Telenostic – an ovacyte speciation technology – is the 2026 Innovation Arena champion, which was announced on Tuesday at the National Ploughing Championships.
The AI technology is the world's first automated solution for the detection of barber’s pole worm eggs in sheep faecal samples.
It detects the parasite in a test that can be done in minutes and at a fraction of what it cost prior to the technology development.
This means that rapid identification of the parasite is possible and allows for targeted treatment, avoiding blanket dosing.
The test is widely available in vet clinics and agri stores the across the world.
Reducing methane emissions
The green impact award went to Terra Nutritech for its project CH4 Guard.
The project targets animals at pasture to reduce methane emissions by accurately putting methane inhibitors through the water system.
The system is also on trial in Australia at the moment and has the potential to have a 30% reduction in emissions, equating to approximately a one-million tonne reduction in CO2 emissions.
Simplifying prescriptions
Start-up of the year winner was VetPal, which connects farmers, vets and co-ops or agri stores with the national veterinary prescription service, making the process of acquiring a prescription simple and straightforward.
The system allows the animal owner to request a prescription through the app. This request goes to a vet who can see it and make recommendations, before sending the prescription to the animal owner.
The vet uploads it to the Government system and the animal owner collects it at the store.
Co-founder Colm Murphy described it as a “seamless, touchless experience for the vet, animal owner and the store which ensures compliance”.
Launched last December, there are now 89% of the animal health suppliers, agricultural co-ops and merchants in Ireland using Vet Pal.
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