Bord Iascaigh Mhara invites applications for 2026 Aquatech Innovation Studio, AquaScale

Ireland has the potential to be a major hub for global aquaculture innovation and scale-up, with 76 Irish companies now generating an estimated €165 million in value and supporting more than 900 full-time jobs, according to Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency.

Announcing the opening of applications for the 2026 Aquatech Innovation Studio, AquaScale – which this year will focus on supporting established companies scale up – BIM’s Aquatech Business Manager, Damien Toner said it will build on the proven success of the BIM Aquatech Innovation Studio platform which has supported 66 start-ups and helped raise over €28 million in investment since 2018.

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

According to Damien Toner, AquaScale represents a strategic evolution, designed specifically for companies already active in the market. The programme is targeting applications from Aquatech enterprises preparing for their next phase of commercial growth.

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

“As global demand for sustainable aquaculture production accelerates – particularly in high-value sectors such as salmon and shrimp – Ireland is well positioned to supply advanced technologies and expertise to international markets. 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.”

Unlike early-stage accelerators, AquaScale is not a pitch competition. Instead, it is a focused, market-driven intervention aimed at strengthening strategic clarity, commercial positioning, and execution readiness for expansion.

The 2026 programme will once again be delivered in partnership with leading global aquaculture accelerator Hatch Blue.

The BIM Aquatech Innovation Studio has laid a strong foundation for aquaculture innovation in Ireland. “AquaScale signals that we are ready for the next level,” said Jessica Giannoumis, Hatch Blue’s Aquatech Community Manager for Ireland. “Designed for commercially active companies preparing to expand, the programme strengthens strategic focus, commercial positioning, and execution readiness. AquaScale supports Ireland’s most ambitious aquatech companies as they deepen market traction and scale more deliberately in international markets.”

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

Programme Objectives

AquaScale aims to:

  • Position Ireland as a launchpad for globally competitive aquaculture scale-ups.
  • Accelerate commercial traction and reduce risk for companies entering new markets.
  • Strengthen go-to-market, competitive positioning, and expansion strategies.

What Makes AquaScale Different

  • Market-first, not tech-first.
  • Strategic clarity and execution support — not a pitch programme.
  • Designed for companies already selling and preparing to scale.
  • Equity-free, no participation fee, with a limited cohort of 8–10 companies.

Who Should Apply?

AquaScale is designed for companies that:

  • Are already active in the market with customers, pilots, or revenue.
  • Are preparing for expansion or market refocus (not first market entry).
  • Need honest, peer-level strategic discussion and rigorous commercial pressure-testing.

By focusing on scale-stage challenges, AquaScale reflects BIM’s commitment to strengthening Ireland’s aquaculture innovation ecosystem — not only supporting new ventures, but ensuring high-potential companies are equipped to compete and grow internationally.

Applications are now open, with the deadline set for 31 March 2026.

For further information and application details, visit https://www.hatch.blue/programs/aquascale

Bord Gáis Energy sms scam is back

Another scam is back and this time it is Bord Gais, recently we had another one return and it was Guinness which again turned out to be rampant and claiming to give free full fridges of beer. This particular sms asks you to pay an overdue bill which you possibly might have due to the energy crisis going and again shows how these scammers operate. As always if you get the said sms just ignore and delete. Most importantly in today’s world of scams getting more realistic looking remain vigilant and feel free to ask us too as people do if they get a suspicious looking message.

 

Bord Gais Energy already have stated on their website

We’re aware of recent fraudulent messages that have been circulating via SMS and WhatsApp, which may look like they have been sent by Bord Gáis Energy. We’ll never send you a link asking for account details or personal information. If you receive a message like this, please delete it immediately.

We have asked the company for a comment on the matter.

Bord Gáis Energy announces new partnership with Irish owned banking app Money Jar

As Ireland’s leading home energy management and services provider, Bord Gáis Energy, has announced a new partnership with Irish owned fintech company Money Jar. Launched in 2019, Money Jar is a safe, secure, and simple-to-use 100% Irish owned online banking platform. It provides users with a digital current account and Irish IBAN (International Bank Account Number) for all their day-to-day banking requirements.

This new partnership will provide Money Jar customers with the opportunity to avail of exclusive Green offers to support home energy management. These offers are available to both new and existing Bord Gáis Energy customers, via the Money Jar app.

The app is available to everyone but also helps to support people moving to Ireland from overseas by setting up banking services from their mobile phone. Money Jar enables users to send and receive money from other accounts, make mobile and online payments, and helps them to improve their money management skills.

Speaking on the partnership, Steven Mordue, Consumer Segment Manager at Bord Gáis Energy said: ‘’We’re delighted to partner with such a successful Irish fintech start-up as Money Jar to provide users with exclusive offers and to support home energy management. At Bord Gáis Energy, we’re on a journey to becoming a net zero business by 2045 and as part of this process we want to help our customers transition to a lower carbon future too. To avail of one of these exclusive offers, simply sign up through the Money Jar app.’’

Paul Kinch, Chief Commercial Officer of Money Jar, said, ‘’At Money Jar, our mission is to help our account holders manage their money better. Partnering with Bord Gáis Energy is another way we can help users manage their energy costs, by improving their energy efficiency and empowering them to move towards net zero. I would like to thank Bord Gáis Energy for their support and recognition that transitioning to a lower carbon future should be for everyone’’.

Money Jar is available to download on the App Store or on Google Play.