SOUTHAMPTON'S National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is to host a week-long showcase for underwater technology in November.

The programme of workshops, talks, demonstrations and networking builds on the growing interest in marine autonomy – underwater robots and unmanned subs – is expected to attract more than 1,000 visitors to the centre.

Kevin Forshaw, NOC’s Associate Director, Innovation and Enterprise commented, “The NOC welcomes thousands of visitors each year, many working within the region in thriving marine technology based businesses. We are currently engaged with in excess of £10m of R&D collaborative projects with industry partners, and this showcase is both a celebration of those partnerships and, we hope, a catalyst for more collaboration within the region.”

Marine Autonomy generating much interest from industry sectors including oil and gas, offshore renewables and defence..

The inaugural Marine Autonomy and Technology Showcase will run at the NOC’s waterfront site in Southampton, home to the recently-opened Marine Robotics Innovation Centre.

NOC Events Coordinator, Ian Folger added, “There will be lots of networking opportunities available to delegates, but for the first time the NOC is offering more traditional sponsorship opportunities as well.

“By building in a sponsorship element we have been able to keep this a free event enabling marine businesses of all sizes the opportunity to attend and be involved. We have also been able to negotiate some great deals on accommodation in the city. We hope businesses will find the packages we have put together give them additional value from attending the event.”

The full programme of events and registration will be available from the NOC’s website later in the summer, but those interested can sign up to receive notifications now.