Enterprise Ireland (EI) is today hosting its first commercialisation conference.
The conference entitled Growth Through Technologytakes place at Leopardstown.
The conference brings together major figures in technology, life sciences and industry to discuss the current state of technology in Ireland and to explain how research carried out at Irish institutions is informing and innovating industry here.
Gearoid Mooney, EI's director of Informatics commercialisation said that EI has provide around €75 million of funding to third level research since 2003. EI has invested over €150 million to 25 third level institutions over the past six years and says it is committed to supporting relationships between industry and research
He said that intensive funding of research began in this country only five years ago and due to the length of time it takes to carry out research, he would expect to see increased number of startups over the coming years. EI funded seven spinouts in 2006 and hopes to fund 13 this year, he said.
"What EI is really interested in,"said Mr Mooney, "is seeing the technology deployed in the economy here. If it's deployed in the economy, not only are you generating licence revenue for the reseachers, but you're also generating tax revenues and business service revenues for all."
Speakers at today's conference include Oisin Byrne, managing director of iReach a leading market research company specialising in technology, media and e-business, Dr Tara Dalton, chief scientific officer and joint founder of Stokes Bio and Pat Layde, operations director of General Paints.
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