Green Limerick: Limerick-born CEO closer to ‘tackling climate crisis’

A CLIMATE-focused company, founded by a Limerick-man, is set to join an EU and national space programme.

Tao Climate, founded by Limerick native Gary Byrnes, announced that it has joined the prestigious European Space Agency (ESA) Business Incubation Centre (BIC) Ireland programme.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Tao Climate’s mission to harness space technology to drive sustainability in industrial hemp cultivation.

CEO Byrnes said: “The intersection of space technology and sustainability is where we see the future.

“By leveraging the European Space Agency's satellite imaging capabilities, we can monitor hemp growth with unprecedented accuracy, solve the carbon credit verification problem, and build a foundation for a more sustainable future.

“This partnership is a testament to the transformative power of space tech in tackling the climate crisis.”

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It is hoped that by the end of this initiative, sustainable farming practices will be incentivised worldwide.

Peter Finnegan of ESA Space Solutions Ireland manager, said: “We are delighted to welcome Tao Climate to the ESA Business Incubation Centre (BIC) Ireland network.

“Their innovative use of space technology to address global challenges, such as carbon removal through industrial hemp cultivation, illustrates the types of pioneering technology that we aim to support.

“By integrating ESA’s satellite imaging technology into their platform, Tao Climate is not only advancing the verification of carbon removal but also demonstrating the transformative impact space assets can have on sustainability efforts.”

The ESA BIC Ireland programme provides Tao Climate access to technical expertise, funding opportunities, and a network of space industry leaders.

This is said to “position the company at the forefront of the global technology movement towards a greener, more sustainable planet”.