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Wednesday, 28th November 2012
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
SHOWCASE 2012new technologies for world markets
SHOWCASE 2012new technologies for world markets
32012#
Minister’s Foreword
A key pillar in the Action Plan for
Jobs involves the use of research
and innovation to drive job creation.
Through consistent and considerable
public and private investment in
Science, Technology and Innovation
over the last decade, we now have
a strong base of research expertise.
The Government’s vision for jobs and
growth is to build on the strengths that
have emerged from this investment
to date and to achieve a greater
economic return from our investment
in this area.
The ‘Big Ideas’ Technology Showcase
event clearly demonstrates the success
of Ireland’s national technology transfer
system and exhibits what we can
describe as ‘Big Ideas’ from research
teams all over Ireland. Many examples
of the commercial possibilities
offered by these ideas, which have
been identified and unlocked in the
laboratories and research facilities
of our Universities and Institutes
of Technology, are featured in this
publication.
To encourage and further harness
these innovations, the Government
is striving to create the right
environment, where research and
entrepreneurs can thrive, and where
ideas can be identified, protected and
commercialised. The Government is
committed to facilitating the transfer of
ideas and knowledge from our Higher
Education Institutes into Irish Industry,
for the overall benefit of our economy
and society, generating employment
and a better quality of life and
wellbeing for all of us.
The Government is implementing a
range of measures to support research,
innovation and entrepreneurs in Ireland
because we recognise the clear and
obvious potential for economic and
societal benefit coming from this. We
are constantly striving to make it easier
to commercialise from ideas developed
4 2012#
through publicly-funded research,
which currently receives total funding
of €800 million per year.
The Government’s new national
Intellectual Property Protocol marks a
major evolution in Ireland’s approach
to industry engagement with public
research. It is about encouraging
industry – both indigenous and
FDI companies – to collaborate
with Ireland’s universities, institutes
of technology and other publicly
funded research institutions; to use
and commercialise the IP generated
from such research and turn it into
products and services for the global
marketplace. It sets out a new system
that is designed to make it easier
and faster for entrepreneurs and
companies to negotiate a commercial
arrangement with publicly funded
research performing organisations.
This Big Ideas Showcase 2012
provides a welcome public platform
for the inventors and promoters of
commercial opportunities developed
in our Higher Education Institutions
(HEIs) and particularly in the areas
of ICT, Manufacturing, Engineering &
Energy, and Lifesciences & Food. The
Big Ideas you hear about today are the
culmination of a process that is funding
research and commercialisation
and which has at its core the aim to
support entrepreneurs and attract
investment and investors. This is a
process that ultimately supports
industry, creates valuable employment
and continues to encourage overseas
investment in to Ireland. It is a
testament to the valuable ongoing
work of Enterprise Ireland and the
Technology Transfer Offices in our third
level institutions.
I would like to commend Enterprise
Ireland on the success of this annual
event and congratulate all of the
Showcase participants on their
innovations.
Sean Sherlock Minister of State for Research and Innovation.
MINISTER’S FOREWORD
52012# 2012#
WORDS OF WELCOME
On behalf of Enterprise Ireland, I would
like to welcome you to our annual Big
Ideas Technology Showcase.
Now in its fourth year, the Showcase
is a much anticipated annual event
that brings together members of the
business, research and investment
communities to hear about the ideas of
today that will shape tomorrow.
At Enterprise Ireland, we are constantly
seeking to encourage innovation,
and entrepreneurship and to harness
research expertise and discovery
in Ireland. A key part of Enterprise
Ireland’s strategy for economic growth
and job creation is to support and
invest in Irish research capability
and the commercialisation of this
research. We have a tremendously
strong research capability in Ireland
and both society and the economy can
reap significant benefits from linking
this research capability with industry
needs, and from developing projects
that can deliver measurable and cost-
effective solutions. We are committed
to supporting high-tech research in
higher education, driving increased
research-industry collaboration and
the rapid commercialisation of these
technologies.
Since 2007, Enterprise Ireland has
provided €30M under the Technology
Transfer Strengthening Initiative
(TTSI) to develop Ireland’s national
technology transfer system, with
particular focus on 10 Technology
Transfer Offices in Higher Education
Institutions around Ireland.
It’s having a real and tangible effect.
Since the TTSI began, there has been
an almost four-fold increase in the
number of spinouts generated through
the national technology transfer
system. Meanwhile, the number of
technologies licensed to industry has
increased ten-fold, from 12 in 2005 to
121 in 2011.
WELCOME
6 2012#
How are we faring against international
standards? When compared with
more mature technology transfer
systems worldwide, Ireland is currently
generating 20 per cent more licensing
agreements and two to four times
as many spin-outs for the amount of
expenditure on research.
Licensing deals and spin-outs reflect
one part of the story, but there is
plenty more to tell. Enterprise Ireland
supports several routes through
which researchers can engage with
industry and with experienced business
mentors, offering innovators crucial
links and platforms to bring their ideas
to the wider world for the benefit of
the Irish economy and for society in
general.
What you will see and hear in the
technology pitches and the Expo at
the Big Ideas Technology Showcase
highlight the types of innovations and
capabilities that have grown in Ireland
in recent years.
I invite you to engage with the
participants, deepen your knowledge
of the research and innovation that
is ongoing in Ireland and hopefully
identify the ideas that best suit your
investment and support.
