MIIN Member Spotlight – Hatch
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For our next MIIN Member Spotlight we have HATCH. HATCH’s mission is to catalyse farmed and alternative seafood innovation through responsible investment, expertise and insights. Niall O’Rahelly, HATCH Ireland’s Aquaculture Community Manager, tells us about the company and his role within it, as well as an exciting programme coming up in Ireland in October.
Introduce yourself and the organisation? What is your role? What is your focus area?
Niall O’Rahelly from HATCH – Ireland Aquaculture Community Manager
Our focus area is:
- Venture Capital for Aquatech and Aquaculture startups through our investment fund and accelerator programs.
- Delivering the annual BIM (Bord Iascaigh Mhara) Aquatech Innovation Studio, on behalf of BIM, which is taking place this year from the 11th – 22nd of October.
- Innovation Services – International Consultancy for Investors, Industry and Governments.
Tell us more about Hatch. Where is it located? What do you do?
HATCH is an Irish (now global) company with 12 full-time team members spread globally. We have 3 physical offices in Norway, Singapore and Hawaii.
HATCH’s goal is to revolutionise the way we produce seafood through investing in technological development.
What is your organisation’s unique selling point (USP)?
To catalyse farmed and alternative seafood innovation through responsible investment, expertise and insights, supported by a strong, committed community.
Are you developing a new product/innovation?
HATCH provides the BIM Aquatech Innovation Studio in Ireland. The BIM Aquatech Innovation Studio is the first of its kind and designed with early-stage projects in mind. Together with Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency, this is an opportunity to validate your technology against a global network of aquaculture industry experts.
Completely free of charge and equity for 10 successful applicants, you will have access to the global HATCH team of 100+ mentors and access to HATCH’s extensive Aquaculture and Alternative Seafood Network where you will develop your start-up or research using HATCH’s proven business modelling strategy.
What motivates you in your role with Hatch?
I’m part of a team that is developing the Irish Aquaculture Industry to become a player on the global aquaculture stage through the development of Aquatech that solves problems in the global aquaculture Supply Chain.
What is your vision for the marine industry in Ireland over the next 10 years?
I hope to see Ireland as an innovation and technological hub for the global aquaculture industry, a Silicon Valley for global aquaculture.
What do you see as the biggest opportunity for Ireland’s marine industry in the coming years (5-10 years)?
The development of technology for use in the global aquaculture supply chain.
What is the biggest challenge, in your opinion, facing businesses in the marine industry in 2021?
In Ireland, the licensing issue. Currently, it is almost impossible to secure a license for primary production in Ireland. That is why HATCH believes Ireland’s future as a major player in the global aquaculture industry will be through the development of technology that solves problems in the global aquaculture supply chain.
What international markets are you interested in?
Anything that is novel, sustainable and solves a problem in the global aquaculture supply chain, to name a few:
- Health and Genetics
- Ingredients and Nutrition
- Supply chain e.g., traceability, block chain, financial services, etc.
- Farm Software, Equipment and Machinery
- Alternative Seafood
What’s one thing you’d like to share with the network?
The BIM Aquatech Innovation Studio that is running free of charge and equity from the 11th - 22nd of October 2021. Applications are now open, click here for more information: https://marine-ireland.ie/events/bim-hatch-aquaculture-workshop
Closing date for applications is the 10th of September 2021.
Where can we find more information about you and Hatch?
Website: www.hatch.blue
Email: niall@hatch.blue