ESA BIC Ireland, led by Tyndall National Institute and part of the European Space Agency’s network of 32 Business Incubation Centres across 23 member states, has announced the addition of three promising start-ups to its programme at NovaUCD. Collectively, these ventures aim to raise over €3 million in funding over the next two years, accelerating innovation in space-related technologies and strengthening Ireland’s position in the European space ecosystem.
The companies, Better Futures, Polliknow and Restore Blue, have joined the two-year business incubation programme which supports innovative Irish start-ups that have a connection with space, and are developing either upstream or downstream applications.
In addition to each company securing up to €50k in seed funding, the three start-ups now have access to technical expertise, training, funding opportunities, and join a network of space industry leaders, to support them in using space data, technologies and assets to further develop their products and services.
Between them the three start-ups are seeking to raise €3.3 million in funding over the next two-years to support their strategic development and growth plans.
Better Futures:
Better Futures, founded by Anthony McLoughlin, is an AI-focused start-up which has developed EVATM, a novel vertical AI platform for engineers and manufacturers. EVATM enables engineers to increase productivity by up to 3x by automating ‘paperwork’ with engineering verified assistants, freeing up resources and accelerating innovation.
Polliknow:
Polliknow, founded by Meg Brennan, is transforming conservation efforts with AI-powered ground sensors that monitor insect pollinator diversity and abundance alongside other environmental indicators. Unlike traditional surveys Polliknow’s non-invasive approach generates 20x more data while making biodiversity measurement simple and accessible. The company is currently partnering with airports, renewable energy sites and nature restoration projects to track biodiversity changes over time.
Restore Blue:
As the offshore wind sector expands, Restore Blue, founded by Dr Sarah Cosgrove, is focused on promoting environmentally sustainable development for the offshore construction sector. Through innovative, data-driven software solutions, Restore Blue supports developers in identifying Nature-Inclusive Design (NID) opportunities for their project site, minimising environmental impacts, and embedding biodiversity preservation into their projects.
ESA BIC Ireland is managed by ESA Space Solutions Centre Ireland, a consortium partnership involving Tyndall National Institute (Lead Partner), University College Dublin; Atlantic Technological University, Dublin City University, Maynooth University, Munster Technological University and Technological University of the Shannon.
Peter Finnegan, Manager, ESA Space Solutions Centre Ireland and Head of New Ventures at Tyndall National Institute, commented,
It is testament to the growing level of space-related activity in Ireland that we welcome another three companies into the ESA BIC Ireland network. All of these companies are engaged in innovative activity that address global problems in their respective fields. We look forward to seeing these companies scale and execute on their ambitious visions.
Applications are accepted all year round to join ESA BIC Ireland.
