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.