Bord na Móna reveals participants selected for Accelerate Green START Autumn Programme

Bord na Móna has revealed the nine green entrepreneurs from across Ireland participating in the latest Accelerate Green START programme. The pre-accelerator programme, delivered by Bord na Móna in conjunction with Resolve Partners, is dedicated to supporting early-stage startups leading the response to climate action and sustainability.

The nine companies selected to participate in this year’s Accelerate Green START Autumn programme are Anaula Ltd, WindCapture Technologies, Bionua, Volta Robotics Ltd, Reasire, Restore Innovation, Range Therapy and Agri Data Analytics and EcoRoots.

The companies are providing innovative green solutions that address various sustainable business needs, such as repurposing second-life batteries, capturing carbon, and restoring biodiversity.

The Accelerate Green START Autumn programme began on October 10th and over six weeks Bord na Móna will provide the nine new companies with training, mentoring and business advice to help drive their sustainable growth in Ireland and beyond. The programme will culminate with an event on November 28th where participants will have the opportunity to pitch their businesses to a panel of experts.

Accelerate Green START is part of Bord na Móna’s broader commitment to supporting Ireland’s transition to a sustainable future. The programme provides participants with access to green innovation expertise and valuable networking opportunities.

In addition, they will gain exposure to commercial insights, enabling them to develop solutions that tackle global environmental challenges. Bord na Móna will actively promote participants during the programme and continue to support alumni through various post-programme initiatives.

Since its launch in 2022, Accelerate Green has supported 42 businesses, with alumni collectively raising over €10 million in venture capital funding.

The Accelerate Green START Autumn cohort will feature nine innovative companies in the sustainability space from across the country:

1. WindCapture Technologies: Dublin-based company that combines wind power with carbon capture technology to reduce CO2 emissions and provide scalable energy solutions.
2. ReStore Innovation: From Sligo, ReStore supports the offshore energy sector in implementing nature-based solutions for sustainable project planning.
3. Volta Robotics: Based in Cork, Volta Robotics reduces battery costs by 40% and scales sustainable energy storage through second-life EV battery solutions.
4. Ecoroots: Utilises mycelium-based technologies to create eco-friendly alternatives to traditional materials like plastics and packaging. Based in Cork.
5. Bionua: From Dublin focuses on climate farming, biodiversity restoration, and carbon sequestration to generate carbon credits and enhance sustainability.
6. Range Therapy: This company from Kildare organises second-life EV battery packs for domestic and SME energy storage solutions, accelerating the shift to clean energy.
7. Agri Data Analytics: Offaly-based company innovating with its Bovine Breathalyser, a device that measures enteric GHG emissions from livestock, aiding agricultural research.
8. Reasire: From Cork, Reasire organises real asset data to support the development of sustainable infrastructure globally.
9. Anaula Ltd: Dublin company developing scalable algae bioreactors that capture CO2 while providing sustainable uses for the harvested algae in fertilizers and aquaculture.

Accelerate Green START will be followed by Accelerate Green GROW in January 2025. Accelerate Green GROW is an in-depth executive accelerator programme for established sustainable businesses and is suitable for early-stage enterprises and SMEs looking to scale.

The closing date for applications to the Accelerate Green GROW 2025 programme is November 22nd . Applications can be made at accelerategreen.ie.

Tom Donnellan, CEO of Bord na Móna, commented on the launch:

“We are proud to support the Autumn cohort of Accelerate Green START participants. These startups represent the next generation of Irish businesses committed to driving climate solutions through innovation. At Bord na Móna, we believe empowering early-stage companies with the skills, expertise, and networks to scale is key to accelerating the transition to a low-carbon, circular economy.

Accelerate Green START is designed specifically to nurture budding entrepreneurs in the green sector, giving them the tools to validate and accelerate their growth at this crucial stage. As we continue our own green transition, supporting these innovative ventures is essential. The success of Accelerate Green since its launch in 2022 is very impressive, and I am proud of the participants and their achievements to date. We are excited to see what the Autumn cohort will accomplish.”

Oliver Begley, Biota, Accelerate Green START Spring 2024 participant, said:

“Participating in Accelerate Green START had a significant and positive impact on our business. The expert mentorship, hands-on workshops, and the chance to connect with a network of like-minded entrepreneurs gave us the confidence and resources to scale. The programme equips early-stage startups with the tools needed to tackle the challenges of building a sustainable business.

For anyone in green innovation, it’s an invaluable opportunity to accelerate growth. It’s exciting to see the Autumn cohort, with companies from across Ireland, join this important platform for sustainability, and I look forward to seeing where they go next.”

For more information on the Accelerate Green START programme and future opportunities, please visit www.bordnamona.ie.