Lough Neagh Blue Green Algae SBRI Challenge

The initiative seeks potential solutions to treat Lough Neagh's Blue Green Algae mass and reduce or suppress growth.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has launched Phase one of the Lough Neagh: Blue-Green Algae Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI).

Lough Neagh and other waterways in Northern Ireland, and more widely, have been experiencing significant seasonal algal blooms. There has been increasing concerns about the aesthetic and environmental impact, which is the result of excessive nutrients entering water courses from agriculture and wastewater, as well as increasing temperatures and invasive species. In 2023, Blue Green Algae was particularly acute in Lough Neagh, with cyanobacterial growth prevalent throughout the Lough for much of the summer.

The Lough Neagh: Blue-Green Algae SBRI is being developed to explore potential solutions to treat and reduce Blue-Green Algae blooms without impacting the natural environment of Lough Neagh and associated Northern Ireland water ways.

The SBRI has two phases:

• Phase one - five applicants selected to develop proof of concepts
• Phase two - two to three concepts selected and developed as potential pilot solutions

A total funding package of £450,000 has been secured via DAERA and the Department for the Economy (DfE) through its SBRI Challenge Fund for Phase one.

Find out more about the Lough Neagh: Blue Green Algae challenge and how to apply.

It is anticipated that Phase one will run through to March 2025 with a potential call for Phase two applications commencing in summer 2025.

Online Information Event

DAERA is holding an online event at 10.30am on Wednesday 14 August to provide further detail to potential suppliers on:

• the challenge brief and competition scope
• the SBRI process
• how to apply

There will also be an opportunity for suppliers to ask questions of DAERA and SBRI - register for the online event now.

First published 6 August 2024