Ireland’s fast emergence as an innovation and new technology hub for a pioneering generation of aquaculture entrepreneurs is the focus of an event being held by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency, on Tuesday, 27 July at 13:00 GMT.
The hour-long event includes a panel of aquaculture entrepreneurs who all began their careers in different sectors and are now applying their skills to aqua-tech to help revolutionise the sector in Ireland and internationally.
Kate Dempsey, Aqualicense, Ronan Loftus, IndentiGEN, Ashie Norris, MOWI Genetics and Brian Wellis, CEO Wellfish Genetics will share their views on how the cross-pollination of ideas and skillsets is allowing Ireland’s aquaculture sector to grow beyond its primary production to the development of industry-leading technologies that could revolutionise the global blue economy.
Richard Donnelly, Shellfish and Innovation Manager, BIM will moderate this event that includes a Q&A session.
“In the long-term, we want Ireland to be the Silicon Valley of aquaculture,” Donnelly said. “BIM want to expand the service industry around aquaculture and see innovations in IT, feeding systems and treatments for disease. Ireland is well-placed to become a leader in this space.”
BIM is hosting its third Aquaculture Innovation Studio, this October. Ten start-up businesses from Ireland will have the opportunity to work directly with and receive mentorship from a global team of experts from aquaculture, fin-tech and marketing disciplines. The two-week programme is being run by aquaculture accelerator, Hatch and is being supported by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. Niall Rahilly, Hatch will be joining the panel discussion to share details on how to apply.