Greg TrestonDivisional Manager - Research & Innovation, HPSU & Scaling, Enterprise Ireland
WELCOME
72012#
EVENT PROGRAMME 2012
Time:
09.30 Registration
10.00 Opening Remarks by Greg Treston, Divisional Manager Research & Innovation, HPSU & Scaling, Enterprise Ireland
10.10 Opening Address by Richard Stokes, CEO – Invent DCU
10.30 Innovation & Research Expo
11.00 Big Ideas Technology Pitch Sessions • ICTCommercialisation–HavelockSuite • Lifesciences&FoodCommercialisation– President’s Terrace • ManufacturingEngineering&Energy Commercialisation–President’sSuite
13.00 Lunch
13.30 One-to-One Meeting Schedule
13.30 Address & Presentation of Commercialisation Awards by MinisterofStateforResearch&Innovation,SeanSherlock,TD
14.00 FuturistForecast(withQ&A): -DrWilliamLehr,ResearchAssociate, MassachusettsInstituteofTechnology
-DrTimJones,ProgrammeDirector,FutureAgenda
15.30 Closing Networking Reception
8 2012#
Technology: Emizar – Improving Customer Service Presenter: ProfSéamusLawlessTime: 11.00
Technology: Forkstream – Using Wi-Fi to Ease Pressure on Mobile Networks Presenter: DrJohnFitzpatrickTime: 11.15
Technology: nearForm – Programming for the Cloud Presenter: CianÓMaidínTime: 11.30
Technology: OptiWi-Fi – A Smart Way to Manage Wireless Congestion Presenter: MarkBurke 11.45
Technology: Raise Your IQ – Strengthening the Basic Building Blocks of Intelligence Presenter: DrBryanRocheTime: 12.00
Technology: SindiceTech – Putting Knowledge Centre Stage Presenter: DrGiovanniTummarelloTime: 12.15
Technology: TradersNow – Taking the Emotion out of Financial Trading Presenter: KieranMurphyTime: 12.30
1SESSION 1 ICT COMMERCIALISATION -
HAVELOCK SUITE
CHAIR: MIKE BROSNAN
92012#
2SESSION 2LIFE SCIENCE & FOOD COMMERCIALISATION -
PRESIDENT’S TERRACE
CHAIR: Dr ENA PROSSER
Technology: Atlantia Food CRO – Need evidence for a Food Health Claim? Presenter: DrSallyCudmoreTime: 11.00
Technology: Class Medical – Safety First for Placing Urinary Catheters Presenter: Rory MooneyTime: 11.15
Technology: Clinical Biosensors – Measuring Real-Time Chemistry Inside the Patient Presenter: DrNiallFinnertyTime: 11.30
Technology: Equilume – An eye to Reproductive Timing in Horses Presenter: DrBarbaraMurphyTime: 11.45
Technology: ProLegere – A Sweet Approach to Tackling Disease Presenter: DrPaulClarkeTime: 12.00
Technology: SilverCloud Health - Engaging Online Health and Wellness Solutions Presenter: JamesBlighTime: 12.15
10 2012#
3Technology: Adama Innovations – Adding Value with Nanopatterns Presenter: DeclanScanlanTime: 11.00
Technology: Nanoplast – Self Sterilising Textiles at the Flick of a Light Switch Presenter: PatrickCroninTime: 11.15
Technology: Optrace – Better Security with Individualised Holograms Presenter: DermotTierneyTime: 11.30
Technology: OsteoAnchor – Bone Implants with Better Grip Presenter: DrNoelHarrisonTime: 11.45
Technology: Poly-PicoTechnologies – Biological Printing at a Tiny Scale Presenter: DrGabrielLeenTime: 12.00
Technology: The Warmer Wedge – Hot Water that Doesn’t Cost the Earth Presenter: DrMickMcKeeverTime: 12.15
SESSION 3 MANUFACTURING, ENGINEERNG & ENERGY
COMMERCIALISATION - PRESIDENT’S SUITE
CHAIR: ANDREW JONES
Entrepreneur, investor, innovator, leader, motivator, creative thinker, high performer, team player, business partner.
Recognise Yourself?
We have a wide range of
technologies on the brink of
commercialisation. Now we
need Business Partners to lead
them to the marketplace.
Enterprise Ireland is looking for successful business people to partnerwith us to transform State funded research projects into profitablecommercial ventures.
Our Business Partners Programme is fast tracking the creation of new companies by giving you access to our portfolio of potential start-ups. It will be your job to lead them to the marketplace.
We would like to hear from you if you have• a strong commercial track record• excellent business credentials• capacity to invest• ability to identify commercial opportunity• vision to transform new technologies into solid businesses.
IfyouareinterestedinjoiningEnterpriseIreland’sBusinessPartnersProgrammevisit:www.enterprise-ireland.com/businesspartners
www.enterprise-ireland.com/businesspartners
STARTING A HIGH POTENTIAL BUSINESS?STARTWITHUS
Enterprise Ireland’s high potential start-up (HPSU) team provides hands-on support and advice to entrepreneurs and early stage companies that have an innovative product, service or technology and have the potential to achieve high levels of growth and create employment.
If you are thinking of starting a new business with high growth potential, or are currently raising investment for your start-up, you may qualify for support and investment. Further information on our support for high potential start-up companies and full contact details are available at:www.enterprise-ireland.com
132012#
Session 1
Mike Brosnan has led multi-national and
indigenous Technology firms for more than
25 years.
Born in Cork, Mike qualified with a B.E.
in Electronics from University College
Cork and he holds a Master’s degree in
electronic engineering. He is a Fellow
of the Institution of Engineering and
Technology and serves as a member of the
Institute of Directors of Ireland.
Mike has managed and implemented
strategic change in several companies
across the spectrum of stages, from
start-up to acquisition, and across various
industries.
In 1987, he founded sensor company,
Neotech Industries Europe, in partnership
with a US company. Under his leadership,
the workforce at the Northern Ireland
company grew to more than 70 employees
and the enterprise was sold to a US firm in
1992.
Between 1991 and 1997, Mike was VP of
European Operations for Pulse Engineering
Inc., where he led the management
team that transformed the focus from
high labour content operations to sales,
marketing, research and development.
From 1997 to 2011, Mike was Managing
Director of building controls manufacturer
and design company, Europlex
Technologies Ltd. During his tenure
the Irish-based company successfully
partnered with an Indian system integrator
and set up a new R&D and manufacturing
operation in India. In 2004, Mike led
a management buyout at Europlex
Technologies.
The company was eventually sold to
Siemens in 2007. Mike remained with
Siemens until 2011 and set up a technology
consulting company in late 2011.
Today Mike’s principal areas of
interest are in the ICT sector, including
telecommunications, software, control
systems, electronics, medical devices,
instrumentation, sensors, green technology
and manufacturing.
Mike is an Enterprise Ireland approved
Business Partner, working with potential
technology spin-outs from Universities
in advising, supporting and hands-on
involvement in getting companies started
and sustainable going forward.
His advice to technology innovators is to
ensure that the three main foundations
of any start-up - innovative technology
with clear Intellectual Property Rights, a
validated and viable market, and a good
team - are part of the innovation process
from the start and move forward in parallel.
