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AQUAB NANOBUBBLE INNOVATIONS LIMITED

EIC Accelerator Funding Boosts AQUAB Nanobubble Innovations Limited's Growth in Deep Tech Solutions

IrelandEIC Accelerator2022

Table of Contents

  1. The EIC Accelerator Project
  2. The Funding Rounds
  3. The Press Releases
  4. The Technology Advancements
  5. The Partnerships and Customers
  6. The Hiring and Company Growth
  7. The Media Features and Publications

1 The EIC Accelerator Project

The EIC Accelerator program is a prominent initiative under the European Innovation Council (EIC) aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in Europe, particularly those engaged in deep technology and innovative solutions. The program is designed to foster the development and scaling of groundbreaking ideas that have substantial growth potential and can significantly impact the market.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers a combination of grant funding and equity investment. The grant component can reach up to €2.5 million, which is intended to support the early stages of innovation, covering costs such as research and development, product testing, and market introduction. This grant is particularly advantageous as it provides non-dilutive funding, allowing companies to retain their ownership while enhancing their operational capabilities.

In addition to grants, the EIC Accelerator provides equity financing, which is available up to €15 million until 2024. This amount is intended to help startups scale their operations and is crucial for attracting further investments from private sectors. Starting in 2025, this equity funding will be capped at €10 million, reflecting an adjustment to the program's focus and ongoing market conditions.

Purpose in the European DeepTech Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator serves a vital role in the European deep tech ecosystem by facilitating access to essential funding and resources for innovative companies. By bridging the funding gap that often exists for high-risk, high-reward projects, the program encourages entrepreneurs to pursue advanced technological solutions that can address pressing global challenges, such as climate change, health, and sustainability. Furthermore, the EIC Accelerator promotes collaboration between startups and established enterprises, fostering a vibrant innovation culture across Europe.

Supporting Scale and Private Sector Funding

The EIC Accelerator not only provides financial backing but also offers support in terms of business coaching, networking opportunities, and access to a wider ecosystem of investors and partners. This holistic approach equips companies with the necessary tools to scale effectively. By establishing credibility and demonstrating viability through EIC funding, startups can attract additional investments from private sectors, thus amplifying their growth potential and market reach.

Case Study: AQUAB NANOBUBBLE INNOVATIONS LIMITED

AQUAB NANOBUBBLE INNOVATIONS LIMITED, an Irish company, is a notable winner of the EIC Accelerator program. Their project, titled "AQUA BUBBLES," focuses on nanobubble technology for water treatment. The specific objective of the project is to develop a method for nano-oxygenation in water treatment by generating ultra-low-energy nanobubbles fed with ambient-pressure air.

Technology Basics and Background

Nanobubbles are tiny gas bubbles, typically less than 200 nanometers in diameter, that exhibit unique physical and chemical properties. Their small size allows them to remain stable in water without rising to the surface, thus offering a prolonged interaction with water contaminants. This technology leverages the principles of gas solubility and surface chemistry, allowing for enhanced oxygenation and improved treatment processes.

The AQUA BUBBLES project aims to address several challenges in conventional water treatment methods, such as energy consumption and effectiveness in contaminant removal. By utilizing ambient-pressure air and ultra-low energy for the generation of nanobubbles, the technology promises a sustainable and efficient approach to water treatment. The increased surface area of nanobubbles enhances the dissolution of gases in water, leading to improved biological activity and faster degradation of pollutants.

AQUAB NANOBUBBLE INNOVATIONS LIMITED's approach not only offers a novel solution to water treatment but also aligns with broader environmental goals by promoting water conservation and reducing the ecological footprint associated with traditional treatment methods. Through the support from the EIC Accelerator, the company is positioned to make significant contributions to the water treatment industry, enhancing sustainability and efficiency across various applications.

For more information, visit their website at aqua-bubble.com.

2 The Funding Rounds

# AQUAB NANOBUBBLE INNOVATIONS LIMITED: Funding History and Financial Overview

AQUAB NANOBUBBLE INNOVATIONS LIMITED, an Irish company specializing in breakthrough nanobubble technology, has secured significant funding to develop and commercialize its innovative solutions. Founded as a spin-out from University College Dublin (UCD), AQUAB has developed a patented technology for generating nanobubbles of different gases in aqueous solutions, with applications across multiple industries including wastewater treatment, agriculture, aquaculture, and disinfection.

European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator Funding

AQUAB NANOBUBBLE INNOVATIONS LIMITED received funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program after submitting a successful proposal in June 2022. This funding has been instrumental in accelerating the development and commercialization of the company's nanobubble technology solutions. The EIC Accelerator program provides a combination of grant funding and equity investments to deep tech startups with high growth potential.

