Teagasc has come out on top of a survey ranking research organisations’ 2024 performance in getting industry backing for science.

The authority raised over €9.8m in research funds from industry partners last year as it entered into 49 licenses, options and assignments with industry – the highest of any of the research bodies included in the Annual Knowledge Transfer Survey.

Among the most significant of these partnerships are those between Teagasc and Research Ireland Enterprise Ireland to fund centres including supporting work done by VistaMilk, APC Microbiome, Meat Technology Ireland and the Dairy Processing Technology Centre.

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In 2024, Teagasc recorded 27 invention disclosures, filed three new patent applications, and saw the market launch of three products or services arising from licensing activity.

One these singled out by Teagasc was the launch of its new ‘Fidelity’ potato variety, the first crisping variety developed by the authority.

“We are proud to collaborate with many global and Irish based companies each year, from startups to multinationals, delivering value through applied research, IP commercialisation, and expert technical support,” Teagasc’s research director Prof Pat Dillon stated.

Head of technology transfer at Teagasc Dr Siobhán Jordan said that 2024’s progress with academic, enterprise, and policy partners will be expanded in the years to come.

“Commercialisation and industry engagement are central to how we deliver impact from public investment in research,” Jordan added.