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Scottish start-up uses space tech to tackle climate change

Posted: 10th November 2021

A pioneering Scottish start-up is using space-age technology to help protect the environment.

By monitoring red deer populations from satellites, EOLAS Insight Ltd has been supporting the management of wildlife in Scotland’s rural habitats.

Founded by entrepreneur Douglas McNeil and supported by the Geovation Scotland Accelerator Programme – a joint initiative between Registers of Scotland and Ordnance Survey – the business is now developing ground-breaking ways to help conservationists and wildlife officers. By using emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, the company makes it easier and cheaper for ecologists to access vital data that can help protect the environment.

Mr McNeil, EOLAS Insight’s managing director, said: “We want to put the full power of technology at an ecologist’s fingertips to reveal new insights into the world around us.”

EOLAS Insight is one of three companies to win a place on the acclaimed Geovation Scotland programme, which supports new businesses. The initiative was launched in 2019 to support Scottish entrepreneurs by giving them access to land and property data, mentoring, and funding to develop their fledgling start-ups.

Geovation supports Scotland’s economy with businesses involved in the year-long programme so far raising more than £400,000 of funding, £150,000 of investment, and creating 15 full time jobs.

The two other businesses accepted onto the latest round of the Geovation Scotland Accelerator are:
• The Student Bubble which aims to support students and property managers in the student rental market.
• The Property Price Hub which is working on ways to deliver the most accurate house price information online.
Tom Arthur, Minister for Public Finance, Planning and Community Wealth, said: “The ambition of the companies on the Geovation programme is testament to Scotland as a centre of innovation and leadership in the digital sector. I am delighted that we are able to offer this opportunity that encourages new ideas, job creation, and benefits the Scottish economy.”

Kenny Crawford, Business Development Director at Registers of Scotland, said: “Businesses joining the latest Geovation Scotland Accelerator are seeking to tackle real-life issues that can support communities across Scotland. We were hugely impressed by the standard of applications to the programme and look forward to supporting the next phase of their journey.”

Business Comment

Business Comment is the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce’s bi-monthly magazine. It provides insight on Edinburgh’s vibrant business community, with features on the city’s key sectors, interviews with leading figures and news on new business developments in the capital.
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