Funding Rounds and Investment History

Early Support and Development Funding

Before securing major venture capital investment, AQUAB received support from Enterprise Ireland, which included technology development funding and market development activities. This early backing helped the company develop its core technology and prepare for commercialization.

UCD Support and Incubation

As a client company of NovaUCD, the Centre for New Ventures and Entrepreneurs at University College Dublin, AQUAB has benefited from purpose-built incubation facilities and a comprehensive business support program. NovaUCD itself was funded through a unique public-private partnership that includes AIB Bank, Arthur Cox, Deloitte, Enterprise Ireland, Ericsson, Goodbody Stockbrokers, UCD, and Xilinx.

Related Technology Investment

It's worth noting that NanobOx, another Irish startup working in the nanobubble technology space with technology licensed from UCD, secured €900,000 ($976,635) in first-round funding in 2023 from a consortium of venture capital investors led by The Yield Lab, with additional investment from DeepIE Ventures and Growing Capital. While this is not directly AQUAB funding, it demonstrates investor interest in the nanobubble technology sector that AQUAB operates in.

Market Potential and Industry Growth

The broader nanobubbles market is projected to grow with a CAGR of 6.70% from 2024 to 2029, with a market size of $43.66 million in 2023 expected to reach $63.09 billion by 2029. This substantial growth potential likely influenced investor interest in AQUAB's technology.

Technology Applications and Commercial Potential

AQUAB's nanobubble generation technology has multiple commercial applications across various sectors:

  • Water Treatment: The technology can be deployed to significantly reduce energy costs in wastewater treatment processes.
  • Agriculture: Nanobubbles carry nutrients and oxygen in irrigation water to plant roots, accelerating crop growth and reducing fertilizer requirements.
  • Aquaculture: The technology aims to cut oxygenation costs while enhancing fish health and boosting growth rates.
  • Disinfection: Ozone nanobubbles serve as reservoirs to replenish solvated-ozone levels for hours, providing potent sterilization or disinfectant properties more effective than chlorine.
  • Industrial Applications: The technology has applications in industrial bioreactors and environmental remediation.

Company Founders and Leadership

AQUAB was founded by Professor Niall English (CEO) and Dr. Mohammad Reza Ghaani as a spin-out from the UCD School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering.

Current Status and Future Outlook

AQUAB continues to develop its technology with support from the EIC Accelerator program and is working toward broader commercialization of its nanobubble solutions. The company's technology produces some of the smallest bubbles in the industry, less than 50-100 nm in size, with industry-leading lifetimes, giving it a competitive advantage in the growing nanobubble market.

Sources: - AquaB Nanobubble Generation

3 The Press Releases

AquaB Nanobubble Innovations Ltd, based in Ireland, received the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator funding in June 2022. Since then, the company has made significant strides in technology advancements, partnerships, and team developments.

Technology Advancements

AquaB's innovative nanobubble technology is based on an electric field, offering ultra-low energy consumption and high efficiency. This technology generates nanobubbles with sizes ranging from 50-200 nm, providing over 200 times the interfacial surface area compared to traditional microbubbles. The nanobubbles are stable for extended periods, making them ideal for various industrial applications, including water treatment and fuel gasification.

In water treatment, AquaB's nanobubbles enhance dissolved oxygen levels, aiding in biological processes and improving overall water quality. The technology is also applicable in dissolved air flotation systems, increasing efficiency by facilitating the removal of contaminants through enhanced bubble interaction.

Partnerships and Recognition

Following the EIC funding, AquaB has been recognized for its innovative technologies in several forums. The company was selected by the European Innovation Council to represent the EU at GITEX Global 2024, highlighting its advancements in nanobubble technology. Additionally, AquaB participated in the BREW 2.0 water technology accelerator program run by The Water Council, further solidifying its position in the water innovation sector.

AquaB has also collaborated at conferences like APSAC 2023, where its expertise in energy-efficient nanobubble generation was showcased.

Team Updates

In October 2023, AquaB announced key appointments to its leadership team, reflecting its growth and strategic expansion ahead of major water tech events.

Press Releases and Blog Posts

AquaB regularly updates its press releases and news section with developments such as new brand identities and participation in global innovation events. The company also supports educational initiatives, such as the "Nanobubbles 101" audio course, designed to increase global awareness of nanobubble technology.

Patents and Funding

The EIC Accelerator funding has been instrumental in AquaB's commercialization efforts, particularly in scaling its nanobubble generation technology. The company's patented platform technology, led by Director Professor Niall English, focuses on energy-efficient and membrane-free methods to generate nanobubbles.

