Future-focused: Innovation in the Irish bioeconomy
Siobhán Jordan, Head of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation for Teagasc, explains how Teagasc and Ireland are well-positioned to unlock the potential of the bioeconomy to advance sustainable innovation.
Photo credit: arthon meekodong/istockphoto.com
Fuelled by innovation, circular thinking, and biological resources, the bioeconomy represents one of the most promising opportunities for sustainable development. Globally, demand is growing for sustainable alternatives to fossil-based inputs, driven by markets, policies and regulatory factors. Ireland is well positioned to lead. With abundant biomass, a strong agri-food base, and world-class research capacity, the Irish bioeconomy is ripe for innovation.
Teagasc plays a central role across applied research and demonstration, education, and industry engagement. Working collaboratively with national and international partners, Teagasc is spearheading major initiatives funded through sources including the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, The Shared Island and Just Transition Funds, Research Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, and EU Horizon Europe. These investments are enabling the development of climate-smart farming, low-carbon bio-manufacturing, and nature-based solutions opportunities for both rural and urban businesses.
Valorising resources
Teagasc’s leadership in the bioeconomy is visible in its cross-disciplinary and collaborative research programmes that span agriculture, marine, forestry and food systems. Across these areas, Teagasc is generating and valorising bio-based resources – from crop residues and animal by-products, to novel microbial systems.
This work is not only improving how we produce and use biological raw materials but is also yielding new bio-based products such as fertilisers, packaging materials, functional foods, and novel bioactive ingredients that in turn open up new markets including nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. This innovation pipeline is supported by cross-centre collaborations and joint projects with universities, technology centres, industry, and local communities.
Key to success is the roll-out of practical demonstrators for farmers and industry, designed to test and showcase solutions for widespread adoption. For example, the conversion of agri-food waste into high-value compounds, and the upcycling of grass and seaweed into animal feed supplements or bioplastics, offer tangible pathways towards climate neutrality and to see innovation in action.
For farmers and agri-food companies, this means diversification and enhanced resilience. New revenue streams from bio-based processing, participation in local biorefineries, and climate-friendly farm practices are becoming increasingly viable. Meanwhile, companies benefit from Teagasc’s collaborative expertise in pilot-scale validation, scientific insights, and regulatory navigation.
Towards a climate-smart future
This future-focused work is already having impact. As highlighted in Bioeconomy Ireland Week 2025 and numerous demonstration initiatives, the sector is supporting green job creation, rural regeneration, and export potential. Importantly, these advances align directly with Ireland’s climate targets, including the emissions reduction target by 2030.
Looking ahead, the bioeconomy will be central to delivering a nature-positive, climate-neutral economy. Through continued investment in research, advisory, education, training and skills, infrastructure, and cross-sector collaboration, Teagasc will remain a key driver of Ireland’s bio-based and climate-smart future.