Nernst Electric, an Irish cleantech company founded in 2023, has raised €1.7 million in seed funding to advance its on-site oxygen generation technology for aquaculture and heavy industry applications. The investment comes from Hatch Blue’s Blue Revolution Fund, which is backing the startup’s mission to simplify oxygen supply chains for fish farms and industrial operations.
The company has developed a ceramic-based system that generates oxygen directly at production sites, addressing a significant operational challenge for aquaculture facilities and heavy-industry users. Traditional oxygen supply methods rely on either liquid oxygen deliveries or on-site gas generation systems that can be costly and logistically complex. Nernst Electric’s approach aims to streamline this process while reducing associated expenses.
Accelerating from concept to deployment
Caitriona Kelleher, representing the investment team, highlighted the startup’s rapid progress: “Since Nernst joined our Accelerator Fund, their progress has been fast and convincing. The team came in with a manufacturing concept and have built it into a working system ready for its first aquaculture deployment. That kind of technical execution is impressive – and it is precisely why the Blue Revolution Fund is the right backer to take it further.”
The funding will enable Nernst Electric to construct a demonstration unit and advance toward pilot-scale deployment. The capital injection supports the company’s plans to validate its technology’s performance in real-world conditions, a critical step before moving toward commercial trials and preparing for a future Series A financing round.
Addressing industry pain points
Oxygen supply represents a substantial operational cost for aquaculture facilities, where maintaining appropriate dissolved oxygen levels is essential for fish health and productivity. The sector has traditionally depended on external suppliers and conventional generation methods, both of which introduce supply chain vulnerabilities and expense management challenges. By enabling on-site generation, Nernst Electric’s technology could provide operators with greater control over their oxygen supply while potentially reducing their carbon footprint.
The company’s expansion into heavy industry applications broadens its addressable market beyond aquaculture, opening opportunities in sectors where reliable oxygen availability is equally critical to operations.
European momentum in aquaculture solutions
The investment reflects growing interest among European venture investors in sustainable aquaculture technologies. As fish farming expands to meet protein demand, startups addressing operational efficiency and environmental concerns are attracting capital from specialized funds focused on food production and climate solutions. The Blue Revolution Fund’s backing of Nernst Electric demonstrates confidence in technology-driven improvements to traditionally capital-intensive and resource-dependent industries.