Recent Developments

AquaB is set to enter full commercial activity in Q1 2025 with advanced nanobubble generators. These products are designed to be photovoltaic-enabled, CE-marked, and ISO-certified, ensuring high performance and compliance with international standards.

Sources: - Press Releases - AquaB Nanobubble Innovations

4 The Technology Advancements

AquaB Nanobubble Innovations Limited: Current Capabilities and Advancements

AquaB Nanobubble Innovations Limited, based in Ireland, has been at the forefront of nanobubble technology since its inception in 2020. The company's innovative approach involves using electrostriction to generate nanobubbles, which are stable for days and even weeks, providing a significant advantage over traditional methods. Following the receipt of the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator funding in June 2022, AquaB has made notable advancements in its technology and market presence.

Current Capabilities

  • Technology Base: AquaB's nanobubble generation technology employs an electric field to produce nanobubbles, typically ranging from 50 to 100 nm in size. This process allows for the creation of stable nanobubbles in various liquids, including water and wastewater.
  • Applications: The company's technology is applicable across multiple sectors, including water treatment, oil and gas, and agriculture. In water treatment, it enhances oxygenation and improves the efficiency of dissolved air flotation systems.
  • Energy Efficiency: AquaB's method is low-energy and chemical-free, making it an environmentally friendly solution.

Advancements Since EIC Funding

Since receiving the EIC funding, AquaB has focused on commercializing its technology and expanding its market presence:
  • Commercialization Efforts: The company has been working on securing UL and CE certifications for mass-scale production and developing continuous-flow prototypes for various applications.
  • Strategic Partnerships: AquaB has been selected for the BREW 2.0 water technology accelerator, further solidifying its position in the water technology sector.
  • Leadership and Branding: AquaB has made key appointments to its leadership team and launched a new corporate identity, signaling its growth and commitment to innovation.

Technology Improvements and Demonstrations

  • Technology Enhancements: AquaB's patented generators can produce high concentrations of nanobubbles with minimal energy needs, offering a competitive edge in processes like water treatment and oil extraction.
  • Market Demonstrations: While specific demonstrations or pilots are not detailed, AquaB's participation in accelerators and conferences highlights its technology's potential for real-world applications.

Patents and Scientific Contributions

  • Patent Developments: AquaB has filed several patent applications related to its nanobubble generation technology, though specific new patents since the funding are not detailed.
  • Scientific Studies: There are ongoing collaborations with academic institutions to advance the understanding of nanobubble technology, but recent scientific studies or whitepapers specifically from AquaB are not mentioned in the available literature.

Sources

5 The Partnerships and Customers

AquaB Nanobubble Innovations Ltd: Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning Post-EIC Accelerator Funding

AquaB Nanobubble Innovations Ltd, a Kildare- and Glasgow-based company specializing in electric field-driven nanobubble generation, has leveraged its EIC Accelerator grant to expand its technological footprint and forge strategic relationships. Below is a synthesis of its partnerships, market positioning, and growth trajectory since receiving the EIC funding.

Partnerships and Customer Engagements

  • Aramco Collaboration: AquaB’s energy-efficient nanobubble generation technology was showcased at the APSAC 2023 applied-physics conference in Venice during a dedicated session, highlighting potential industrial-scale applications in sectors like oil and gas[^1^].
  • BREW 2.0 Accelerator: Selected as one of ten participants by The Water Council (Milwaukee), AquaB is collaborating with global water-technology stakeholders to refine solutions for critical water challenges[^2^].
  • GITEX Global Participation: As one of fifteen EU-selected innovators at GITEX Global 2024 (Dubai), the company aims to establish cross-sector partnerships in advanced industrial applications[^3^].

Market Positioning Through New Relationships

AquaB’s participation in high-profile programs positions it as a leader in sustainable water treatment and industrial optimization:
  • Water Technology Leadership: Through BREW 2.0, AquaB gains access to pilot projects validating its systems for municipal wastewater treatment and nutrient removal.
  • Industrial Scalability: Collaborations with energy giants like Aramco underscore applicability in large-scale operations requiring gas-liquid efficiency enhancements.
  • Global Visibility: GITEX provides a platform to attract clients from emerging markets seeking cutting-edge solutions for aquaculture, agriculture, and desalination.

Technology Advancements via Partnerships

Strategic alliances are driving innovation:
1. Energy Efficiency Focus: The EIC funding supports commercialization of low-energy nanobubble generators using static electric fields—key for industries prioritizing decarbonization.
2. Cross-Sector R&D: Feedback from partners informs product refinements, such as optimizing oxygen dissolution rates for aquaculture or improving contaminant removal efficiency in water purification systems.

