11 May 2012 --- A new Teagasc Food Technology and Knowledge Transfer Strategy to support Irish food companies is being launched by the Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD in Dublin today. Over 40 Teagasc technologies for the food industry were exhibited at the Food Innovation Gateways exhibition in the Aviva stadium in Dublin yesterday, as part of this new initiative.

Teagasc’s Portfolio of Food Technologies opens five gateways, or opportunities for food companies to utilize and exploit. These include a comprehensive resource of technology offers, updates, services, expertise and scientists, available to food companies to actively engage with.

Research is recognised as the path to innovation and commercialization and Teagasc already engages with over 300 Irish food companies annually, helping them to develop, create value and improve competitiveness. Teagasc invests over €15 million annually in food research to support science based innovation in the food sector. Working in collaboration with other scientific organisations, government departments and state agencies, Teagasc are developing scientific platforms to deliver solutions for the food industry.

The five Teagasc Food Technology Gateways are:
TTechnology Offers; Patent applications have been filed for some technologies and partner companies are being sought for further development and licensing. 

TTechnology Updates:  As new technologies are progressed and discovered regular updates will flow out to potential industry partners. 
 
TTechnology Services:  Pilot Plant facilities in Moorepark and Ashtown are available and easily accessible by food companies. 

TTechnology Expertise: Technology services, expertise, facilities, technical training, consultancy and product development services are offered. 

TTechnology Profiles: Teagasc scientists work in collaboration with some of the best scientists and researchers from around the world.   

The Teagasc Food Technology and Knowledge Transfer Strategy is the start of a continuous process, with live offers, regular updates and follow through for companies who are seeking innovative solutions in the areas of food bioscience, chemistry and technology, industry and development and food safety.

Teagasc Director Professor Gerry Boyle said: “Achieving the ambitious targets in Food Harvest 2020 will require significant investment by food companies in innovation. Teagasc research can help food companies develop a stronger culture of innovation to achieve growth and enhance employment opportunities. This new technology transfer strategy supports the agri-food sector to turn knowledge into commercial products and processes.”

Declan Troy, Assistant Director of Research, Teagasc said: “We understand the technical needs of food companies and we want to ensure that our technologies are fully utilized and our capabilities are fully accessible to the industry.”

The Irish food sector had a turnover of €24 billion and exports of €8.85 billion in 2011. Two thirds of those exports came from indigenous Irish owned companies.