Three proposals have been selected for the first phase of a project that will use space technology to monitor levels of blue-green algae on Lough Neagh.
The firms will use a share of £360,000 in funding to develop satellite technology and data that could be used to better monitor blue-green algae across NI’s waterways.
Toxic blue-green algal blooms have plagued NI’s lakes and rivers over the last two summers, prompting the Department into launching a 37-point plan to address the situation in July this year.
The new scheme, known as the Small Business Research Initiative, is part of that plan.
The competition was run by NI Space, in conjunction with the UK Space Agency and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).
Out of 40 bidders, proposals from Newcastle University, Plastic-i and NI-based 3-DEO were successful.
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir
Newcastle University’s project features a water quality twin dashboard which brings together space and time data, as well as focusing on the lough’s aquatic environment.
West Belfast-based 3-DEO has partnered with the University of Stirling for its HABIT (Harmful Algal Bloom Intelligent Twin) project, which allows data to be used to make decisions on bloom management.
Plastic-i’s project – Bloomcast NI – will develop artificial intelligence models to predict or mitigate the blooms.
The bidders will now develop proof of concepts by March 2025, with potential further development in a second phase.
NI Space cluster manager Robert Hill said space technology offered many opportunities for addressing environmental issues.
“By investing in innovative solutions, we’re aiming to demonstrate how advancements in space technology can drive better environmental monitoring, management and protection for the benefit of our communities and ecosystems,” he added.