Moonsyst & PitSeal – Winners of AgTechUCD’s Accelerator Programme
1st February 2024
AgTechUCD announced Moonsyst and PitSeal as the winners of University College Dublin’s (UCD) third annual accelerator programme dedicated to early-stage start-ups with global potential in the AgTech, Agrifood, Equine and Veterinary sectors.
The focus of the 12-week intensive AgTechUCD Agccelerator Programme is on fast tracking the commercial and leadership skills of participants and to provide them with the support and guidance needed to accelerate their start-ups in Ireland and on the global stage.
Following a final pitching event, held at the AgTechUCD Innovation Centre at UCD Lyons Farm in Co. Kildare, Moonsyst was named the AIB and Yield Lab AgTech Start-up 2024 and received a €10k prize, and PitSeal was named the FBD AgTech One to Watch 2024 and received a €10k prize.
Moonsyst has developed a Smart Rumen Monitoring solution that collects real-time information from inside cattle, an ingestible ‘Fitbit’ for cows. The software uses artificial intelligence (AI) to predict health and reproduction events related to the animal. The more information collected the more accurate alerts become, helping the farmer with livestock management 24/7.
PitSeal is an eco-friendly biofilm spray comprised of unique strains of seaweed and nutrients that forms an airtight, water-repellent seal over silage pits, eliminating the need for plastic sheeting and weights. PitSeal also reduces plastic waste and reduces greenhouse gas emissions upon consumption by livestock.
PitSeal, based in Co. Limerick, was founded by Marion Cantillon who is currently a PhD Walsh Scholar at Teagasc and University College Cork. On winning the Award Marion said: “I am thrilled that PitSeal has been named the FBD AgTech One to Watch 2024 following the completion of this year’s AgTechUCD Agccelerator Programme.”
She added, “The invaluable guidance and mentorship that PitSeal received throughout the programme has positioned us well to further develop and expand our team as we roll out on our test farms. The recognition from AgTechUCD, FBD Insurance, and the panel of judges has significantly strengthened our ambition to grow PitSeal and reach as many farmers as possible. Special thanks also to all the mentors and farmers who have supported me from the beginning.”
She concluded,
“PitSeal is thrilled to have received support and funding from AgTechUCD, FBD Insurance, Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Limerick and IGNITE University College Cork thus far, and we are excited to expand our team and bring in new talent to drive our mission forward.”
The AgTechUCD Innovation Centre, which officially opened late last year, is part of NovaUCD, and is the first and only on-farm workspace hub in Ireland. Its focus is to promote and accelerate early-stage start-ups and SMEs with innovative solutions in the agri, agtech, agrifood, equine and veterinary sectors, as they build their businesses into leading job creating companies on the national and global stage.
A total of twenty-seven (27) start-ups have now completed the three AgTechUCD Agccelerator Programme held to date.
Pictured at the AgTechUCD Innovation Centre at UCD Lyons Farm in Co. Kildare is Marion Cantillon, Founder, PitSeal. (Image ©: Nick Bradshaw, Fotonic).
