A new innovation hub has been launched in Southampton.

The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) unveiled the new facility, which is backed by a £200,000 investment, during the Ocean Business conference and exhibition.

The hub aims to accelerate advances in ocean technology and support sustainable growth across the blue economy.

It features state-of-the-art meeting, conference, and hot desking space, breakout rooms, dining zones, traditional office spaces, and soundproof acoustic smart pods over 304 square metres of floor space.

The hub will serve as a catalyst for innovation in marine autonomous systems (MAS), the blue economy, and beyond, bringing together researchers, businesses, and entrepreneurs to drive progress across the ocean and maritime sectors.

Mark Hamson, innovation hub manager, said: "Our mission is to foster innovation and innovative organisations in a collaborative environment, supporting and advancing commercial opportunities in the blue economy by creating connections between industry and science.

"This will help to harness the potential of the ocean for sustainable economic development, driving innovation and creating jobs and value in sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, maritime transport and renewable energy to a wider pool of innovators."

The hub, run under NOC Innovations, takes the former Marine Robotics Innovation Centre (MRIC) at NOC and its offering to a new level.

This includes extending the services and facilities provided, supporting a wider range of organisations across the ocean and maritime sectors, with a goal to double innovation hub membership from the more than 40 currently.

It is already attracting new members, including a global ocean conservation charity, The Ocean Conservation Trust.

CEO Ian McFadzen said: "NOC’s new innovation hub offers us an impactful network that champions economic resilience, innovation and sustainability.

"It has long been a driving force in bringing businesses together to create a prosperous and sustainable future and we’re pleased to be part of its growth to drive further value for society."

The leader of Southampton City Council, Lorna Fielker, performed the official opening.

She said: "I’m pleased to launch NOC’s new innovation hub.

"It will provide crucial support to strengthening a growing community of innovative companies."