Future Outlook

By embedding itself within accelerator ecosystems (BREW 2.0) and global trade networks (GITEX), AquaB is poised to scale across high-value sectors—from biopharma (drug delivery) to agriculture (foliar sprays)—while reducing reliance on traditional chemical treatments through nanobubble-enabled processes.

Sources:

(Additional citations inferred from provided search results but not directly URL-specified due to source constraints.)

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

AquaB Nanobubble Innovations Ltd. Overview

AquaB Nanobubble Innovations Ltd., an Irish company, is a notable player in the nanobubble technology space. Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2022, the company has likely experienced significant growth and development in its nanobubble generation capabilities.

Current Headcount and Team Size

Currently, there is no specific information available regarding the exact headcount or team size of AquaB Nanobubble Innovations Ltd. However, given the nature of nanobubble technology and its applications, the company likely employs a mix of engineers, researchers, and business development professionals.

Hiring and Team Growth

While there is no explicit information on whether AquaB is currently hiring, companies like AquaB often expand their teams to support growth and innovation, especially after receiving significant funding. The EIC Accelerator funding would likely facilitate hiring in key areas such as R&D, sales, and marketing to enhance their market presence and product development.

Key Positions and Recent Hires

There is no publicly available information on specific key positions recently hired by AquaB Nanobubble Innovations Ltd. However, typical roles in such companies might include nanobubble engineers, application specialists for agriculture or water treatment, and business development managers.

Growth and Scaling

The EIC Accelerator funding is a significant boost for AquaB, allowing them to scale their operations and innovate further in nanobubble technology. This growth will likely help them expand into new markets and enhance their product offerings, supporting increased adoption across sectors like agriculture and water treatment.

Changes in Management or Founding Team

There is no available information on any major changes in the management or founding team of AquaB Nanobubble Innovations Ltd. since they received the funding. The company's focus remains on advancing nanobubble technology and leveraging the funding for strategic growth.

Future Implications

New team members would play a crucial role in helping AquaB scale and grow by bringing in diverse expertise and perspectives. This growth would enable the company to better serve emerging markets and improve its competitive position in the nanobubble technology sector.

Sources

7 The Media Features and Publications

Media Features and Public Presence of AquaB Nanobubble Innovations Ltd

AquaB Nanobubble Innovations Ltd, a University College Dublin (UCD) spin-out founded in 2020, has garnered significant media and industry attention since securing a European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator grant in 2022. The company specializes in electric-field-based nanobubble generation technology for water treatment and industrial applications. Below is an overview of its media features, publications, podcasts, conferences, and events.

Media Features and Publications

  • Press Releases: AquaB’s announcements include participation in the BREW 2.0 accelerator program run by The Water Council[^BREW], leadership team expansions ahead of World Water-Tech North America[^Leadership], and a rebranding launch at the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit[^Rebrand].
  • Industry Reports: The company’s electrostriction-based nanobubble technology has been featured in Open Access Government[^OAG] and BlueTech Research[^BlueTech], emphasizing its energy-efficient design for water gasification.
  • Innovation Highlights: AquaB’s ozone nanobubble disinfection method was detailed by Irish Tech News[^ITN], showcasing its potential against pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 through prolonged ozone release.

Podcasts and Educational Content

  • Nanobubbles 101 Audio Course: A seven-episode podcast series hosted by co-founder Prof. Niall English explains nanobubble science, applications, and future potential across sectors like agriculture, energy, and water treatment[^Podcast]. Topics include:
  • Episode 1: Introduction to nanobubbles
  • Episode 5: Nanobubbles in water treatment
  • Episode 7: Future industrial applications

Conference Participation

  • GITEX Global Dubai (2024): Represented as one of fifteen EU-selected companies to showcase innovations at this global tech fair[^GITEX].
  • APSAC Venice (2023): Co-chaired a workshop with Aramco on nanobubble physics and engineering applications for sustainability[^APSAC]. Key topics included longevity of nanobubbles (hours to months) and scalability for industrial use.
  • World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit (London): Unveiled a new corporate identity alongside discussions on agricultural uses of nanobubbles for algae control [^AgriTech].

Event Involvement

AquaB actively engages with industry partners such as Aramco on sustainability initiatives while leveraging accelerator programs like BREW 2.0 to advance commercial deployment of its TRL-rated generators (TRL5–8)[BREW][OAG]. Recent collaborations focus on oil-and-gas sector decarbonization through enhanced gas solubility solutions [APSAC][BlueTech].

Sources Cited

  • Media Information - AquaB

    • News Articles

    • AquaB at GITEX Global
    • [Nanobubbles 101 Audio Course](https://aquab.com/nanobubbles-101-audio-course-launched

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