Restore Blue, based in Co. Sligo, Ireland was founded by Sarah Cosgrove in 2023. Restore was established to support offshore developers plan for the sustainable use of ocean space for renewable energy projects by identifying Nature-Inclusive Design opportunities that support marine ecosystem restoration and biodiversity enhancement. Rather than focusing solely on mitigating negative impacts, Restore promotes a shift toward proactive, net-positive approaches where offshore developments become part of the solution for marine conservation, building with nature in mind from day one. Our planning software solution allows developers to explore the right-fit, nature-positive solutions for a specific development site, to align with legislation and policy and to intelligently use marine data during the early-stage decision making process
Key supports received during start-up process & the role WestBIC played
Restore is very grateful to have received key benefitting supports from our very early days, including the New Frontiers program Phase 2 and 3, Data2Sustain and FactoryXChange support for proof of concept development, the LEO (Sligo) priming grant, ESA BIC Ireland incubation programme and following private investment by Growing Capital, Enterprise Ireland’s Pre-Seed Start Fund in Q1 2025. We engaged with WestBIC at the start of our PSSF application journey and they guided us confidently and expertly through the process, assisting with diligent reviews our application, providing guidance and encouragement throughout. To have this support as first-time founder and first time applicant was invaluable to us. WestBIC have also assisted Restore with business model development, business plan reviews in addition to highlighting numerous relevant supports to assist us further.
Words of advice for new start-ups
Don’t give up! Determination is key. We still have a long journey ahead of us, and we have experienced set-backs that put you to the test. Each day presents a new challenge, but by sticking to your goal and firmly believing in your ability as you grow your team and develop your product/ service guides success. Create relationships with your future clients as early as possible and build trust, as their feedback on your early-stage offering will be the most valuable insights you will receive. Finally, don’t be afraid to adapt based on this feedback.
Future Plans
Our main focus at the minute is to get our software product to market in 2025 and once validated, export to the UK and Northern Europe. We intend to be the global leader in data-driven Nature-Inclusive Design planning for offshore developments – growing and learning with the industry . We plan to build our team to five this year and apply for Enterprise Ireland HPSU before year end, continuing to expand and generate our target revenue of 5 million by 2030.
