Careers: support for innovative green solutions include a bovine breathalyser

Earlier this month, the nine entrepreneurs taking part in the latest Accelerate Green START programme were revealed. 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 companies taking part are Anaula Ltd, WindCapture Technologies, Bionua, Volta Robotics Ltd, Reasire, Restore Innovation, Range Therapy, Agri Data Analytics and EcoRoots.

Across six weeks, these startups will get training, mentoring and business advice to help drive their sustainable growth. The participants will have the opportunity to pitch their businesses to a panel of experts at an event on 28 November.

Among the entrepreneurs starting this year’s programme are Jack Pilkington and Alan O’Donovan, co-founders of Agri Data Analytics. The Offaly-based company have developed a bovine breathalyser, a device that measures enteric greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from livestock – also known as cattle belching.

Breathalyser for cows

This device gives researchers data to help reduce overall methane emissions in agriculture through genetic improvements in livestock or through adding supplements to the animal’s diet.

“There is a lot of research going into developing supplementation to reduce methane but there are limited adequate machinery that will measure enteric methane,” says Jack.

Having identified a gap in the market, Jack looked at developing a model that was cost effective and durable. He travelled to New Zealand and Australia on a fact-finding mission to see what researchers wanted and needed on the ground. The project started two years ago and he entered this programme to gain experience from modules and guest speakers which, he hopes will help accelerate the progress of his company.

“I want to promote our technology and demonstrate our ambitions of helping the agri sector beat climate action targets while protecting the livelihood of our farmers.

“Coming from a suckler farm in Offaly, I see the frustration amongst farmers but also the acceptance, it’s about finding real figures to improve that.”

Tom Donnellan, CEO of Bord na Móna has said these startups represent the next generation of Irish businesses, committed to driving climate solutions through innovation.

“Accelerate Green START is designed 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,” he says.

The closing date for applications for the Accelerate Green GROW 2025 programme is 22 November. All Accelerate Green participants have access to networking, mentoring and business development opportunities.

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