Delivering science-based innovation to support industry
Teagasc’s position as a key contributor to Ireland’s innovation ecosystem, supporting industry engagement, commercialisation and entrepreneurship across the agri-food and bioeconomy sectors, has been confirmed by the recently published 2024 Annual Knowledge Transfer Survey (AKTS).
The Annual Knowledge Transfer Survey, coordinated by Knowledge Transfer Ireland, tracks key metrics from Ireland’s publicly funded research organisations. The 2024 report highlights the vital role of research in driving enterprise growth, particularly among SMEs and scaling firms.
With over €9.8 million of 2024 research expenditure derived from industry, 49 new LOAs (licences, options, and assignments) were signed with industry, the highest among of the 20 Research Performing Organisations surveyed.
Through strong performance in supporting industry R&D collaboration, Teagasc continues to drive real-world impact from its research outputs and industry engagements. Strong relationships with Research Ireland and Enterprise Ireland funded centres including VistaMilk, APC Microbiome, Meat Technology Ireland (MTI) and Dairy Processing Technology Centre (DPTC) have also enhanced the pipeline of digital and bio-based technologies entering the commercial space.
“The results of the 2024 Annual Knowledge Transfer Survey reflect Teagasc’s mission to deliver science-based innovation that supports industry competitiveness and sustainability,” said Professor Pat Dillon, Director of Research, Teagasc.
“We are proud to collaborate with many global and Irish-based companies each year, from startups to multinationals, delivering value through applied research, IP commercialisation, and expert technical support.”
Dr Siobhán Jordan, Head of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation, Teagasc attested: “Commercialisation and industry engagement are central to how we deliver impact from public investment in research. We look forward to building on this momentum with our academic, enterprise, and policy partners in 2025 and beyond.”
Key innovations
In 2024, Teagasc recorded 27 invention disclosures, filed three new patent applications, and saw the market launch of three products or services arising from licensing activity.
A notable example is the launch of ‘Fidelity’, a new potato variety developed through the long-standing Teagasc/IPM Potato Group collaboration. Fidelity contains a range of traits that are valuable to both growers and crisping processors, marking Teagasc’s first licensed crisping variety. Already showing early commercial success, the variety is being rolled out by IPM Potato Group in the UK, continental Europe, and other international markets. This development reflects the shared commitment of Teagasc and IPM Potato Group to delivering sustainable, robust, and market-responsive potato varieties.