I/O AGRI: PIONEERING SUSTAINABLE AGRI-TECH EMISSIONS SOLUTIONS
Founded by Sandra Thompson and Shane O’Reilly, I/O Agri offers sustainable agricultural technology solutions aimed at managing odours and emissions within the sector. The company specialises in providing comprehensive solutions for sustainable farming practices, addressing various agricultural issues from ventilation and heating, to milling and feed systems, as well as data monitoring and reporting. We sat down with Sandra and Shane to delve deeper into I/O Agri and their entrepreneurial journey.
Why is green innovation so important today?
Green innovation connects environmental protection and technological progress, bridging ecosystem development and economic expansion. As we strive to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals together, innovative solutions are crucial for safeguarding the environment for future generations. Promoting sustainable practices is key to initiating enduring changes that will last over time. Green innovations are also instrumental in helping communities and ecosystems adapt to climate change and environmental risks. By investing in green solutions, businesses can enhance their competitiveness and strengthen their sustainability endeavours, ultimately benefiting environmental conservation in the long term.
What sustainability issue or challenge is your business addressing?
The agricultural sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Meeting global emission targets is tough for agriculture, thereby posing concerns for food supply security. Major agricultural corporations are currently confronting the task of reducing their Scope 3 emissions, which presents a huge challenge due to its intricate nature. It is therefore clear that sustainable and commercially viable solutions are necessary to mitigate emissions. We specialise in the innovative task of eliminating and controlling odours and emissions that balance productivity and environmental stewardship. By integrating cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices, we aim to redefine industry standards and pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future.
What are your plans for growth in Ireland and overseas?
We aim to expand our customer base through various strategies. Firstly, by collaborating with individual farmers to integrate our solutions into their farms, and secondly by partnering with organisations in the agricultural sector to furnish on-farm data, enabling them to accurately and comprehensively report their Scope 3 emissions. Furthermore, we are committed to ongoing investment in research and development to enrich our business offerings.
What is the biggest challenge you have overcome since starting your company?
For our business, the job of developing and securing funding for our intellectual property presented a big challenge. Developing, protecting, and funding IP is costly and adds complexity to running a small business. It takes a long time from coming up with an idea to protecting it and getting it to market. Also, introducing new ideas to established organisations and industries with their own ways of doing things requires careful navigation.
What is the best piece of advice you have received as an innovator?
Ensure the protection of your intellectual property (IP). Our journey was fortunate as we received guidance from both our Local Enterprise Office and Enterprise Ireland, which emphasised the importance of taking proactive measures to safeguard our IP. This proactive approach not only shields our intellectual assets from potential infringement but also fortifies our competitive edge in the market.
I/O Agri is currently participating in Bord na Móna’s 2024 Accelerate Green Programme.
This leading accelerator programme, delivered by Bord na Móna in conjunction with Resolve Partners, is dedicated to scaling early-stage enterprises, SMEs and start-ups that are leading the response to climate action and sustainability. For further information about the Accelerate Green Programme visit accelerategreen.ie