Tide Breaker is the structured entry route into the Blue Digital Ecosystem. It is where operators co-define the challenges, technology providers build solutions against operational data, and the Elementz platform provides the infrastructure, through which validated tools deploy.
Upon graduation, participant become a component of a discoverable, validated, and interoperable ecosystem.
Operators co-define the challenges before a line of code is written. Technology providers build with operational data via the Trusted Research Environment. Compass operators co-validate solutions in representative field conditions throughout development.
The successful candidates graduate into the ecosystem and are discoverable in the marketplace. They are validated by operators, and interoperable with everything else on the platform.
Every stage of Tide Breaker happens inside the Blue Digital Ecosystem, powered by the Elementz platform.
The Tide Breaker programme is built with pace and purpose. Each phase builds momentum, turning ambition into adoption and pilots into proven solutions.
(Complete)
Operators defined the key challenge themes. During this phase, start-ups accessed the Submission Pack, refined their proposals, and prepared for review.
(Complete)
Shortlisted start-ups were selected and onboarded to the Tide Breaker ecosystem.
(Active)
The engine room of Tide Breaker. Start-ups build and refine solutions in the sandbox environment, while Operators validate under live-like conditions. Progress is measurable, practical and fast.
(July 2026 Onwards)
Validated solutions are showcased not in presentations, but in action. With Elementz providing integration, successful tools move directly into deployment.
(September 2026)
The second cohort widens the aperture beyond early-stage start-ups to include established technology providers, AI developers, and research institutions with proven capability. If your organisation has solutions that map to any of the five operator-defined themes, register your interest now. You do not need to wait for the formal opening.
Tide Breaker offers start-ups and technology providers a governed, credible, and commercially viable route from development to subsea deployment. Participants work with operational data via the Trusted Research Environment, build in a secure sandbox environment against operator-defined challenges, and receive continuous feedback from Compass operators throughout.
The result is a solution that arrives in the field trusted because the operators who will rely on it helped shape it. Participants who graduate do not leave the programme and go looking for customers. They become permanent members of the Blue Digital Ecosystem, with a marketplace presence and joint go-to-market support from day one.
Compass is the operator layer of the Blue Digital Ecosystem. Through it, operators co-define the innovation challenges that Tide Breaker participants build against, co-validate solutions in representative field conditions, and shape the platform roadmap before those solutions reach the open market.
The operators gain access to tools built around your operational reality, validated against your standards, and available to you ahead of any other operator in the market.
Compass membership is by invitation and at no cost. The commitment is participation, bringing operational context, domain expertise, and a willingness to co-create the solutions your assets need.
There are no fees to join the programme. Instead, we invest time, data access, and technical infrastructure to help accelerate your technology’s route to market. You bring the innovation, we provide the environment, expertise, and connections to prove it at scale.
Intellectual Property (IP) created during the programme remains with the start-up. Tide Breaker, its partners, and participating Operators do not claim ownership of your technology. Any shared development or integration work will be governed by mutually agreed terms to protect all parties’ rights and confidentiality.
Each Tide Breaker cohort will include up to 4 start-ups chosen for their potential to deliver impact in subsea energy operations. Selection is based on innovation strength, technical readiness, and alignment with operator-defined challenges. This ensures every participant receives focused support and genuine opportunities for deployment.
Operators play a hands-on role throughout the programme, defining key industry challenges, providing data and operational insight. Their involvement ensures each AI solution is built for real-world application and commercial viability.
Tide Breaker is designed for hybrid participation. Remote access to the Trusted Research Environment, data, and mentoring is fully supported. Some in-person sessions may take place in Aberdeen, and we welcome participants from across the UK and internationally. While we are proud of our roots in the North East of Scotland innovation ecosystem, the programme is built for the best solutions wherever they come from.
The second Tide Breaker cohort opens in September 2026. It is open to a wider range of participants, including established technology providers, AI developers, and research institutions alongside early-stage start-ups. If you have proven capability that maps to any of the five operator-defined themes, we welcome an early conversation. Register your interest and the team will be in touch.
If you’re ready to collaborate, co-develop, or simply stay connected to the next wave of subsea innovation, this is your opportunity to join a network turning AI ambition into adoption. And adoption into advantage
Tide Breaker brings the right people and ideas together to deliver real results, from predictive maintenance to solutions that transform offshore workflows.
The programme is currently delivering its 2025 cohort. Applications for this intake are closed. Register your interest to stay connected and be first to hear when applications reopen in late 2026.
Complete the form below to access the full submission pack and apply today.
