Kernal Capital in conjunction with Bank of Ireland’s Seed and Early Stage Equity Fund have announced a €500,000 investment in Waterford based ZolkC Ltd.

Founded in 2007 through the Telecommunication Software & Systems Group at WIT, ZolkC are tourism technology specialists dealing with handheld multimedia devices for heritage and tourist sites.

CEO of ZolkC Paul Savage said today: “This is an exciting time for ZolkC, this investment from Kernel Capital will enable us to bring our platform to the North American market where we aim to revolutionise how visitors experience tourist sites, using our technology to really bring attractions to life.”

To date over 600,000 visitors have used the ZolkC interpretation devices at sites such as the Culloden Battlefield in Scotland, the Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick, Co. Down and the Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross, Co. Wexford.

Today Waterford City Council also disclosed details of a new agreement with the company to use its devices at the historic ‘Vicking Triangle’ and other local tourist destinations.

Kernel Capital Operations Director Orla Rimmington commented: “The global tourism industry is increasingly employing technology to enhance the visitor experience and draw new audiences.

“Kernel Capital is delighted to support Irish companies like ZolkC, this investment will position the Company to continue to drive innovation in tourism technology and expand into new markets.”

Kernal Capital are a life-sciences investment company with over 150 scientific patents, and employ more than 800 staff.