ICT COMMERCIALISATION CHAIR: MIKE BROSNAN
STARTING A HIGH POTENTIAL BUSINESS?STARTWITHUS
14 2012#
Suppose you bought something but you are having problems getting it to work. It could be a phone, a piece of software, a washing machine or sporting equipment. What do you do? You could phone the company, but it’s probably quicker and cheaper to go online and look for a solution. However, many people struggle with online help sites in their current form.
Emizar, new software developed at Trinity College Dublin, is designed to make it easier for companies to deliver effective customer support which provides users with the answers they need.
“The problem is that there’s a huge volume of content available out there, from a variety of different sources - technical manuals, knowledge-base articles, and information posted by communities on different forums,” explains Prof. Séamus Lawless.
Meanwhile, international customers may have a vastly reduced amount of content across which they can search for potential solutions, due to language bariers
So how does Emizar help? It works by combining the various sources of content available across a variety of different languages and presenting them in a personalised way for the individual customer.
When a user enters a query of just a couple of words into a search engine, Emizar’s technology can use other pieces of information - like their preferences and the product version they are using - to inform what kind of content to prioritise for them.
Emizar is currently being validated with Symantec customer support. And because the multi-lingual personalised search technology can potentially be used to help find answers about any product, Prof. Lawless sees it having a wide application.
“Users across every type of industry need support and help with products and problems they are having,” he says. “There’s a really broad potential market for the product and that is a real bonus that we see with this company.”
EMIZAR - IMPROVING CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Presenter: Prof.SéamusLawless
Collaborators:
Brian Kelly
ProfVincentWade
DrAlexO’Connor
152012#
You’re using the Internet on a mobile device. Maybe you are watching a video on YouTube, or making a voice-over-IP call. Suddenly you walk into a Wi-Fi zone and your device prompts you to select it. Your session is disrupted and the experience is far from seamless.
Forkstream technology, developed at University College Dublin, provides a better way. It allows mobile operators to move users off the cellular network and on to an available Wi-Fi network without interrupting the user’s session.
“Over the last few years we have seen a revolution with smartphones and tablets,” says Dr John Fitzpatrick, an IRCSET Marie Curie research fellow at UCD. “This has caused a huge increase in the amount of data consumption, and the cellular networks were never really designed to handle this kind of volume.”
One way to reduce the volume of data on the cellular networks is to transfer users over to Wi-Fi networks where available, or even operate separate sessions on both cellular and Wi-Fi networks at the same time.
“Our technology means a user’s mobile device can move seamlessly between the networks with no disruption to services,” says Dr Fitzpatrick. “We enable the operator to go in and configure the networks and then push the information to the mobile device to provide a Wi-Fi connection automatically.”
Crucially, the mobile operator can still monitor the user’s experience on Wi-Fi once the user has moved onto it. And the user doesn’t have to make changes to their operating system, they can simply download an app to make the seamless transfers work. Forkstream is now looking for investors.
FORKSTREAM – USING WI-FI TO EASE PRESSURE ON MOBILE NETWORKS
Presenter:
Dr.JohnFitzpatrick
Collaborator:
MidouNafaa
16 2012#
The Internet is one of the great enablers of business and everyday life. And behind it, Javascript has become the de facto programming language of the web, evolving in recent years to become more powerful.
Meanwhile, cloud computing is becoming the standard model for many businesses.
NearForm is a company that taps into the potential of both Javascript and the cloud. Its technologies allows Javascript developers to build applications which make use of advanced cloud technology easily and simply.
“A huge amount of innovation has taken place around the Javascript language over the past three years, and people realise now that Javascript will be the primary language of the web for the foreseeable future,” says nearForm CEO Cian Ó Maidín. “In a nutshell we are building useful, battle-tested, open-source technology, with great community support and involvement in a rapidly emerging new technology space.”
Whereas Javascript, which was once only used to build web site interfaces, can now be used to build advanced cloud computing programs - this is called NODE.JS, he explains. “It means that web developers can now build cloud programs using their existing skill set. NearForm are heavily focused on NODE.JS and we aim to be one of the main players globally for NODE developers.”
Despite being less than a year old as a company, nearForm is profitable and counts banks, newspapers, Fortune 500 companies and Silicon Valley start-ups among customers.
NearForm is now looking to raise its profile as a consulting company, according to Ó Maidín. “Expect to see major announcements and progress in 2013.”
NEARFORM- PROGRAMMING FOR THE CLOUD
Presenter: CianÓMaidín
172012#
OPTIWI-FI - A SMART WAY TO MANAGE WIRELESS CONGESTION
Have you ever been at a large conference and failed to get even a basic connection to the Internet on your laptop, smartphone or tablet? That’s down to congestion, where too many users are clamouring for one hotspot and the system can’t handle the load.
In Asia, congestion is already a major problem. In Europe, it’s coming in the next 12-18 months. Data traffic on cellular networks is growing rapidly, and one way mobile network operators try to ease the burden is to transfer the traffic onto local Wi-Fi hotspots. Wi-Fi service is very difficult for operators to manage with the result that many users are left stranded.
OptiWi-fi has developed a way to optimise Wi-Fi routers so the user experiences good quality service. “Wi-Fi is operating today without any effective quality performance management” says OptiWi-fi’s CEO Mark Burke. “We can optimise a hotspot and improve a user’s quality in areas experiencing congestion and interference”.
OptiWi-fi is in Telefónica’s Wayra Academy and DIT Hothouse; they are making waves in the industry winning a place among IBM SmartCamp Dublin Finalists and Intertrade Ireland’s Seedcorn Regional Finalists. They have completed trials with Bitbuzz , Ireland’s number one independent Wi-fi provider, that are showing the real benefits of their solutions. As a reult of these trials OptiWi-fi are launching their first products with Bitbuzz this year.
But with such a pressing global need to better manage congestion hotspots in real time, why has no one else cracked this before? “What is unique about us is that we can manage the performance of a router in real time in response to the changing network load in a hotspot location,” says Burke.
OptiWi-fi is attending the Big Ideas Showcase with a view to meeting potential Technology Partners to trial our solutions and also to talk to interested investors regarding seed funding for our business.
