Trinity researchers pitch 36 new inventions to investors that will create jobs and spin-outs
Posted on: 04 October 2013
A wearable sensor that will monitor vital health indicators was just one of the newly invented technologies presented to investors at Trinity College Dublin this week.
The sensor provides real-time health monitoring which can be used in recovery and rehabilitation. The device can measure with extreme sensitivity major vital signs such as heart and breathing rate, high-strain muscular and joint motion, as well as vocalisation. Its unique flexibility detects small and large scale motions.
This broad range of functions is possible by making a composite of the inexpensive wonder material graphene with a plastic elastomer. The device was invented by Professor Jonathan Coleman based at the CRANN Institute and the SFI Centre, AMBER at Trinity.
The cheap and competitive sensor is being developed for use by hospitals, the fitness industry, or as part of clothing for all age-groups and consumers, ranging from the health conscious to fashion followers.
It was one of 36 technologies presented at the Trinity Research and Innovation Technology Showcase which have been developed with Government investment in research.
The aim of the event was to connect Trinity researchers with investors and business partners in order to create new spin-out companies, develop products and create jobs.
- Other innovative technologies at the showcase included:
- A gene replacement technology for an untreatable retinal degenerative disease
- Yeasts to enable new biofuels
- Security technology to allow safe storage of documents in the cloud
- A medical device to improve bandaging for leg ulcers
“Trinity has a long history of successful commercialisation. Its researchers have established Ireland’s most successful start-up companies, including the biomedical company, Opsona Therapeutics, for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancers, and the games industry software company, Havok, that was sold to Intel for €76 million. Today is an excellent opportunity to see the technologies that will drive the next generation of Trinity start-ups, enabling new jobs and exports,” said Diarmuid O’Brien, Executive Director of Trinity Research and Innovation.
The Provost of Trinity, Dr Patrick Prendergast, said the showcase demonstrates the meeting point of research and real-world application.
“Trinity has a strong tradition of innovation, and our research community is partnering with industry to create the new breakthrough technologies that could transform society. The focus on entrepreneurship which Trinity is developing is aimed at enabling Ireland’s innovation society and the creation of high-quality jobs that will last,” said Dr Prendergast.
Trinity is Ireland’s leading university for research commercialisation:
- In the past five years, Trinity researchers have created 32 spin-out companies. Trinity now accounts for more than one-fifth of all university spin-out companies in Ireland, enabling an innovation-intensive, high-productivity economy.
- Trinity collaborates with eight of the top 10 ICT exporters in Ireland. It partners with eight of the top 10 medical device companies. Last year, Trinity entered 100 research agreements with industry.
- In the past two years, eight Trinity spin-outs or licensees have attracted almost €58 million in venture capital investment.
- Trinity technologies are available for licensing in growth areas such as aviation, connected health, gaming and telecoms, new materials, and medical devices and therapies.
For media queries, contact College Press Officer, Caoimhe Ní Lochlainn, tel: 8962310 087-9958014,email: communications@tcd.ie.