University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
2020 Horns Point Road, Cambridge, MD, 21613, United States
Overview
UMCES are Maryland's premier research institution aimed at advancing scientific knowledge of the environment.
- Total investments
- 1
- Lead investments
- 1
- Investments · 12mo
- 0
- Active investors
- 0
Sector focus
- Higher Education
Investment portfolio
- Minnowtech
Led · Seed · Nov 2019
Minnowtech is a Baltimore-based aquaculture technology company founded in 2018 that supplies integrated sonar systems to shrimp farmers worldwide. Its product uses precise sonar imaging and machine-vision expertise to deliver real-time estimates of shrimp population and biomass, enabling farmers to optimize harvest timing, reduce feed costs, detect mortality and theft, and improve overall operations. The company integrates precision sonar hardware from UK partner OTAQ Group and assembles complete systems at a Baltimore manufacturing facility operated by Early Charm. Minnowtech has conducted device testing with Kauai Shrimp in Hawaii and received development support from the state of Hawaii and NSF SBIR funding. It has sales in Ecuador, Vietnam, and Australia and is positioned to respond to purchase requests from Indonesia, Thailand, Peru, and Saudi Arabia. Minnowtech, LLC is a UMCES-based aquaculture technology startup that provides imaging tools to measure shrimp abundance with precision. Its product is designed to help shrimp farmers maximize yields and meet demand in the $27 billion farmed shrimp industry. The company spent time visiting shrimp farmers in Asia, Europe, and the Americas to better understand their needs. CEO Suzan Shahrestani said new funds will accelerate product launch and help the team execute technical milestones. Minnowtech received a $150,000 joint investment from the USM Maryland Momentum Fund and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science to complete its seed round. The company is preparing to enter the Southeast Asian market.
Team
No current team members are available.