Presenter:
MarkBurke
Collaborator:
MarkDavis
18 2012#
Would you like to be smarter? Relational frame training could help. A form of “cognitive training”, the method was developed more than 10 years ago and is now used in clinical practice to help kids with intellectual difficulties. A spin-out company from NUI Maynooth, Raise Your I.Q. is looking to deliver its benefits for users online.
“At the moment there are a lot of brain training products on the market,” says Prof. Bryan Roche. “But research shows that brain training doesn’t work as well as people would think, and that the effects are not long lasting.”
Relational frame training is a little different: through a series of questions and puzzles it develops skills relating to logic and maths, and its effectiveness has been proven through use in the clinic.
Research at NUI Maynooth has developed and validated an online version of relational frame training aimed at users aged between 8 and 17. A user typically engages in two or three 30-40 minute sessions per week for 10-12 weeks.
“In published tests of the system we have seen an increase in IQ of 13 points,” says Roche. “And the effects have lasted for three to four years to date.”
Potential customers could include schools, psychological professionals and parents looking to improve their children’s mental skills.
The company recently refined the design of the online system and is moving towards launching their first products. “We have a system that we can sell and we have the expertise to deliver it,” says Roche. “We now need finance and marketing support to bring this revolutionary educational tool to the masses.”
RAISEYOURIQ- STRENGTHENING THE BASIC BUILDING BLOCKS OF INTELLIGENCE
Presenter:
DrBryanRoche
Collaborators:
JohnChambers
DrSarahCassidy
192012#
SINDICETECH- PUTTING KNOWLEDGE CENTRE STAGE
Knowledge is a valuable commodity, and using or repurposing it the right way can help a company improve efficiency or even create new products and services.
Some industries, such as healthcare, pharmaceutical and scientific and technical publishing, deal with highly variable data, and it can be a challenge to integrate new sources of information.
SindiceTech, a spin-out from the Digital Enterprise Research Institute at NUI Galway, can help. It combines ‘big data’ techniques (Hadoop/NoSQL) with semantic web based data integration technologies on private or public cloud platforms.
Putting information into Sindice’s CloudSpace data management system can transform data and make it nimble to repurpose, explains co-founder and CEO, Dr Giovanni Tummarello.
A distinguishing feature of CloudSpace is that it can handle and mesh large-scale datasets on cloud computing infrastructures, and it provides the operational flexibility needed to quickly process new sources of data. This allows a client to experiment with and manipulate large amounts of data and to search for links in large-scale datasets that would be hidden in traditionally-structured databases.
“Information enters CloudSpace and it is now easy to transform, process, repurpose and study,” says Dr Tummarello. “And ultimately that can be used to power new products and insights for companies. The information is useful not just for analysts but it can also be used inside applications and it can help to create new knowledge.”
Sindice is already working with clients in the pharmaceutical industry and with Elsevier, one of the largest names in scientific and technical publishing.
The company is now looking to scale up. According to Dr Tummarello: “We are looking for investors that are enlightened, and have the right network and experience in international markets.”
Presenter:
DrGiovanniTummarello
Collaborator:
DrRenaudDelbru
20 2012#
When do you buy or sell on financial markets? The right decision can be the difference between successful trading and, in some cases, potentially catastrophic failure.
Software company TradersNow is developing a new mathematically based trading system that gives traders a statistical advantage when trading. The “Q” trading system is a neural network that has taken years to develop and is IP intense. The neural network focuses on risk rather than return and takes the emotion out of trading decisions.
“The four apocalypses of trading are fear, greed, hope and ignorance,” says TradersNow founder and CEO Kieran Murphy. “People need to remove the emotion from trading by using an algorithmic approach. The hypothesis needs to be based on sound mathematical foundations.”
At present, most of the trading markets use financial models based upon the ‘efficient market hypothesis’. But working with Prof. Jonathan Blackledge at the Dublin Institute of Technology, TradersNow is developing a trading system based on the ‘fractal market hypothesis’, which takes risk more into account.
“Why our system is different is that we plan for worst-case scenarios; we are eyeing up risk and not return,” says Murphy. “It takes the emotion away from the trader and it gives a statistical advantage in the marketplace.”
The company is now working with beta customers in order to independently validate The Q’s trading performance.
“We are now seeking funding to bring The Q to market as a commercial product,” says Murphy.
TRADERSNOW - TAKING THE EMOTION OUT OF FINANCIAL TRADING
Presenter:
KieranMurphy
Collaborators:
Prof.JonathanBlackledge
DeclanKavanagh
ShaunOverton
2012#
IF YOU ARE A FEMALE-LED START-UP, WITH THE POTENTIAL TO CREATE JOBS IN IRELAND AND GROW INTERNATIONALLY, YOU CAN NOW APPLY TO ENTERPRISE IRELAND’S COMPETITIVE START FUND BY COMPLETING AN ONLINE APPLICATION BEFORE 3PM ON MONDAY 3RD DECEMBER 2012.
€50K COMPETITIVE START FUND
From a fund of up to €500,000, up to 10 start-up companies will be selected to receive an investment of up to €50,000 for a 10% ordinary equity stake. The selected companies will be required to secure additional investment of €5,000 prior to the release of Enterprise Ireland’s investment.
To find out more go to:www.enterprise-ireland.com/csfEmail: [email protected] Telephone: 01 7272130
01 7272192 01 7272499
FoodConsumer products
Medical Devices
e- health
Games
150KCOMPETITIVESTARTFUNDFOR FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS
IF YOU ARE A FEMALE-LEDSTART-UP, WITH THE POTENTIALTOCREATEJOBSINIRELAND AND GROWINTERNATIONALLY,YOU CAN NOW APPLYTOENTERPRISEIRELAND’SCOMPETITIVESTARTFUND BY COMPLETING AN ONLINEAPPLICATION BEFORE 3PM ON MONDAY 3RD DECEMBER 2012.
INNOVATIONPARTNERSHIPPROGRAMMECollaborating for Future Success
•Yourcompanycouldaccessthelatestskillsand expertisefromresearchinstitutesthroughout Irelandtodevelopnewandimprovedproducts, processes or services.
•TheInnovationPartnershipProgrammecould coverupto80%ofthecostoftheresearchwork.
• For further information visit: www.enterprise-ireland.com/ipp
232012#
Dr Ena Prosser is a Partner in Fountain Healthcare Partners, an Irish lifesciences venture capital firm with offices in Dublin and New York.
