Case Study
Lough Neagh: Blue Green Algae Research Initiative
Developing proof of concept solutions to treat, reduce, and suppress the growth of Blue Green Algae as part of a DAERA-funded SBRI competition.
Client
DAERA / DfE
Sector
Environmental
Funding
SBRI
Value
£450,000 (total)
Overview
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) awarded £450,000 to five suppliers to develop proof of concepts for potential solutions to treat, reduce, and suppress the growth of Blue Green Algae. Helix8 was selected as one of the five successful suppliers for Phase 1 of this initiative.
Background
Minister Muir launched the first phase of this initiative to explore solutions for treating and reducing Blue Green Algae blooms without impacting the natural environment of Lough Neagh and associated Northern Ireland waterways.
DAERA contributed £200,000 towards the initiative, with the Department for the Economy (DfE) contributing £250,000 through its SBRI Challenge Fund. The competition attracted considerable interest nationally and internationally, with almost 200 initial expressions of interest and 53 actual bids received.
"I am pleased to welcome the five successful suppliers for phase one of the Lough Neagh: Blue Green Algae Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI). This first phase is intended to demonstrate the technical feasibility of proposed concepts and their viability as solutions to help tackle Blue Green Algae in Lough Neagh."
— Minister Muir
Our Approach
The selected bids allow proofs of concept to be developed in several areas, including ultrasonics, mechanical treatment, and biological treatment approaches.
Environmental Monitoring
IoT sensor deployment for real-time water quality monitoring and algae detection.
Data Analytics
Analysis platform for understanding algae bloom patterns and environmental conditions.
Treatment Validation
Data collection systems to measure and validate treatment effectiveness.
Timeline
Phase 1 runs through to March 2025 with a potential call for Phase 2 applications commencing summer 2025. This initiative is one action outlined in the Minister's 37-point Lough Neagh Report and Action Plan for improved water quality.
Phase 1 Suppliers
- Clear Water Systems Ltd
- Helix8 Ltd
- Queen's University Belfast
- Varicon Aqua Solutions Ltd
- Wholeschool Software Ltd (Biild)
Services Provided
- Environmental Monitoring
- IoT Sensor Deployment
- Data Analytics Platform
- Research & Development
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