Maintaining the biodiversity within the Celtic Sea Flow through prediction of conditions
For the Love of the Sea are seeking an innovative solution which can provide a multi layered monitoring system for their sea farm. By analysing data from wind, tide and currents; the system will help to identify conditions that lead to damage and support timely action to reduce losses. This capability is particularly valuable within the Celtic Sea FLOW ecosystem, where understanding local marine conditions underpins offshore renewable energy activity and supports regional biodiversity.
Opportunity
Challenge opens
24/02/2026
Challenge closes
07/04/2026
Benefit
For the Love of the Sea own a three-hectare sea farm operating within the Celtic Sea, directly intersecting with the offshore renewable energy ecosystem, including emerging offshore wind developments. They are seeking an innovative monitoring and data-collection solution capable of delivering high-quality insights on environmental conditions to support predictive modelling, biodiversity protection and enable more sustainable seabed management. Addressing this challenge will generate environmental intelligence that supports wider commitments within the Celtic Sea FLOW supply chain, particularly the regulatory requirement for offshore renewable energy developers to enhance biodiversity around wind farm sites and restore the seabed to its original condition following installation. The data generated from the sea farm could help reduce losses caused by storm-related damage and minimise waste of cultivated materials. Selected solutions, where possible, will be trialled at their site in Pembrokeshire with the possibility of further adoption upon successful trials. This challenge is part of the Southwest Wales Net Zero Industry Launchpad iX (Innovation Exchange) pilot, enabling selected innovators to access Innovate UK grant funding of up to £25,000 to deliver a 3 month pilot project through the iX programme.
Background
The Net Zero Industry Launchpad is using the Innovate UK Business Connect Innovation Exchange(iX) platform to offer an exciting new pilot competition using the iX platform to support challenges that benefit or impact on Southwest Wales.
The aim of this competition is to support outstanding innovation projects that willimpacton Southwest Wales. The pilot - South West Wales Launchpad Net Zero iX Challenges, aims to foster collaborative partnerships between a challenge holder & solution provider to deliver a project that that will accelerate the adoption of industrial circular economy, net zero or decarbonisation innovations within and across sectors for the Net Zero Industry launchpad in Southwest Wales.
For the Love of the Sea operates a three-hectare sea farm at Ramsey Sand,off the Pembrokeshire coast, producing seaweed,kelp,mussels,scallops & native oysters.The shellfish are farmed sustainably and are used as a local food source.The seaweed produced is currently being trialled as a bio-stimulant in agricultural farming and early results show a 30% reduction in the use of fertilisers.This reduction directly lowers the carbon emissions associated with fertiliser manufacture.
While the sites tidal conditions are ideal for cultivation, they also expose the farms infrastructure to damage during winter months.For the Love of the Sea are now seeking innovative solutions which can help mitigate against these risks and protect the long term health of the farm. Enhancing farm reliance also supports wider goal of maintaining and improving biodiversity in the Celtic Sea.
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