She has a broad background in international alliance and intellectual property management and has led due diligence projects on technologies and products within the pharma, diagnostic, medical device and biotechnology industries.
Born in Dublin, Ena graduated with a PhD in immunology from Dublin City University. She then moved into R&D and project management roles within Élan Corporation and had extensive involvement in drug delivery development, licensing and acquisition projects over a nine-year period.
Ena joined Enterprise Ireland, where she led a team to identify, fund, protect and exploit relevant Intellectual Property, to commercialise life sciences technologies and to review investment opportunities in R&D.
Ena was part of the team that raised Fountain Healthcare Partners Fund one in 2008. She has since led the investments and is a board member of Genable Ltd, and Trino Therapeutics Ltd. Ena also works closely with Ireland’s leading ophthalmology research charity Fighting Blindness.
With her strong innovation policy background, Ena was recently a member of the Irish Government Innovation Taskforce in Intellectual Property. She is also a council member of the Irish BioIndustry Association and several CSET and Cluster Projects.
Ena is an Adjunct Professor at University College Dublin and she is a member of the Institute of Directors.
Her advice to innovators is to get the best team around the table to work on your idea as soon as you can. Then you’ll know if you have a good idea or a great idea.
LIFE SCIENCE AND FOOD COMMERCIALISATION
CHAIR: Dr ENA PROSSER
Session 2INNOVATIONPARTNERSHIPPROGRAMMECollaborating for Future Success
24 2012#
Supermarket aisles are full of foods packaged with health claims - the contents could promise to help you to lower your cholesterol, maintain good digestive health or even prevent colds and flu.
But where’s the clinical evidence? The European Food and Safety Authority has clamped down on these health claims, demanding that companies supply dossiers of scientific evidence that a functional food, beverage or supplement really does what they are claiming. This December, any health claim that has not been approved by EFSA has to be removed from packaging and advertising.
So how do companies that can’t do clinical research studies prove that their products have a health benefit? That’s where a contract research organisation (CRO) can help, explains Dr Sally Cudmore, CEO of Atlantia Food CRO.
The company is spinning out of the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre at University College Cork to run human food intervention trials to validate health claims. Atlantia will manage studies for client companies, drawing on the expertise of researchers at the APC, UCC, Teagasc and the Cork Hospitals. These researchers have extensive experience in clinical studies of functional food ingredients across a wide range of areas, including digestive discomfort, cholesterol reduction, cognitive function, arthritis and sports performance.
“The functional food sector is a huge and growing global market opportunity,” says Dr Cudmore. “Atlantia Food CRO is an agile, scalable, and cost-effective CRO, with a direct link back into the expertise within the university. Atlantia is currently seeking seed funding to build upon its current trial activities and provide intervention studies to food companies across Europe.’’
ATLANTIAFOODCRO- NEED EVIDENCE FOR A FOOD HEALTH CLAIM?
Presenter:
DrSallyCudmore
252012#
CLASSMEDICAL-SAFETY FIRST FOR PLACING URINARY CATHETERS
In hospital, it’s common practice to place a narrow tube or catheter into a patient to catch and monitor their urine output - it can give a good insight into how the patient is faring. But while placing a catheter in the water passage or urethra might be considered routine, it’s not without its problems.
Usually the doctor or nurse inserts the catheter and pushes it in towards the bladder. Once there, a balloon inflates to anchor the device in place so it can collect urine.
However, in males it is difficult to know when the catheter has gone in far enough to reach the bladder. Sometimes this means the balloon is inflated while it is still in the water passage and it can cause irritation and damage.
Technology developed at the University of Limerick offers a simple but effective solution, which takes advantage of the pressure difference between the bladder (low pressure) and the water passage (high pressure).
The device, developed at the Centre for Applied Biomedical Engineering Research, incorporates a pressure-sensitive safety valve into the catheter delivery system. In practice, that means if the balloon is inflated while it is still in the water passage, the valve stops the catheter from working and the clinician can quickly see that urine is running outside the catheter rather than within it.
The invention won the inaugural 2011 Clinical Innovation Award from Enterprise Ireland and the Cleveland Clinic and the team has visited the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio to showcase the prototype.
The technology is now being optimised and a clinical trial is being planned, according to engineer Rory Mooney, who has been working with Dr. Michael Walsh and Dr. Niall Davis on the technology. “Our objective is to secure investment and bring this innovation to the clinic, where it can improve the safety of putting a urinary catheter in place in a patient.”
Presenter:
Rory Mooney
Collaborators:
DrMichaelWalsh
DrNiallDavis
26 2012#
Imagine if you could measure chemical changes in the body at a chosen location in real time, as they happen. That information could be a valuable clinical clue as to how a patient is doing, or how a treatment is working.
A team at NUI Maynooth have been developing tiny sensors that can be implanted into the body to measure a range of important clinical chemicals or ‘metabolites’ at that site, such as oxygen, glucose or lactic acid.
Each sensor, a small wire about the width of a human hair, has specially designed chemistry on its tip. When a small voltage is passed through the wire using a medical device, electrochemical reactions take place at the sensor’s tip and the information immediately appears on a monitor outside the body. The end result? Real-time measurements of specific chemical changes inside the body.
“Medicine at the moment uses bedside analysis but what clinicians want is in-patient analysis. And what we hope to give to the clinician is an indicator of chemical changes at the site where the sensor is implanted,” says Dr Niall Finnerty. “There are many applications for this technology across intensive care units, high-dependency units, A&E and in general surgery.”
The approach has been pre-clinically analysed for several biological parameters and a prototype is now moving towards clinical validation for oxygen, he adds. “We are now looking for someone who can help us to develop a start-up company around these sensors.”
CLINICALBIOSENSORS- MEASURING REAL TIME CHEMISTRY INSIDE THE PATIENT
Presenter:
DrNiallFinnerty
Collaborators:
DrFiachraBolger
ProfJohnLowry
272012#
EQUILUME-AN EYE TO REPRODUCTIVE TIMING IN HORSES
In the world of Thoroughbreds, timing is everything. Each horse’s ‘birthday’ is set at January 1st, so foals that are born early in the year are potentially worth more as yearlings and two year olds compared to foals born later in the year.
