Donegal AI startup showcases environmental tech at Web Summit in Lisbon

Donegal‑based AI company Canavan Atlantic exhibited its deep‑tech solutions to a global audience at the Web Summit in Lisbon.

The Moville firm, which grew out of founder Cressida Canavan’s work at the family’s Derry planning and environmental consultancy Canavan Associates, uses artificial intelligence to streamline Environmental Impact Assessments and compliance for renewable‑energy projects.

Canavan Atlantic is among 115 Irish start‑ups taking part this year – the highest Irish turnout since the conference moved to Lisbon. Its software helps consultants assemble wildlife surveys, site maps and planning policies, identifying gaps early in the assessment of projects such as wind farms.

Following its work on renewable projects, the team has turned to data‑centre planning, building a prototype called INTERLOCK in two weeks for the National AI Challenge and applying it to real data‑centre applications.

After the challenge, Ms Canavan asked whether agentic AI could make the infrastructure that powers AI more sustainable. Speaking at the summit, she highlighted the dual perspectives of AI development and environmental planning, noting her pride in representing Donegal and promoting “environmental intelligence” for greener data centres and renewable energy.

Source: Donegal Daily. Photo: Matheus Bertelli / Pexels.