Ireland's aquatech industry was worth over €200m in 2022.
Ireland's seafood development agency Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) has launched the application process for the seventh edition of its Aquatech Innovation Studio, a programme aimed at advancing innovation within the Irish aquaculture sector.
In partnership with Hatch Blue, a leading aquaculture accelerator, BIM is offering a free six-day intensive mentoring programme to early-stage aquatech businesses.
The initiative, part of BIM’s wider Aquatech Development Programme and funded through the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (2021–2027), focuses on preparing companies for investment, providing technical development support, and fostering global industry connections.
This year's studio will take place from 13 to 18 October 2025 at the PorterShed in Galway. Applications are open until 18 July, with selected participants invited to present at the BlueAmbition25 Conference in Dublin later that month.
The event will also feature the announcement of the BIM Aquatech Business of the Year 2025, which last year was won by County Dublin-based functional fish feed startup Auranta.
“BIM’s commitment to transforming Ireland into a global leader in Aquatech continues with the launch of the BIM Innovation Studio 2025”, said Damien Toner, BIM Aquatech Business Manager, in a press release.
“Participants will gain invaluable insights into the sector, alongside exposure to opportunities that will help them thrive in a rapidly evolving global market. The Irish aquatech sector is set for exponential growth in the coming years, and the BIM Aquatech Innovation Studio 2025 is central to ensuring Ireland remains at the forefront of this emerging global industry," he added.
The programme is open to businesses working across a wide range of fields and technologies contributing to improving seafood production and ocean sustainability, including marine engineering, artificial intelligence, water quality monitoring, genetics, feed additives, and sustainable pharmaceuticals.
Participants will be paired with experienced mentors and gain access to global industry resources.
“The BIM Aquatech Innovation Studio provides a springboard for aquatech innovations, connecting Studio participants with industry experts, mentors, and investors worldwide,” said Jessica Giannoumis, Hatch Blue’s Aquatech Community Manager for Ireland.
“Whether it’s sensor technology, alternative seafood solutions, or water management strategies, this is the ultimate opportunity to refine your aquatech vision," she added.
Since its inception, the BIM Aquatech Innovation Studio has supported over 60 companies in scaling up, contributing to the creation of more than 200 high-skilled jobs and helping participants secure investment for sustainable aquaculture innovations.
BIM highlighted that the Innovation Studio also supports Ireland’s Food Vision 2030 strategy, which seeks to enhance the country’s leadership in sustainable aquaculture and attract new talent and investment.
According to BIM’s Business of Seafood 2023 report, the Irish seafood tech sector has seen strong growth, with company numbers increasing from 42 in 2016 to 69 in 2022, and sector turnover rising from €86 million to €226 million over the same period.