Equilume offers a practical, non-invasive, efficient and robust way to help control when foals are born. In early winter, the Thoroughbred mare wears a mask that shines timed, low level blue-enriched light into one eye in order to simulate longer hours of daylight. This ‘sets’ the reproductive cycle so foals are born early in the year.
Barn lighting has long been used as a way to steer the mare’s reproductive timing because light inhibits a hormone called melatonin, explains Equilume co-founder Dr. Barbara Murphy. But keeping the mares in a barn is not always practical, or cost-effective, costing as much as €1400 per animal per breeding season.
Instead, the Equilume mask can inhibit melatonin even if the animal is outside and, because the light is being directed into just one eye, the mare’s vision and mobility are not impaired.
An Equilume prototype has been tested on high-profile Thoroughbred farms in Kentucky and Ireland and final prototype tests are planned within the Japanese Thoroughbred industry in the coming season. Dr Murphy is looking for investment before the spin-out company launches an initial product in 2013.
“There are 175,000 Thoroughbred mares that could be managed with this light therapy,” says Dr. Murphy, who developed the underlying technology at University College Dublin. “The mask could also be used to manage jetlag and coat shedding in competitive horses, and it could eventually become a platform for various different technologies to monitor horse health.”
Presenter:
DrBarbaraMurphy
Collaborator:
Prof.SeanSheridan
28 2012#
PROLEGERE-A SWEET APPROACH TO TACKLING DISEASE
In biology, sugars come in many complex shapes and sizes, and they have important roles to play. One example is sucrose, the sweet granular substance you put into tea or sprinkle on cereals.
The cells that make up your body contain a huge variety of sugar molecules that help you to function. And in diseases such as cancer, the profiles of those sugars can change. Many complex biopharmaceutical drugs depend on having the correct sugar structures on them to work.
A new technology developed at Dublin City University, ProLegere, offers a convenient way to isolate and analyse biological sugars on a large scale. It uses protein-based ‘lectin’ molecules to specifically recognise sugars in a sample. This makes it possible to see what sugars are present, and even identify where they are.
Lectins are not new, and they are usually sourced from plants. But what sets ProLegere apart is that the molecules are sourced from bacteria, explains Dr Paul Clarke. “This means our sugar recognising molecules can be easily grown up on a large scale and modified to make them even more effective,” he says.
ProLegere has developed a range of sugar recognising compounds; the technology could be applied in general research and development in the life sciences (particularly in protein analysis), the diagnosis of disease and improving the production of biopharmaceutical drugs.
We are looking for people with commercial expertise who can help us to raise investment to spin-out our technology,” says Dr Clarke.
Presenter:
DrPaulClarke
Collaborators:
DrRoisinThompson
DrMichaelO’Connell
DrBrendanO’Connor
292012#
SILVERCLOUDHEALTH- ENGAGING ONLINE HEALTH & WELLNESS SOLUTIONS
Online content can be a convenient way for people with long-term health conditions to get support and information. But in order to work, the online content has to be engaging - otherwise the user could simply drop out and there would be little benefit.
That’s why SilverCloud Health’s platform technology for online health is designed with the user in mind. Working with the National Digital Research Centre, Trinity College Dublin, the Mater Misericordiae Hospital and Charity, Parents Plus, SilverCloud Health has developed an online platform that is more usable for both clinicians and clients.
It allows doctors and other healthcare professionals to deliver general or customised content on a computer or mobile device. And, crucially, it does so in a way that keeps the user engaged with it. For additional support, there’s even an option for the therapist to connect with the user as they are going through the content.
Potential customers include health service providers, counselling services, charities and insurance companies. SilverCloud Health is initially targeting the area of providing mental health content online, and is working with customers in Ireland, the UK and the US.
In the future though, the platform could also be used to deliver education and help behaviour management for chronic physical conditions such as diabetes and lung disease.
“The content is clinically researched, it can be customised and it is delivered with expertise in healthcare and user-centred design,” says SilverCloud Health CTO James Bligh. “Our clinical trials have shown a threefold decrease in drop-out rates compared with competing products. We are now looking for investment to accelerate our growth.”
Presenter:
JamesBligh
Collaborator:
KenCahill
DrJohnSharry
DrGavinDoherty
GROWTHCAPITALTEAMEnterprise Ireland’s Growth Capital Team is a dedicated resource that works with private investors, business angel networks and institutional investors in Ireland and internationally.
We have a portfolio of Irish technology based start-ups that are raising private investment in order to implement their start-up and expansion plans.
Enterprise Ireland undertakes extensive technical, commercial, financial and market due diligence for each project before an investment decision is made. Investors, interested in co-investing with Enterprise Ireland, can access a portfolio of screened investment opportunities in both technology and services sectors.
In larger investment rounds where syndicated investments are involved we can introduce investors to other private and institutional investors
Enterprise Ireland, in conjunction with InterTradeIreland, supports the Halo Business Angels Partnership programme which facilitates access to a network of registered Business Angels.
If you are an investor interested in exploring investment opportunities in Ireland contact the Growth Capital Team today. Tel: +35317272684Email: [email protected]
www.enterprise-ireland.com
GROWTHCAPITALTEAM
COMMERCIALISATIONFUNDPROGRAMMECREATE AND INNOVATE
The Commercialisation Fund Programme aims to improve the competitiveness of the Irish economy through the creation of technology based start-up companies and the transfer of innovations from Higher Education Institutions and Research Performing Organisations to industry in Ireland.
The programme funds innovations at all stages of the commercial pipeline by providing the following supports to researchers:
COMMERCIALCASEFEASIBILITYSUPPORTFunding support up to €15,000 can be obtained by researchers in partnership with their Technology Transfer Office or equivalent office for a short Feasibility Project (up to 3 months) to scope and develop the commercial case for their innovation or project idea in advance of submitting a Commercialisation Fund Support application to the programme.
Support is provided to:• Perform
o Market analysis and validation
o Patent landscaping and plan IP strategy
• Profile competitor landscape
• Investigate routes to exploitation to the economic benefit of Ireland
• Understand relevant regulatory issues
• Create a small demonstration or prototype
Proposals can be submitted at anytime for this support.
COMMERCIALISATIONFUND SUPPORTFunding support is available to researchers for
projects that address a gap or need in the market
by developing innovations that can:
• Be commercialised in Ireland
• Be licensable ideally in 2-5 years
• Generate a start-up company
Proposals can be submitted to published calls.
