Ace Aquatec: A New Wave in Aquaculture Innovation
May 6, 2025, 6:20 am
Location: United Kingdom, Scotland, Glasgow
Employees: 1001-5000
Founded date: 1991
In the heart of Scotland, a revolution is brewing beneath the waves. Ace Aquatec, a pioneering aquaculture technology firm based in Dundee, has successfully secured £10 million in fresh funding. This investment marks a significant leap forward for the company, which is on a mission to transform the aquaculture industry through cutting-edge technology and a commitment to fish welfare.
The funding round, which closed recently, was led by Stolt Ventures, a strategic partner with deep roots in the aquaculture sector. Additional support came from Scottish Enterprise and Aqua-Spark, highlighting a strong collaborative effort to boost innovation in this vital industry. The investment is a blend of £7.5 million in equity and a £2.5 million debt facility, aimed at enhancing Ace Aquatec's capabilities and expanding its workforce.
The company plans to create 15 new jobs across its offices in Dundee, Glasgow, and even as far as Chile. These roles will focus on the development of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), sensors, and machine learning algorithms. These tools will provide real-time insights that optimize fish welfare from the moment they are in cages until they are harvested.
Imagine a world where fish farming is as precise as a surgeon's scalpel. Ace Aquatec's AI cameras are designed to track fish weights, detect health issues like wounds or maturation, and monitor individual fish across various species. This technology is not just about efficiency; it’s about compassion. The company also specializes in humane slaughter systems that utilize electricity in water, ensuring that the process is as gentle as possible.
The new funding will also support the commercialization of innovative sea lice removal systems. These systems, which leverage the same advanced technologies, promise to tackle one of the most persistent challenges in aquaculture. Sea lice infestations can devastate fish populations, making effective removal solutions essential for sustainable farming practices.
The CEO of Ace Aquatec, Nathan Pyne-Carter, emphasizes that the customer is at the core of their mission. This investment allows the company to expand its portfolio and deepen its data capabilities, ultimately meeting the needs of farmers around the globe. With the backing of Stolt Ventures, Ace Aquatec is poised to make waves in the aquaculture industry, aiming to be a global player while creating local employment opportunities.
Stolt Ventures, the corporate investment arm of Stolt-Nielsen, is not just a financial backer; it brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight. With a strong presence in bulk-liquid and chemical logistics, as well as land-based aquaculture, Stolt Ventures is well-positioned to support Ace Aquatec's growth. The addition of Axel de Mégille, head of Stolt Ventures, to the board as a non-executive director further strengthens this partnership. His diverse experience, ranging from software platforms to blockchain technology, will undoubtedly contribute to Ace Aquatec's innovative trajectory.
The implications of this funding extend beyond the company itself. The aquaculture industry is at a crossroads, facing increasing scrutiny over sustainability and animal welfare. As global demand for seafood rises, the need for responsible farming practices becomes more pressing. Ace Aquatec's commitment to welfare-first innovation positions it as a leader in this necessary shift.
Scotland's rich maritime heritage and commitment to innovation create a fertile ground for companies like Ace Aquatec. The support from local agencies like Scottish Enterprise underscores the importance of nurturing homegrown talent and technology. This investment is not just a financial boost; it represents a collective vision for a sustainable future in aquaculture.
As Ace Aquatec gears up for its next chapter, the industry watches closely. The integration of AI and advanced sensors into fish farming could redefine how the sector operates. Real-time data will empower farmers to make informed decisions, enhancing both productivity and fish welfare. This is not just about profit; it’s about creating a sustainable ecosystem where fish thrive, and farmers succeed.
In conclusion, Ace Aquatec stands at the forefront of a transformative wave in aquaculture. With £10 million in fresh funding, the company is set to expand its innovative technologies and workforce. The partnership with Stolt Ventures and support from Scottish Enterprise signal a strong commitment to revolutionizing the industry. As the world grapples with the challenges of sustainable food production, Ace Aquatec is not just riding the wave; it’s creating new currents in aquaculture. The future looks bright, and the fish are swimming toward a better tomorrow.
The funding round, which closed recently, was led by Stolt Ventures, a strategic partner with deep roots in the aquaculture sector. Additional support came from Scottish Enterprise and Aqua-Spark, highlighting a strong collaborative effort to boost innovation in this vital industry. The investment is a blend of £7.5 million in equity and a £2.5 million debt facility, aimed at enhancing Ace Aquatec's capabilities and expanding its workforce.
The company plans to create 15 new jobs across its offices in Dundee, Glasgow, and even as far as Chile. These roles will focus on the development of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), sensors, and machine learning algorithms. These tools will provide real-time insights that optimize fish welfare from the moment they are in cages until they are harvested.
Imagine a world where fish farming is as precise as a surgeon's scalpel. Ace Aquatec's AI cameras are designed to track fish weights, detect health issues like wounds or maturation, and monitor individual fish across various species. This technology is not just about efficiency; it’s about compassion. The company also specializes in humane slaughter systems that utilize electricity in water, ensuring that the process is as gentle as possible.
The new funding will also support the commercialization of innovative sea lice removal systems. These systems, which leverage the same advanced technologies, promise to tackle one of the most persistent challenges in aquaculture. Sea lice infestations can devastate fish populations, making effective removal solutions essential for sustainable farming practices.
The CEO of Ace Aquatec, Nathan Pyne-Carter, emphasizes that the customer is at the core of their mission. This investment allows the company to expand its portfolio and deepen its data capabilities, ultimately meeting the needs of farmers around the globe. With the backing of Stolt Ventures, Ace Aquatec is poised to make waves in the aquaculture industry, aiming to be a global player while creating local employment opportunities.
Stolt Ventures, the corporate investment arm of Stolt-Nielsen, is not just a financial backer; it brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight. With a strong presence in bulk-liquid and chemical logistics, as well as land-based aquaculture, Stolt Ventures is well-positioned to support Ace Aquatec's growth. The addition of Axel de Mégille, head of Stolt Ventures, to the board as a non-executive director further strengthens this partnership. His diverse experience, ranging from software platforms to blockchain technology, will undoubtedly contribute to Ace Aquatec's innovative trajectory.
The implications of this funding extend beyond the company itself. The aquaculture industry is at a crossroads, facing increasing scrutiny over sustainability and animal welfare. As global demand for seafood rises, the need for responsible farming practices becomes more pressing. Ace Aquatec's commitment to welfare-first innovation positions it as a leader in this necessary shift.
Scotland's rich maritime heritage and commitment to innovation create a fertile ground for companies like Ace Aquatec. The support from local agencies like Scottish Enterprise underscores the importance of nurturing homegrown talent and technology. This investment is not just a financial boost; it represents a collective vision for a sustainable future in aquaculture.
As Ace Aquatec gears up for its next chapter, the industry watches closely. The integration of AI and advanced sensors into fish farming could redefine how the sector operates. Real-time data will empower farmers to make informed decisions, enhancing both productivity and fish welfare. This is not just about profit; it’s about creating a sustainable ecosystem where fish thrive, and farmers succeed.
In conclusion, Ace Aquatec stands at the forefront of a transformative wave in aquaculture. With £10 million in fresh funding, the company is set to expand its innovative technologies and workforce. The partnership with Stolt Ventures and support from Scottish Enterprise signal a strong commitment to revolutionizing the industry. As the world grapples with the challenges of sustainable food production, Ace Aquatec is not just riding the wave; it’s creating new currents in aquaculture. The future looks bright, and the fish are swimming toward a better tomorrow.