BIM Aquatech Innovation Studio

The future of technology is in the water

Geographical focus

Ireland, Europe, UK

Application deadline

18 July 2025
58

Companies have participated in the BIM Innovation Studio since 2019

7

Innovation Studio hosted by Hatch Blue in Ireland to date

€15M+

in total funding raised by BIM Innovation Studio participants

What program offering is

Hatch Blue & BIM Aquatech Innovation Studio

The Aquatech Innovation Studio, supported by Bord Iasagh Mhara (BIM) and delivered by Hatch Blue, is a high-impact innovation studio designed to help early-stage aquatech companies turn innovative ideas into scalable, market-ready solutions.

This programme provides hands-on mentorship, deep industry insights, and strategic commercial support, ensuring that participating startups and entrepreneurs gain real-world knowledge and connections to fast-track their growth.

Aquaculture and alternative seafood are key drivers of global food security, climate resilience, and sustainable seafood production. With growing pressures on wild fish stocks, innovation is essential to making aquaculture more efficient, scalable, and environmentally responsible. The Aquatech Innovation Studio will support breakthroughs in precision aquaculture, AI-driven monitoring, alternative feeds, automation, water quality management, and waste-to-value solutions, among other exciting innovations.

What the BIM Innovation Studio Offers:

Expert Mentorship: Direct access to leading aquaculture experts, investors, and industry professionals who provide tailored guidance on technology development, business strategy, and market positioning.

Global Market Insights: Deep dives into key aquaculture markets, regulatory landscapes, and commercial trends, helping participants refine their strategies for global scalability.

Commercialisation Support: Practical assistance in refining business models, securing investment, and developing go-to-market strategies to accelerate commercial adoption.

Access to BIM’s Industry Network: Connections to Ireland’s top aquaculture producers, seafood processors, and key stakeholders in the global seafood industry, creating opportunities for partnerships, pilots, and sales channels.

Investment & Funding Pathways: Exposure to investors and funding opportunities, helping participants navigate venture capital, government grants, and private financing options to scale their ventures.

Technology Validation & Industry Feedback: A structured process for testing and validating solutions against real-world industry challenges, ensuring innovations are market-ready and commercially viable.

A Launchpad for High-Growth Aquatech Businesses

The BIM Innovation Studio is not just about networking—it’s about getting results. By focusing on commercial success, investment readiness, and industry adoption, this programme de-risks early-stage aquatech businesses and positions them for long-term growth in the global seafood and aquaculture sectors.

With BIM’s leadership in the Irish seafood industry and Hatch Blue’s global expertise in aquatech acceleration, this initiative is set to transform how sustainable aquaculture solutions reach the market and scale internationally.

Are you ready to take your aquatech innovation to the next level?

Join the program to receive

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Our core offering

[BC Studio] Follow-on invest from Hatch

Potential for follow-on investment with Hatch Blue

[BC Studio] Pitch & investor guidance

Pitch and investor guidance

[BC Studio] Support- formation, business strat., product, fundraising strategy

Support with company formation, business strategy, product commercialization, and fundraising strategy

[BIM] global aquatech network

Opportunity to connect with global network of companies operating within the exclusive Aquatech sector

[BIM] individualized mentorship

Individualized mentorship; teams are paired with relevant industry leaders & also participate in 1-to-1 sessions with Hatch Blue and BIM teams

[BIM] Blue Ambition Event

Chance to pitch at Blue Ambition: an international Aquatech stakeholder event

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Name Surname
Position, Company name

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Position, Company name
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Investment

We invest across the following sectors

Contact Us

For questions about the current program please contact our team

Jessica Giannoumis
Jessica Giannoumis
Community Manager - Ireland

Partners

This program is made possible through collaboration with Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency
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FAQs

When is the application deadline?

Application deadline for the BIM Aquatech Innovation Studio is 18 July, 2025; 5pm gmt.

When does the program start?

The program kicks off 13th October and runs through the 18th, 2025.

The Blue Ambition international Aquatech stakeholder event and pitch day will be held 23rd October in Dublin.

How long does this program last?

Six days, full-time, 9-5:30pm

Where is the program located?

PortherShed, Galway

How much investment does my company receive?

There is no equity investment in the BIM Aquatech Innovation Studio, however there is an opportunity to connect with Hatch Blueʻs investment team and other relevant investors within our network.

Is there any funding support to travel to the program location?

Travel expenses are not covered.

Do I need to be a registered company to apply?

You do not need to have a registered entity upon application but we hope that you intend and are ready to do so by the end of the program.

Our team has already been through an accelerator program. Are we still eligible to participate?

Yes, you are still eligible. Hatch Blue is unique as it is the world's leading aquaculture-focused accelerator, and can offer both business support and/or sector expertise depending on the startup's needs.

What is the minimum number of participants per team?

One but ideally two Co-Founders.

Do I need to be on-site during the entire program?

Yes full time attendance for six days, Monday to Saturday, is mandatory.

Will there be a finale event or demo day?

Yes, 23rd October will include an international Aquatech stakeholder event and pitch day.

What happens after the program ends?

If you are ready to take your business to the next step and we believe in your potential, Hatch Blue will continue to play a hands-on role assisting participants to navigate fundraising, business propositions, and, most important of all, finding customers.

Who is behind Hatch Blue?

Hatch Blue was conceived in late 2017 by co-founders Carsten Krome, Georg Baunach and Wayne Murphy, with the goal to revolutionise the way we produce seafood through investing in its technological development.

How will my proprietary trade secrets and IP be dealt with?

There is no specific requirement for you to disclose your confidential information (including any trade secrets) or IP during the program. However if you do wish to share any information with us, the Hatch Blue team will ensure that all information is kept totally confidential and will not be shared without your written permission.

What is the difference between the innovation studios, blue venture builders, ocean foundry and CREST Accelerator?

The Innovation Studio is more appropriate for a range of earlier stage projects that are not yet looking for an equity investment. Such projects require further business and product development and more in-depth knowledge on the regional and global aquaculture industry.

The content of the sessions will be tailored for earlier stage projects that are seeking ways to either enter aquaculture or alternative seafood from adjacent industries or commercialize technology beyond research institutes and institutes of higher learning.

The innovation studio takes place over a shorter duration -  thus there is less contact time with the Hatch Blue team compared to the CREST accelerator.

Program specific questions