Two Irish researchers funded by the Government’s science agency, Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), have won the opportunity to travel to Silicon Valley in California and meet with a range of business and scientific research pioneers. SFI is facilitating the Silicon Valley visit, which will be hosted by the Irish Technology Leadership Group (ITLG).
Dr Paul Leonard, a research fellow and lead investigator at the Biomedical Diagnostic Institute in Dublin City University and Dr Kevin Koidl, a Trinity College Dublin-based postdoctoral researcher in the Centre for Next Generation Location (CNGL) were among 11 Irish-based researchers funded by SFI’s Technology Innovation Development Award to take part in the Get Started Technology Venture Programme in the Ryan Academy, which ran from January to April.
The programme, which focused on technology commercialisation, culminated in a presentation of ideas to a judging panel of Irish-based business leaders, with the trip to San Jose the prize for the best pitches.
The pitch process was chaired by Cian Hughes, head of operations at ITGL, and other panelists included Dr John McKeon, president and co-founder, Airmid Healthgroup; Ann Horan, CEO, DCU Ryan Academy; and Eddie Browne, MD, Ulster Bank Invoice Finance.
SFI director of enterprise and international affairs Dr Ruth Freeman said: "Researchers funded under SFI’s TIDA programme have been embracing essential business strands such as product development, technology assessment, venture capital, funding models, intellectual property and copyright. The two best presentations to the panel drew extensively on these in a persuasive and confident manner. The chance to meet with and observe the work of leading enterprise personnel in Silicon Valley is an exciting opportunity and provides a valuable international experience for Irish researchers eager to progress their ideas and expertise."
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