20 February 2025
FAST-IP: driving innovation in agri-food sustainability
Discover how the FAST-IP programme is transforming Ireland’s agri-food sector with innovative solutions, immersive learning and a sustainable future focus.
FAST-IP participants meeting Teagasc Director Frank O’Mara (holding sign) and James Healy, Engage@Teagasc (far left) at the National Ploughing Championships. Credit: Teagasc
The Food and Agriculture Sustainable Technology Innovation Programme (FAST-IP), launched in March 2024, addresses the need for innovation in Ireland’s food and agriculture sector.
The agri-food sector is a cornerstone of the Irish economy, contributing €8 billion annually and employing over 160,000 people. Aligning with Ireland’s national Agri-Food strategy, ‘Food Vision 2030’, FAST-IP aims to establish Ireland as a leader in sustainable food systems by balancing climate-smart agriculture, environmental and economic sustainability, and innovation, explains Siobhán Jordan, Teagasc’s Head of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation.
“By addressing key challenges such as climate change, food security, productivity and economic diversification, FAST-IP positions Ireland as a global innovator in AgTech and food systems.”
Supported by a €7 million funding package over six years under the Innovators’ Initiative Programme co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027, this programme aims to equip mid-career professionals with the skills to identify and address unmet needs through needs-led innovation.
“The ultimate goal is to foster the creation of high-potential start-ups, scalable businesses and sustainable solutions that contribute to the long-term economic and environmental resilience of Ireland’s agri-food sector,” says Siobhán.
A collaborative effort
FAST-IP is a partnership between University College Dublin (UCD) and Teagasc, leveraging their combined expertise in sustainable food systems, agriculture and food science. The participants are hosted at the AgTechUCD Innovation Centre at Lyons Farm, Co. Kildare, a hub dedicated to nurturing early-stage start-ups and small-to-medium enterprises. Both organisations bring extensive networks and a proven track record in supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.
FAST-IP’s inaugural cohort of 14 participants, selected from nearly 200 applicants, demonstrates the programme’s strong appeal and relevance. By providing a €38,000 tax-free stipend, the programme ensures participants can fully commit to their entrepreneurial journey along with completing a Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The participants, drawn from diverse professional backgrounds including ICT and marketing, commenced the programme in September 2024.
The programme’s innovative approach combines immersive experiences with practical, design-thinking methodologies, Siobhán notes.
“Teagasc researchers have played a pivotal role in shaping the journey of the FAST-IP participants, supporting the immersive learning experience that integrates scientific expertise, industry insights, and practical applications.”
A key aspect of the first semester was immersion in agri-food systems including farms and food processing facilities.
Participants visit
The participants engaged in site visits to Teagasc’s leading research centres, including the Animal & Grassland Research Centres at Grange and Moorepark, the Food Research Centres at Ashtown and Moorepark, and the Crops Research Centre at Oak Park. Participants explored state-of-the-art facilities, such as the National Prepared Consumer Foods Centre and the anaerobic digestion facility at Grange, gaining practical insights into real-world applications.
These hands-on sessions empowered participants to connect theoretical knowledge with the challenges and opportunities across the entire agri-food sector from farm to fork.
In addition to research centre visits, the participants benefited from the insights of Signpost farmers who demonstrate climate-smart farming across Ireland as part of the Teagasc-led Signpost Programme. The collaborative and mentorship approaches of Teagasc researchers and engagement with Signpost farmers not only enhanced participants’ understanding of Ireland’s agri-food landscape, but also inspired innovative thinking in response to unmet needs in sustainability, production, processing and mechanisation. This guidance was instrumental in equipping the cohort with the insights to consider industry challenges, paving the way for sustainable and impactful entrepreneurial ventures in the food and agriculture sectors.
A look ahead
The next few months will be busy across the collaboration as the participants progress to develop compelling solutions to the identified primary unmet needs.
Support from a range of partners, including Enterprise Ireland, and investors is essential as the participants progress their journeys to transform ideas into viable business propositions and ultimately impactful companies, addressing critical unmet needs in food and agriculture sectors worldwide. In parallel, FAST-IP is seeking the next cohort of participants who want to transform their career.
“A general call is open for those interested in embarking on a cutting-edge, immersive programme empowering mid-career professionals to create innovative, sustainable agri-food solutions with expert mentorship and entrepreneurial training at UCD and Teagasc,” Siobhán concludes. “This partnership approach underpins Teagasc’s commitment to fostering the next generation of innovators.”
Glossary
Needs-led innovation:
Innovation based on identifying specific gaps or challenges that require solutions.
AgTech:
Agricultural technology, referring to innovations that improve efficiency, productivity and sustainability in agriculture.
Circular food system:
A sustainable model of food production and consumption that minimises waste and maximises resource reuse.
Climate-smart agriculture:
Farming practices that increase productivity while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change.
Design-thinking methodologies:
A problem-solving approach focused on understanding user needs, brainstorming solutions, and testing them iteratively.
Signpost Programme:
A Teagasc-led initiative that supports climate-smart farming practices by showcasing best practices across Ireland.
Funding
FAST-IP is supported under the Innovators’ Initiative Programme, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027. #euinmyregion
Contributors
Siobhán Jordan, Head of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation, Teagasc Oak Park. siobhan.jordan@teagasc.ie
James Healy, Industry Engagement Executive, Teagasc Moorepark.