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 reduces the risks associated with traditional hive inspections, which can disturb bees and potentially harm the queen bee. By minimizing the need for physical checks, beekeepers can maintain hive stability, leading to better pollination efficiency and lower fuel costs associated with hive management. The technology is compact and unobtrusive, akin to a smartphone, making it easy to integrate into existing beekeeping practices.

Since its founding in 2017, ApisProtect has monitored over 100 million honey bees globally, thanks in part to 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. This funding facilitated product development and prototype testing, allowing the company to refine its AI and machine-learning systems. Following successful launches in Ireland and the US, ApisProtect is now expanding into the UK and plans to enter European markets, as well as New Zealand and Australia, within the next two years. This growth trajectory underscores the unique benefits and quantifiable results achieved through their innovative approach to beekeeping.