Using space-based technology to predict and monitor blue-green algal blooms

Key Features

UK Space Agency, in collaboration with NI Space and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, is seeking potential remote sensing solutions to predict, detect and monitor the extent and movement of the Blue Green Algae in Lough Neagh.

Programme:     UK Space Agency

Award:     Share of up to £360,000

Opens: 21st Oct 2024

Closes: 8th Nov 2024

! This scheme is closing soon

Overview

Lough Neagh and other waterways in Northern Ireland, and more widely, have been experiencing significant seasonal algal blooms. The factors that resulted in these unprecedented blooms are:

  • Pollution – excess phosphorus and nitrogen entering waterways from agriculture, wastewater treatment works, domestic systems, and industry
  • Climate change – resulting in record high water temperature
  • Invasive species – zebra mussels causing increasing water clarity

The Lough Neagh report published in July 2024 outlines a range of measures required to address the problem of blue-green algae in the Lough. These actions are structured around 4 pillars (Education, Investment, Regulation, and Enforcement).

Preventative measures including reducing nutrient inputs from catchments will require long-term solutions. However, monitoring is required to address current questions of bloom development and extent.

Challenge Brief

UK Space Agency (UKSA), in collaboration with NI Space and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), is seeking potential remote sensing solutions to predict, detect and monitor the extent and movement of the Blue Green Algae in Lough Neagh.

Proposed solutions are expected to provide a remote sensing solution to the prediction, early detection, monitoring, and movement of blue-green algae in Lough Neagh and other water bodies in Northern Ireland. We are particularly interested in proposals from organisations that can combine terrestrial data and services (e.g. AI, quantum, machine learning, drones, geospatial data) with satellite data and services, and can provide analysis to derive value-added insights, to develop innovative solutions for customers.

Phase 1 is intended to demonstrate the technical feasibility of a proposed concept and its viability as a solution for UKSA, DAERA, and NI Space. UKSA reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to extend from Phase 1 with successful bidders as part of this pre-commercial procurement.

Large algal blooms are generally seasonal (Spring/Summer) and therefore the window of opportunity to test solutions may be reduced. However, it is likely that there will be blue green algae blooms present in different locations throughout most of the year. Phase 1 will run until March 2025 with a potential call for a Phase 2 in the 2025-2026 financial year.

Critical success factors

  • Be able to demonstrate accuracy at scale.
  • Be able to provide accuracy in the range of weather and environmental conditions in Northern Ireland.
  • Be focused on Lough Neagh but demonstrate potential for use in other Northern Ireland and UK waterways.
  • Work within DAERA and NI Space financial and wider resourcing limitations

Eligibility

This SBRI competition is open to all eligible organisations, registered in the UK, EU and the European Economic Area, that can demonstrate a route to market for their solution. Contracts will be awarded to a single legal entity only. However, if you can justify subcontracting components of the work, you can engage specialists or advisers. Delivery against the project milestones will be the responsibility of the main contractor. For clarity, your subcontractors do not have to meet all the eligibility criteria, however we maintain the right to review subcontractors on a case by case basis and to object where we see a need to.

To lead a project, you: 

  • can be an organisation of any size
  • can work alone or with others from business, research organisations, research and technology organisations or the third sector as subcontractors
  • must have a valid UK bank account capable of accepting BACS payments
  • must be able to provide reporting against North Star Metric (please refer to “UK SBRI additional guidance – Blue Green Algae” in helpful links below)
  • must provide evidence and data as part of the monthly reporting cycle in support of M&E activities. These data points may include insights into revenue generation, job creation and cost savings
  • must be available for interview and survey by M&E delivery partners as required throughout the project and following its conclusion

Funding

This SBRI competition is funded by the UK Space Agency’s Unlocking Space for Government (USG) programme, on behalf of NI Space and DAERA. The USG programme aims to drive up the adoption of space data, technology and services within the public sector to improve public services and decision making. UKSA is the contracting body in this procurement. The competition process is being managed on behalf of UKSA by the Strategic Investment Board (SIB).

This competition has a total budget of £360,000 (including VAT) for SBRI Phase 1 work. It is anticipated that three bidders will be selected; each of the successful bidders will receive an amount in accordance with their bid, but subject to a maximum amount per bidder of 3 suppliers to the value of £120,000 (inclusive of VAT).

For further details on eligible costs and funding, please consult the appended UKSA Additional Guidance.

Projects we are not able to fund

The UK Space Agency will not fund projects that:

  • are not original or in scope
  • duplicate someone else’s work
  • do not demonstrate significant support and engagement from potential customers
  • do not evidence the potential for their proposed innovation to generate positive economic, environmental or societal impact
  • do not address how any potentially negative outcomes would be managed
  • are being funded elsewhere in the UK Space Agency or UK government
  • would directly duplicate other UK government or EU funded initiative you have already been funded to deliver
  • are covered by existing commercial agreements to deliver the proposed solutions
  • cannot provide reporting against the UK Space Agency’s North Star Metric (see additional guidance document).

This competition will not fund any procurement, commercial, business development or supply chain activity with any Russian or Belarusian entity as lead or subcontractor. This includes any goods or services originating from a Russian or Belarusian source.

Information Event

A briefing event will be held on Monday  21st October 2024 9.30am – 11.00am.

Click here to register for this free event.

Interested in applying for this competition?

Book an appointment to speak to one of our advisors to discuss your eligibility to apply for this Grant Funding opportunity.