Fifteen new high-tech and knowledge intensive ventures will be showcased on 18 November at the NovaUCD 2009 Campus Company Development Programme (CCDP) awards evening.
The aim of the CCDP, NovaUCD’s key enterprise support programme, is to assist academic and research entrepreneurs in the establishment and development of new high-tech ventures to commercialise the output of their research activities.
The programme assists participants in defining, developing and transforming their innovative ideas into commercially feasible ventures and in preparing detailed business plans.
At the awards evening, each of the 15 new ventures (see below) will deliver a short “elevator pitch”. Four shortlisted ventures, selected by an independent evaluation panel, will then present their business plans in more detail to an audience comprised of members of Ireland’s research, state agencies, venture capital, industry and business communities.
The overall winner, selected by the evaluation panel, will be presented with the NovaUCD 2009 CCDP Award and a cheque for €5,000. Two other short-listed ventures will receive runner-up awards and prizes of €3,000 and €2,000 respectively.
To date, 140 new ventures and 210 individuals have completed this programme, which has run annually since 1996, and former participants collectively employ more than 750 people.
Dr Hugh Brady, UCD president, will deliver a welcome address and Deirdre Somers, chief executive, Irish Stock Exchange, will be the guest speaker at the awards evening.
CCCP awards evening – participating ventures
Agri-Time is developing real-time, practical management support tools, delivered over the internet on mobile phones and computers, to assist farmers in running and managing their farms.
Anura Therapeutics is developing a novel process for the identification of potent bioactive peptides for drug discovery.
BedrockMaths is developing a suite of multi-media, web-based interactive assessment, teaching and learning support systems to assist students who have difficulties in learning mathematics.
Bettie is developing a communications device designed specifically for the ageing population which allows people to keep up-to-date and in touch with friends and family.
BoFinn Diagnostics will provide a bulk-tank milk-testing service to the dairy industry for the rapid and inexpensive diagnosis of infectious diseases.
Cernam is a specialist digital investigations company developing unique software products in the area of online investigations.
Equinome is developing genetic tests to optimise decision making in the breeding and racing of thoroughbred horses.
GliúMara is utilising biomimetic technology to produce adhesives that provide strong, rapid and biocompatible adhesion to wet surfaces for biomedical applications.
Insite Analytics is developing automated, real-time analytics software to improve the performance of retail units in retail locations, such as large shopping centres and department stores, by analysing shopper movements and behaviour.
Inviver is developing novel diagnostics and vaccine products for infectious diseases in the veterinary health industry.
Nanolytic Laboratories will provide imaging and material analysis for both Research and Development and Quality Assurance departments of companies in the semi-conductor and other technology-driven sectors.
Novocept is developing a suite of bioinformatics software packages for the biomolecular, pharmaceutical and the protein engineering industry to assist in reducing the costs involved in producing a new drug candidate or in the redesign of enzymes.
Retinostics is developing a novel ultra-high resolution scanning laser ophthalmoscope for diagnostics of the human eye retina.
TraceHunter Software is developing easy-to-use, highly automated tools to revolutionise computer forensic investigations.
VIDAS is developing peer-to-peer video distribution technologies for more efficient use of computer networks.
By Sorcha Corcoran
Photo: UCD president Dr Hugh Brady.
