A pioneering Scottish start-up is using space-age technology to help protect the environment.
By monitoring red deer populations from satellites, EOLAS Insight Ltd has been supporting the management of wildlife in Scotland’s rural habitats.
Founded by entrepreneur Douglas McNeil and supported by the Geovation Scotland Accelerator Programme - a joint initiative between Registers of Scotland and Ordnance Survey – the business is now developing ground-breaking ways to help conservationists and wildlife officers. By using emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, the company makes it easier and cheaper for ecologists to access vital data that can help protect the environment.
Mr McNeil, EOLAS Insight’s managing director, said:
“We want to put the full power of technology at an ecologist’s fingertips to reveal new insights into the world around us.”
EOLAS Insight is one of three companies to win a place on the acclaimed Geovation Scotland programme, which supports new businesses. The initiative was launched in 2019 to support Scottish entrepreneurs by giving them access to land and property data, mentoring, and funding to develop their fledgling start-ups.
Geovation supports Scotland’s economy with businesses involved in the year-long programme so far raising more than £400,000 of funding, £150,000 of investment, and creating 15 full time jobs.
The two other businesses accepted onto the latest round of the Geovation Scotland Accelerator are:
- The Student Bubble which aims to support students and property managers in the student rental market.
- Property Price Hub which is working on ways to deliver the most accurate house price information online.
Tom Arthur, Minister for Public Finance, Planning and Community Wealth, said:
“The ambition of the companies on the Geovation programme is testament to Scotland as a centre of innovation and leadership in the digital sector. I am delighted that we are able to offer this opportunity that encourages new ideas, job creation, and benefits the Scottish economy.”
Kenny Crawford, Business Development Director at Registers of Scotland, said:
“Businesses joining the latest Geovation Scotland Accelerator are seeking to tackle real-life issues that can support communities across Scotland. We were hugely impressed by the standard of applications to the programme and look forward to supporting the next phase of their journey.”
About Registers of Scotland
Registers of Scotland (RoS) is the government department responsible for compiling and maintaining registers relating to property and other legal documents in Scotland. RoS records and safeguards the rights of the individual while providing open access to information on the registers.
RoS was recently awarded gold accreditation for Investors in People.
About Geovation
An initiative dedicated to using location and property data to support open innovation and collaboration. Location is at the heart of many of the most successful digital products and services. Land and property are the foundation of our national economy.
With offices in London and Edinburgh, the Geovation Accelerator Programme is delivered in England and Scotland. Geovation also has satellite offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff and Manchester.
Geovation is funded by Registers of Scotland, Ordnance Survey and HM Land Registry. In 2019, Geovation was selected as one of the UK’s top 10 accelerators by the UK Business Angels Association.