Trinity Researcher Wins Inaugural Enterprise Ireland Award

Posted on: 08 July 2008

Dr Declan Dagger of Trinity’s School of Computer Science and Statistics was recently announced as the winner of Enterprise Ireland’s inaugural ‘One to Watch’ award. Enterprise Ireland has commissioned the ‘One to Watch’ award to recognize researchers whose commercialisation efforts are considered to have the most business potential. Dr Dagger was presented with his award by Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Jimmy Devins at the first Enterprise Ireland Applied Research Forum in June.

Dr Dagger and his team have developed a new personalised e-learning tool to tackle the challenges presented by the fact that no two people learn the same way. A new company called Empower the User is being formed around the technology and Dr Dagger will be the CEO of the spin-out company when it launches in 2009.

“Dr Dagger and his team at Trinity College Dublin have worked closely with Enterprise Ireland to bring the fruits of their research to the marketplace where their technology will make a tangible difference to the way people learn new skills.” stated Minister Devins when presenting the award. “I look forward to seeing his company take flight next year and encourage more researchers to take inspiration from this success story. Today’s event highlights the valuable work being done by researchers in Ireland and points to a very real opportunity for both researchers and business”

Frank Ryan, Chief Executive of Enterprise Ireland , speaking at the forum said that “In an uncertain economic climate it is essential that Ireland builds on the progress made towards becoming a knowledge-based economy. There are many challenges facing companies that want to increase productivity, exports and profits. To get ahead, companies need new ideas and fresh technology and that is something our third level institutions specialise in.”

Enterprise Ireland supports the bringing to market of technology from the research environment. Teams in the areas of Biotechnology, Industrial Technologies and Informatics work with researchers interested in seeing their research work put to commercial use. Funding and expert support is provided for industry oriented research.