Ireland Targets Aquatech Growth With BIM AquaScale 2026

4th March 2026

Afloat.ie Team

Deep Tech: A researcher deploys a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to survey underwater aquaculture infrastructure during marine technology testing, reflecting the growing role of Irish aquatech innovation Credit: BIM

Ireland has the potential to become a major global hub for aquaculture technology innovation, according to Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s seafood development agency.

The sector now includes 76 Irish aquatech companies generating an estimated €165 million in value and supporting more than 900 full-time jobs, BIM says.

Applications have opened for the 2026 Aquatech Innovation Studio, AquaScale, a programme aimed at helping established aquatech businesses scale their operations internationally.

The three-day programme will take place in Galway from May 26–28, 2026, with applications closing on March 31.

BIM Aquatech business manager Damien Toner said the initiative builds on the success of the Aquatech Innovation Studio, which has supported 66 start-ups and helped raise more than €28 million in investment since 2018.

“Ireland’s Aquatech sector continues to demonstrate innovation and growing technical depth,” Toner said.

“With 76 companies now generating an estimated €165 million in value and supporting more than 900 full-time jobs, the sector is steadily strengthening its economic and scientific contribution both nationally and internationally.”

He said increasing global demand for sustainable aquaculture production, particularly in high-value sectors such as salmon and shrimp, presents significant opportunities for Irish technology firms.

“Through initiatives like AquaScale, BIM is focused on ensuring that ambitious Irish Aquatech companies have the strategic clarity and commercial capability required to compete and scale globally,” he said.

Unlike many accelerator programmes, AquaScale is not a pitch competition. Instead, it focuses on helping established companies refine strategy, strengthen market positioning and prepare for international expansion.

The programme will be delivered in partnership with global aquaculture accelerator Hatch Blue.

Hatch Blue’s Aquatech community manager for Ireland Jessica Giannoumis said the initiative represents the next stage in Ireland’s aquaculture innovation ecosystem.

“AquaScale signals that we are ready for the next level,” she said.

“Designed for commercially active companies preparing to expand, the programme strengthens strategic focus, commercial positioning, and execution readiness.”

The programme is equity-free and carries no participation fee, with a limited cohort of eight to ten companies selected.

AquaScale forms part of BIM’s Aquatech Development Programme and is supported by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (2021–2027).

Published in Marine Tech, BIM

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About Marine Technology

Marine technology, as defined by the European association WEGEMT, refers to the use of technology for ensuring the safe use, exploitation, protection of, and intervention in, the marine environment. This includes a wide range of technologies that support naval architecture, marine engineering, ship design, ship building, and ship operations.

In addition to these foundational technologies, marine technology also encompasses oil and gas exploration, exploitation, and production, hydrodynamics, navigation, sea surface and sub-surface support, underwater technology and engineering, marine resources (including both renewable and non-renewable marine resources), transport logistics and economics, inland, coastal, short sea and deep sea shipping, protection of the marine environment, and leisure and safety.

The importance of marine technology cannot be overstated. With over 70% of the earth's surface covered by water, the marine environment plays a critical role in our lives. From transportation to energy production, marine technology enables us to harness the immense potential of the oceans while minimizing the impact on the environment.

Moreover, the development of marine technology is crucial for the sustainable use of marine resources. As the demand for seafood and other marine products continues to grow, the sustainable management of these resources becomes increasingly important. Marine technology can help us to achieve this by providing innovative solutions for sustainable fishing, aquaculture, and other forms of marine resource management.

In Ireland, claims are made that the island country "has the potential to be the “Silicon Valley” of the aquatech world". Ireland is at a very exciting stage when it comes to aquatech. There are currently 62 aquatech companies operating here, all using technology to enable sustainable seafood farming at a time when the sector is facing many challenges.”

Ireland’s growing expertise in the developing aquatech sector means it has the potential to become a global leader in the field, with Irish aquatech companies turning over €200m last year.

Over €15m has been invested in aquatic businesses, and over 200 high-tech jobs have been created in the sector over the last six years.

In conclusion, marine technology is a vast and rapidly evolving field encompassing a broad range of technologies and applications. As we continue to explore and exploit the potential of the oceans, marine technology will play an increasingly important role in ensuring the safe and sustainable use of these resources.