Our next call closing date will be in February
2013.
Additionally, Enterprise Ireland can also invite
individual proposals that have been
co-developed with an applicant’s Technology
Transfer or equivalent office.
Contact:
Majella Maher, Programme Manager,
Phone: 091 735927
Email: [email protected]
www.enterprise-ireland.com/commercialisation
32 2012#
Andrew Jones has 33 years experience in the medical device and medical equipment sector.
Born in Belfast, Andrew graduated with a BSc in Engineering at the New University of Ulster in 1979. He joined Technicon (now Bayer Diagnostics) where he served in a variety of development engineering roles before becoming Director of Field Service. During his time with Technicon, Andrew also attained a MSC in Management Practice at TCD in 1988.
In 1991, as Managing Director, Andrew set up Summit Technologies’ subsidiary in Cork, manufacturing excimer lasers for corrective eye surgery.
Then in 1996, Andrew moved from equipment to devices. He established AngioDynamics’ Irish subsidiary in Enniscorthy to manufacture coronary angioplasty products. By 2000, AngioDynamics had exited the coronary market and Andrew led a management buy-out to form ClearStream Technologies.
Early success for ClearStream led to Andrew winning the Emerging Company category of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2003. The following year, Andrew led the flotation of ClearStream on the AIM Market in London. Changes in the coronary stent market meant that ClearStream went through some difficult years mid way through the first decade of the new millenium. But under Andrew’s leadership, the company managed a strategic shift into the peripheral vascular market.
This allowed them to develop some pioneering devices, the company made a strong recovery, and that ultimately led to the successful sale of ClearStream to Bard in 2011.
Today, Andrew offers business consultancy under the banner of Med Dev Strategies.
Andrew’s advice to innovators is to know your target customers intimately and establish if there is a potential demand for your idea by talking to as many of them as possible in as many different markets as possible. Plus be willing to adjust things on the basis of their feedback.
Session 3MANUFACTURING, ENGINEERING & ENERGY COMMERCIALISATIONCHAIR: ANDREW JONES
332012#
ADAMAINNOVATIONS- ADDING VALUE WITH NANOPATTERNS
We know electronic devices such as tablets and smartphones are continually becoming more powerful while getting smaller and lighter. For semiconductor manufacturers, this presents the problem of smaller physical features to be inspected on the surface of their microprocessor chips,
A technology developed at Trinity College Dublin which can generate patterns right down at the ‘nano’ level on the scale of millionths of a millimetre is offering a solution.
The standard approach to nano-patterning uses a multi-step process, but this Trinity innovation is a simple two-step method that can be applied to a range of materials and it’s not restricted to flat surfaces.
The technique uses a focused ion beam to deposit gallium ion “spots” as a mask on the surface of the material. Then in a plasma chamber, the areas that are not protected by the mask get etched away, leaving the ‘written’ pattern in place.
“That means you can make a three dimensional structured pattern in a hard material such as diamond,” explains Declan Scanlan..
Adama Innovations, soon to spin out of Trinity College, sees an initial target market for the technology in atomic force microscopy (AFM). Widely used in the industry, AFM’s move a tiny probe like a record player stylus across materials to visualise an image of the surface. The direct nanopatterning technique can be used to produce sharper diamond AFM probes so they can analyse the smaller structures and yet still remain durable.
“These are consumable parts, and we are seeing an increasing demand from manufacturers and users of AFM in the semiconductor, hard drive and electronics manufacturing industries” says Scanlan. “We are seeking to secure investment to allow us meet this demand.”
Presenter:
DeclanScanlan
Collaborators:
DrGrahamCross
NealO’Hara
34 2012#
What if preventing the spread of bacteria in hospitals or clinics was as easy as switching on a light?
Nanoplast technology, developed by the University of Limerick, offers a way to do just that.
It incorporates light-sensitive nanoparticles onto the outer surface of textiles, such as uniforms or white coats. When the nanoparticles are activated by light, they become anti-microbial and can kill off bacteria on the textile.
Using the technology, light activated titanium nanoparticles on the textiles have been shown to be active against MRSA, while silver-doped titanium nanoparticles could attack E. coli when exposed to light.
The technology could be used to make uniforms for medical staff as well as bedding and furnishings in clinical settings. Tests show that even after as many as 40 washes Nanoplast-treated textile can still kill bacteria when exposed to light.
“Nanoplast is now being optimised and prepared for scale-up to meet market requirements, and we are working with potential customers and licensees of the technology,” says Patrick Cronin, who is on the research team at UL. “We hope to gain interest from an investment partner that can bring a deep level of knowledge, experience and guidance in the commercialisation of this technology.”
NANOPLAST - SELF-STERILISING TEXTILES AT THE FLICK OF A LIGHT SWITCH
Presenter:
PatrickCronin
Collaborator:
DrTofailSyed
352012#
OPTRACE-BETTER SECURITY WITH INDIVIDUALISED HOLOGRAMS
Holograms are a common security feature, but are they really secure? Optrace technology, developed at Dublin Institute of Technology’s Industrial Engineering Optics Centre, uses laser light to produce holograms to deter would-be counterfeiters.
The process uses a novel ink digitally printed onto a light-sensitive polymer. Then the printed polymer is exposed to a controlled pattern of laser light to convert the design into a unique hologram that can incorporate a serial number, a barcode, company logo and other features.
“Currently no holograms are totally unique,” explains Dermot Tierney from DIT Hothouse. “On your credit card for example, that is essentially the same hologram as on thousands of others - it is based on a master and copied from that.”
Counterfeiters can reproduce holograms that are based on a master. But the cost of faking a unique hologram that has been manufactured through the Optrace technique would outweigh the potential reward.
The technology is now being further developed to produce holograms that react to temperature, pressure and humidity - consumers could simply press or breathe on the hologram to authenticate the product. The initial target market for the product is the pharmaceutical industry. Counterfeit drugs can kill, and they are estimated to represent 10 per cent of the total market and cost pharmaceutical manufacturers €45 billion per year, according to Tierney.
“This solution can add a whole new and significant level of security to holograms,” he says. “We think we have a great window to get clients to upgrade their holographic security without the cost of moving to entirely new models.” We are currently looking for Business Partners or Investors with a track record in the Anti-Counterfeiting or Pharmaceutical Manufacturing sectors.
