Agri inventors sowing seeds of innovation

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  • Fujitsu, the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company, is set to reward Northern Ireland’s most innovative agri-science invention for the second year running at the prestigious Northern Ireland Science Park (NISP), INVENT 2016 Awards.

    The competition is hotting up with 12 inventors through to the final stage following an intense semi-final heat.  The semi-finalists delivered a 3 minute pitch in front of a 200 strong audience and an expert judging panel at Northern Ireland Interactive Discovery Centre, W5. The INVENT Awards, sponsored by the Bank of Ireland, aims to find inventions with the greatest commercial potential. Open to inventors, scientists, entrepreneurs and students, entrants are competing for a share of the £33,000 prize fund and a place on the Northern Ireland Tech Mission to pitch to investors and partners in California.  This year’s field of agri-food entries includes Oran Oak, an enclosed sheep dipping unit; and Purple Magic, a coloured flesh potato variety with high levels of anthocyanins which research indicates has a beneficial impact on health.

    Speaking about the importance of innovation in agri-food, Fujitsu’s Managing Director Greg McDaid, said:

    “As Northern Ireland celebrates the Year of Food and Drink 2016, it seems all the more fitting to nurture and reward the ‘cream of the crop’ in agri innovation. As well as providing inventors with the a platform to showcase their inventions and the opportunity to attract investors and partners, the NISP INVENT Awards offers entrants additional commercial and business acumen through mentoring and advice throughout the award process. Innovation, including the utilisation of ICT, is of paramount importance to the continued success of the agri-food industry both here and globally as food supply and security issues continue to grow. Fujitsu’s own advancements in the sector across the world have already helped deliver significant efficiencies in livestock husbandry and crop cultivation so we have been excited to hear the finalist’s creative ideas.”

    Steve Orr, Director, Northern Ireland Science Park said:

    “The INVENT competition has grown from strength to strength.  It is now recognised as an incredible opportunity to validate innovative ideas with exposure to an exceptional network.   We are so grateful for the amazing support from Fujitsu, Agri-Science Category Sponsor, who are committed to recognising the massive potential in this innovative sector.”

    Last year, NextGen Biopesticides, a company which uses selective breeding approaches to develop effective and safe biopesticides for the control of crop pest insects, was crowned the Agri-Science Invention of the Year Award winner.

    Pictured L-R following the INVENT 2016 Awards semi-final are Agri-Science category finalists the Kelly family from Oran Oak with Sinead Dillon from category sponsor Fujitsu, and Paul Watts from Purple Magic.

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