the next generation of marine autonomy startups, giving sponsors the strategic edge of early access and curated relationships.