Presenter:
DermotTierney
Principle Investigator:
DrIzabelaNaydenova
Collaborators:
DrSuzanneMartin
Prof.VincentToal
DrEmiliaMihaylova
AmandaCreane
36 2012#
Hip replacement surgery can give a patient back their mobility and offer a new lease of life. But to work well, the implanted artificial hip needs to sit securely into the thigh bone. If it becomes loose over time, the result can be painful and the patient may even need to have the implant removed and replaced with a new one.
The OsteoAnchor technology developed at NUI Galway produces implants with a better grip to secure the implant within the bone immediately and over the long-term.
Generally, for ‘cementless’ implants, the surgeon hammers the hip replacement into the thigh bone to anchor it. OsteoAnchor puts tiny ‘micro-claw’ structures on the surface of the implant, so it literally has a better ‘grip’ inside the thigh bone.
Beneath the gripping surface there is a deep structured lattice that enables hard bone to grow into the implant over time, creating a longer-term anchor to keep the implant stable and working without causing pain.
The OsteoAnchor technology is designed to have surface features that minimise damage to the bone if the implant is taken out.
Another innovative aspect of the technology is the production process: the implant is printed out using laser technology to generate the surface architecture, explains Dr Noel Harrison.
Preliminary preclinical trials have proven its effectiveness as a hip replacement, and the OsteoAnchor team are now working with orthopaedic surgeons to develop a hip replacement design suitable for humans.
“OsteoAnchor has come to Big Ideas in search of seed funding to execute their business plan and a CEO, to lead this exciting opportunity.” says Dr Harrison
OSTEOANCHOR - BONE IMPLANTS WITH BETTER GRIP
Presenter:
DrNoelHarrison
Collaborators:
Dr.PatMcDonnell
MrBillCurtin
Brendan McGrath
SeamusCoyne
Prof.PeterMcHugh
372012#
We are all familiar with the desktop printer. But what about a device that prints out biomaterials such as DNA or proteins instead of ink?
Poly-Pico is a new technology developed at the University of Limerick that can ‘print’ or dispense tiny volumes of biomaterials accurately onto surfaces such as microscope slides or biochips.
Other technologies already exist to handle biological fluids, and they are used to dispense samples in research, drug discovery and diagnostics.
However, Poly-Pico’s approach offers significant advantages.
One is that Poly-Pico can accurately and repeatedly dispense volumes in the micro-, nano- and pico-litre (10-12) range, and this helps to maximize the efficient use of biological samples.
Another advantage is that the technology uses disposable tips, which avoids cross-contamination or carry-over of sample materials without the need for expensive and time-consuming washing steps. The dispensing tips can even be used to store or transport samples.
Poly-Pico technology can be used in large-scale microarrays, digital PCR, high-throughput screening and other applications that call for low sample volumes. “Our unique selling points are that we can dispense at pico-litre volumes very accurately and we avoid the risk of carryover of material between samples,” says Dr Gabriel Leen, co-founder of Poly-Pico Technologies.
The company has developed prototypes and is now looking to partner with an established lab equipment manufacturer. Ultimately, end users could include research institutions, diagnostics, biotech and pharmaceutical companies, hospitals and even veterinary services.
“What HP did for the desktop printer we hope to do for the printing of biological materials,” says Dr Leen. “This will be a very affordable and user-friendly device - every lab can have one.”
POLY-PICO TECHNOLOGIES - BIOLOGICAL PRINTING AT A TINY SCALE
Presenter:
DrGabrielLeen
Collaborator:
Bernard Bryce
38 2012#
Hot water is essential in our every day lives.
Hot water is something we use every day at home, in the office, in the factory and in countless other environments.
Heating water can be an expensive business, particularly during the day when electricity tariffs tend to be higher. There is increasing awareness of the environmental cost associated with high energy usage.
Dr Mick McKeever at Dublin Institute of Technology is developing a solution - the Warmer Wedge - to help keep hot water on tap during the day without it costing the Earth.
The technology consists of a modular system made of polymer wedges which easily clip on the outside of the hot water tank. When the tank heats up, energy gets transferred to the wedges. Over time, the wedges release the energy slowly back into the water in the tank.
The key is the phase-change material within the wedges, which melts as it absorbs energy, then releases the energy as it solidifies. “Using the modular wedges you can double the energy that a heated water tank can store,” says Dr McKeever.
How does this save the user money or improve a building’s energy rating? If the water tank is heated during the night when electricity is cheap, the extra energy stored in the Warmer Wedge’s phase change material is released the following day, avoiding the need to heat the tank again at the higher electricity rate.
Potential customers will include home and business owners, energy providers and tradespeople. The Warmer Wedge is currently at prototype stage and is investment ready. “We are looking for an investment partner to contribute to the Warmer Wedge team and help get the product to production,” says Dr McKeever.”
THEWARMERWEDGE-HOT WATER THAT DOESN’T COST THE EARTH
Presenter:
Dr.MickMcKeever
ENJOY REAL SUCCESSINTERNATIONALLYThe international marketplace is waiting for you and your business can benefit in a big way! Explore its many profitable opportunities by taking the first step – talk to the Enterprise Europe Network – www.een-ireland.ie
WhattheNetworkcandoforyou• Provide comprehensive business advice and research services, free-of charge.• Help you find new technologies.• Put you in touch with potential business partners in European and world markets.• Show you where there are research or development grants on offer.• Advise you on intellectual property, copyright, international trademarks and financial issues.• Provide a database of over 6,000 technology and 6,000 business opportunities.
If you need assistance in any of these areas, or if you have specific enquiries relating to any aspect of doing business in Europe, you should contact your local Enterprise Europe Network centre in Ireland.
www.een-ireland.ie
TheEnterpriseEuropeNetworkinIrelandisapartnershipbetweentheTechnologyTransferDepartmentwithinEnterpriseIrelandand5regionalChambersofCommerce-Cork
Chamber,DublinChamber,GalwayChamber,SligoChamberandWaterfordChamber.
www.enterprise-ireland.com
40 2012# 40
THANKS FOR ATTENDING
Contact:[email protected]
Research and Innovation Business Unit Enterprise Ireland The Plaza East Point Business Park Dublin 3
www.enterprise-ireland.com
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