Cassan Earth is a climate-tech startup providing satellite and AI-powered tools to measure, verify and report the carbon and risks of blue carbon ecosystems.
Based at St John’s Point in south Donegal, its mission is to make nature’s value measurable to help unlock finance, and investment for nature-based solutions.
Cassan Earth is one of eight up-and-coming companies taking part in the BIM Innovation Studio, delivered in partnership with Hatch Blue. The intensive six-day programme provides participating companies with expert mentoring, investor readiness training, and access to Ireland’s growing aquatech ecosystem.
Founder and CEO Emer Shovlin started Cassan Earth after recognising the huge potential of the ocean, especially blue carbon ecosystems, in tackling climate change and the ecological crisis.
“My mission has always been to drive positive impact in this space, and I realised that nature-based solutions were struggling to attract funding because their impact couldn’t be measured or verified at scale,” said Emer. “Cassan Earth solves this by turning complex ecosystem data into trusted, actionable insights.”
The company’s clients include corporate sustainability teams, project developers, investors, insurers, and government agencies who need trusted data on blue carbon and nature-based solutions.
It targets global industries committed to net-zero goals, including energy and technology. NGOs and project developers are also key clients across the world, particularly in regions with high blue carbon potential, such as Southeast Asia, Africa and small island nations.
“We applied for the BIM Innovation Studio to refine our business model, connect with industry partners, and explore new applications of our technology,” said Emer. “Hatch Blue is a perfect fit because it focuses on marine innovation and has strong global connections in blue carbon, with mentors who can guide us and support our growth.
“We hope to gain industry insights, build strategic partnerships, and refine our go-to-market strategy, while getting guidance from experienced mentors to help scale and grow the business.”
Cassan Earth is a team of three people with tech and business expertise who came together through the National AI Challenge, where they reached the final with an aspect of the company.
Emer has a master’s degree in Marine Conservation Science. After recognising the power technology can have in driving impact in this space, she went on to study Data Science to combine both fields in my work.
“I’ve always been passionate about the ocean, and once I discovered the start-up world, I realised I could create real impact through business development,” said Emer. “I enjoy the challenges, learning, and people in this space, and I’m excited to build a company that makes a difference.”