Trinity researcher wins inaugural "One to Watch" Award

Wednesday 18th June 2008: Ireland's future competitiveness and economic growth requires an increase in the commercialisation of third level research outputs.

Frank Ryan Chief Executive of Enterprise Ireland, speaking at the first Enterprise Ireland Applied Research Forum at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin said that "in an uncertain economic climate it is essential that Ireland builds on the progress made towards becoming a knowledge-based economy".

"There are many challenges facing companies that want to increase productivity, exports and profits. To get ahead, companies need new ideas and fresh technology and that is something our third level institutions specialise in" he said.
 
"The commercial outputs of third level research are highly valuable and Enterprise Ireland works with our partners in the researcher system to spin off as much technology as possible. More innovative companies mean more opportunities for our young graduates and higher growth and prosperity for the economy as a whole", continued Mr Ryan.

Enterprise Ireland has invested over €300 million in the third level research and innovation system since 2000. During the 3 year period 2005 - 2007, the third level sector has produced 95 licences, 26 start-up companies and hundreds of patents and invention disclosures. 18 of the start-up companies were a direct result of Enterprise Ireland funding applied research.  Last year alone saw 136 patents filed and 264 invention disclosures.

Over 200 researchers who are currently developing commercial possibilities from their research attended today's forum to discuss how they can bring more ideas from the bench to the boardroom.

To recognise their work, Enterprise Ireland commissioned the 'One to Watch' award for the researcher whose commercialisation efforts are deemed to have the most business potential.

The winner of the 'One to Watch' 2008 is Dr. Declan Dagger from Trinity College Dublin.

Dr. Dagger and his team have developed a new personalised elearning tool to tackle the challenges presented by the fact that no two people learn the same way. A new company called Empower the User is being formed around the technology and Dr. Dagger will be the CEO of the spin-out company when it launches in 2009.

The award was presented by the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Jimmy Devins T.D who said: "Dr. Dagger is a wonderful ambassador for the Irish research commercialisation system. He and his team at Trinity College Dublin have worked closely with Enterprise Ireland to bring the fruits of their research to the marketplace where their technology will make a tangible difference to the way people learn new skills.  I look forward to seeing his company take flight next year and encourage more researchers to take inspiration from this success story".

He continued: "Today's Forum highlights the valuable work being done by researchers in Ireland and points to a very real opportunity for both researchers and business".
Enterprise Ireland supports the bringing to market of technology from the research environment. Teams in the areas of Biotechnology, Industrial Technologies and Informatics work with researchers interested in seeing their research work put to commercial use. Funding and expert support is provided for industry oriented research.

" Enterprise Ireland is the Government agency responsible for the development and promotion of the indigenous business sector. Its mission is to accelerate the development of world-class Irish companies to achieve strong positions in global markets resulting in increased national and regional prosperity.

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For further information please contact:

Grace Fitzgerald, Communications & Media Relations Officer Research & Innovation,  Enterprise Irelandt:   +353 1 8082746 m: +353 87 3286404