As the conversation about climate change becomes more urgent, there is a need for solutions that help us treat the planet kindly. Food waste is a great challenge for all and creates many environmental problems. Irish startup MyGug turns this problem into a solution.
In a recent development, MyGug has secured over €900K in seed funding led by BVP, with participation from Enterprise Ireland. This funding will enable the company to further expand its market reach both domestically and internationally. It will help the company in its next phase of growth and innovation.
Food waste to clean energy
Headquartered in Clonakilty, Co Cork, MyGug was founded in 2021 by Fiona Kelleher and Kieran Coffey. The company works with the ambition to change the face of food waste. The company provides a complete food waste management system that creates renewable energy, displacing fossil fuel use and diverting food waste from landfills.
MyGug was first supported by Yield Lab, Europe’s largest early-stage agrifood investor when it was named the AIB and Yield Lab AgTech Startup 2023 after the second AgTechUCD Agccelerator programme at UCD Lyons Farm.
Sustainable zero-waste solution
Most food waste is generated in small-scale settings globally. These small-scale commercial settings (food businesses, educational establishments) are mostly dependent on collection services for the disposal of food waste.
MyGug provides a technology that brings this sustainable zero-waste solution to a new market. It focuses on small food businesses that grow their own food, providing them with a food waste disposal system that turns waste into biogas energy for cooking that can be used in kitchens and gardens. The egg-shaped MyGug units harness the power of a natural process called anaerobic digestion in which food waste is broken down to produce a natural gas suitable for cooking and liquid fertiliser for growing.
“We are delighted to have the support of BVP and Enterprise Ireland as we embark on this next chapter of growth for MyGug. Moving forward with this support is vital for the company. We are fortunate to have an experienced investor base of BVP and Enterprise Ireland which brings expertise to widen our network and relevant background which we see as a very valuable asset in our partnership, and we look forward to a positive and successful collaboration in bringing MyGug to a wider market. This investment will greatly support our efforts to deliver this innovative food waste solution to customers and create a greater positive impact in the fight against climate change,” said Fiona Kelleher, CEO of MyGug.
Stephen Burdock, Executive Director, BVP said, “MyGug has been at the forefront of introducing new age technology to solve growing food waste challenges for micro and medium-scale commercial establishments. The solution is simple to install and has been proven to work thereby providing a large unmet market opportunity for solving waste and energy challenges simultaneously for businesses across different sectors. The dynamic team of Fiona and Kieran have impressed us with their passion to drive this sustainable enterprise solution and their achievement so far.”
Cepta Duffy, Department Manager, Industrial and Lifesciences HPSU, Enterprise Ireland said, “MyGug is a high-potential start-up bringing innovation and adaptability to the critical area of sustainability within the food waste management sector. Enterprise Ireland is proud to support the company on its journey to win business in international markets and I’d like to congratulate the team on their significant achievements to date. Under the leadership of CEO Fiona Kelleher, we are confident that MyGug can go from strength to strength and make its mark offering a highly innovative solution to meet the challenges associated with food waste globally.”
