Description

Ace Aquatec is focused on delivering solutions to overcome key challenges in the aquaculture industry, such as excess mortality rates on fish farms, poor fish welfare, high prevalence of parasites, seal attacks and escapes, as well as fish experiencing a high degree of stress and suffering at the point of harvest. Farmers also run their production cycles with very limited data and are unable to empirically identify areas for improvement & increased yield.

The funds raised through this campaign will be used to: 

• Build 50 biomass cameras that will provide farmers with accurate biomass of their fish as they grow helping improve feeding & harvesting. 
• Recruit new data scientists and software developers to deliver the smart farming insights that the camera system offers.

The "A-Biomass", an advanced underwater camera system, promises to transform the way fish farmers across the globe monitor and grade their fish stocks by using machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) for real-time millimeter accuracy. The fully automated camera is smaller than many on the market, weighing in at just 8.5kg, and has been proven to withstand the harshest environmental conditions, having been developed and tested in Scotland’s most northerly waters.

The cameras use point cloud technology to track fish, simultaneously differentiating individuals from the shoal. Continuous measurement of fish size in the grading process reduces feed waste, meaning less impact on the immediate environment and efficiency savings for farmers. The system can also be operated remotely so fish stocks can be monitored from anywhere in the world, reducing the need to be on site.

The camera system is Ace Aquatec’s latest addition to the promoter's suite of high-welfare technology products and offers fish farmers a convenient, reliable, and cost-effective way to estimate fish biomass without handling or manual intervention. The "A-Biomass" for Salmon is the first camera in the series, with modules for Trout, Seabass, and Tilapia to follow in 2024.

The Impact

Direct

• Promotion of sustainable marine economic activities: Ace Aquatec systems, mainly the Biomass cameras with real-time image and artificial intelligence (AI), provide data regarding fish weight and distribution. This data gathering is important for grading and harvesting the fish enabling optimized feeding and support in preventing diseases. The system allows for a more resource-efficient management of the production. 20 biomass cameras already implemented allow tracking of 120 thousand fish per day.

At the same time, Ace Aquatec predator control solutions aim to protect fish without harming possible predators or other non-target animals. This solution is implemented in 128 areas with more than 300 acoustic devices.

• Implement sustainable and resilient food production systems: By reducing waste and excess mortalities in the fish production chain, Ace Aquatec systems contribute to increased productivity and production in aquaculture.
• Job creation: to improve and implement their smart farming technology, Ace Aquatec plans on hiring data scientists and software developers.

Indirect

• Promotion of responsible aquaculture: Ace Aquatec offers safe and rapid fish stunning methods that reduce fish stress and meet welfare standards for humane stunning.

Contribution to the Sustainable
Development Goals

Sustainable Development Goals

Financial viability

Download the Financial Statements for the promoter here

Download Key Investment Information Sheet

The Promoter

About Ace Aquatec Limited

The company Ace Aquatec was founded in 2007 with Nathan Pyne-Carter taking over the family business in 2012. The business is headquartered in Dundee, Scotland, with satellite offices in Chile, Canada, and Norway, managing 45 team members.

The business was set up to address some of the biggest challenges in aquaculture. In particular, the lack of data on causes of excess mortalities or production inefficiencies drove the promoter to develop a camera that provides smart farming insights and helps improve fish welfare.

Each of Ace Aquatec's three product categories has been distinguished with innovation awards:

• In-water electric stunners are the only systems that guarantee humane harvesting.
• Cameras make it possible to know the exact biomass of the fish as they grow, helping to improve feeding and harvesting.
• Acoustic devices offer sound technology that uses environmentally responsible methods to protect marine environments and keep seals away from salmon farms.

The team

Nathan Pyne-Carter

Chief Executive Officer

Has developed the business from a £20k turnover into an investor-backed business; he is also named inventor on ten company patents. Nathan holds a BA in English and Theology from Cambridge University and has prior experience as a Screenwriter for Ealing Studios/BBC Films.

Alan Macleod

Chief Financial Officer

Alan possesses extensive experience in strategic planning, financial management, and operational transformation which has enabled him to deliver significant value in highly competitive and complex markets.

Keith Davidson

Chief Technology Officer

Keith joined Ace Aquatec recently introducing development improvements & building digital portal capabilities. He has prior experience in CTO and Director roles (Autodesk, Twilio, HP in San Francisco & Sky UK). His main focus has been on cloud services & applications, and data analytics. Keith holds an MSc in Computing - Commerce & Industry.

Tara MG-Woodhams

Chief Sales & Marketing Officer

Tara has over 27 years of experience in building brands and running high-profile marketing strategies for FTSE 100 clients in the UK and Internationally. Prior to joining Ace Aquatec, she headed up Brand strategy Marketing and communication teams at Aegon and Standard Life. She led full-service agency teams for clients including Shell, Diageo, Adidas, Tesco, Marks & Spencer, and Cadbury Schweppes in the UK and India.

Business Model

Updates