Irish Researchers secure Silicon Valley pitch opportunity

Two Irish researchers have won the opportunity to travel to Silicon Valley to pitch their technologies to potential investors.

The winners, Paul Leonard, a Principal Researcher at the Biomedical Diagnostic Institute in Dublin City University, and Kevin Koidl, a Trinity College Dublin-based postdoctoral researcher in the Centre for Next Generation Location (CNGL), were among 11 Irish-based researchers to take part in a 'Get Started Technology Venture Programme' in the Ryan Academy, which ran from January to April 2012.

The programme, which focusses on technology commercialisation, culminated in a presentation of ideas to a judging panel of Irish-based business leaders, with a trip to San Jose the prize for the best pitches. The pitch process was chaired by Cian Hughes, Head of Operations at ITLG, and panelists included Dr John McKeon, President and Co-Founder of Airmid Healthgroup Ltd; Ann Horan, Chief Executive of DCU Ryan Academy; and Eddie Browne, Managing Director of Ulster Bank Invoice Finance.
SFI is facilitating the Silicon Valley visit, which will be hosted by the Irish Technology Leadership Group (ITLG).