BIM Aquatech Innovation Studio Programme 2023 – Apply Now
16th May 2023
Applications are being sought for the BIM Aquatech Innovation Studio Programme, 2023. This year’s programme is open to both Irish and EU projects involved in the aquaculture technology arena including, startups looking to improve their investor readiness, established companies seeking to increase market access and companies with technology applicable to the aquaculture sector.
The programme, which will be delivered by aquaculture accelerator Hatch Blue, is now in its fifth year and has already seen 39 companies pass through its doors.
The Studio supports the ambitious goals set out in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marines’ Food Vision 2030 Strategy, namely to ‘promote Ireland as a knowledge base for aquaculture technology and research and attract external investment into the sector’.
Richard Donnelly, BIM, who manages the project said, “According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), global consumption of seafood has increased at a rate almost twice that of annual world population growth. In addition, aquaculture production in 2020 accounted for 49 percent of seafood production, representing major growth from its 4 percent share in the 1950’s and 20 percent in the 1990’s.
Aquaculture is a growing sector and the technology required to support this growth is an equally exciting business space.”
Niall O’Rahelly, Ireland Aquaculture Community Manager with Hatch explained, “The BIM Aquatech Innovation studio is a unique opportunity to validate your aquatech against a global network of aquaculture industry experts and to further scale your business. When I say aquatech, I mean a piece of technology that solves a problem or adds value to the aquaculture supply chain anywhere from farm to plate. During this programme, we have worked with a wide range of technologies such as sensor development, alternative seafood and water and pathogen management solutions.”
Acceptance onto the programme will provide candidates with experienced mentors to further develop their business strategy, product or service. Moreover, successful candidates will have access to a global network of aquaculture technical experts. The Innovation Hub will take place at the RDI Hub in Killorglin, Co. Kerry from 9-20 October 2023.
For further information, or to apply visit here>>
