nir-vana innovation network

This UK SME is accelerating reef creation globally with their patented products and unique artificial reef solution. As well as a sustainable commercial fishing company, this SME has invented & patented worldwide, a concrete mould enabling them to create reef structures anywhere in the world which means anyone from scientists to remote fishers can contribute to rebuilding reef systems.

Since 2015, this marine eco-engineering company has been experimenting and testing with numerous prototypes in order to optimise the configuration meaning an unmatched level of scour mitigation can be provided in addition to being a leading biodiversity enhancer.

The company has demonstrated solutions for rocky reef restoration, coastal defence and subsea asset protection. Using their innovative product, they are able to lower the cost of offshore construction whilst leaving a positive legacy for the client and ensuring a healthy marine environment.

Potential partnerships are most likely to be with companies active within the following sectors/ industries: offshore renewable energy, oil & gas, aquaculture, coastal defence and invasive species management

This SME is seeking partners that have a site/location available for research, testing and commercialisation of the solution and this SME would provide the technical expertise to support the development of an artificial reef.

As the product can be manufactured from recycled materials such as locally sourced and site-specific materials, recycled aggregate from clay quarries and re-cycled concrete coarse aggregate using circular economy materials; and can easily be deployed utilising industry standard methodology and equipment; this SME would also consider a potential partnership where this product is manufactured under license.

Advantages & innovations

This product has been designed to provide maximum space for marine animals to attach to and shelter in. As the artificial reef products can be scaled up and down in size are therefore able to support animals of different sizes and life stages. The product enhances rather than degrades the marine environment, whilst also meeting the needs of offshore renewable engineers/developers. This solution will convert large, offshore energy sites into thriving and healthy marine habitats and reverse the damage that has been done over centuries of offshore construction and fishing. Productivity of renewable energy operations will be increased by lowering operational expenditures and reducing decommissioning costs, given that the product can be left on the seabed unlike conventional scour/cable protection methods such as filter bags and concrete mattresses, which have to be removed at the end of their use. Long term carbon dioxide absorption. Low carbon footprint. Extensive academic research and field experimentation shows that this solution will support diverse marine communities, boost commercial fish stocks and help to restore historically lost hard-bottom habitat.

Stage of development

Already on the market

Partner sought

Potential partnerships are most likely to be with companies active within the following sectors/ industries: offshore renewable energy, oil & gas, aquaculture, coastal defence and invasive species management. This UK SME is seeking partnerships with pioneering companies who share a passion for repairing the marine environment globally. Primarily the company is looking for partners who have access and rights to a site to support research and/or commercial services through a technical cooperation agreement or to operate under a licensing agreement. They are also open to consider other types of partnership agreements.