Investment & Fund Management

ApisProtect, headquartered in Cork, Ireland, is addressing the critical issue of declining bee populations, which are essential for environmental health and global food security. The company has developed an innovative system that utilizes Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) to help beekeepers enhance productivity and reduce operational costs. The technology allows for remote monitoring of hives, capturing data on temperature, movement, humidity, and sound, which enables beekeepers to receive smart alerts about potential issues like pests or diseases without the need for frequent manual inspections.

The tailored solution provided by ApisProtect significantly minimizes the disruption to bee colonies, which can occur during traditional hive inspections. According to Aoife O’Mahony, Head of Marketing, the technology is designed to be unobtrusive and small, akin to a smartphone, allowing beekeepers to gather critical information while keeping the bees undisturbed. This approach not only improves time management for beekeepers but also reduces risks associated with hive inspections, such as harming the queen bee or stressing the colony.

Since its founding in 2017 by Dr. Edwards Murphy, ApisProtect has made substantial progress, monitoring over 100 million honey bees globally. The company received an equity investment from The Yield Lab Europe in 2019, supported by the European Investment Fund (EIF) under the EU’s Investment Plan for Europe, which facilitated further product development and prototype testing. With successful launches in Ireland, the US, and the UK, ApisProtect is now looking to expand into Europe, New Zealand, and Australia within the next two years, demonstrating its commitment to scaling its impact in the agritech sector.