Innovators and researchers do battle for lucrative titles

EAGER innovators and researchers with proposals for unique projects have been battling it out for the title of Ireland’s innovator and researcher at a conference in Dublin.

The Globe Forum Dublin 2010, which is hosting the challenge, is an international conference focused on matching people, ideas and business with sustainable innovation opportunities.

The challenge comprises of a shortlist of innovators and researchers who are competing for the titles and a prize package worth more than €60,000.

Minister for Communications Eamon Ryan welcomed the Globe Forum and said the Government’s strategy for economic growth has sustainability at its core.

“Energy and broadband will be the drivers of our new economy.

“The Globe Forum is a space where investors can meet innovators and policymakers can share the latest ideas. I look forward to meeting like-minded people where we can all work together to create a new and vibrant sustainable economy for Ireland,” he said.

The shortlisted innovators include Zinc Software, and Mayo company PEL Recycling, which developed an under-counter glass crusher known as Baby Jaws for the bar trade.

Innovator nominee Power Save is developing energy conservation systems to help people reduce their energy consumption and lower their carbon footprint, while another nominee, Veutility, is developing real-time energy monitoring tools and energy analytics.

GeoGuides and Creme Global were also nominated.

The six shortlisted researchers include projects by Aiden Doherty, Aimee Byrne, Anthony Schoofs, David Connolly, Ivana Dusparic and Paul Doherty.

Globe Forum chief executive Johan Gorecki described the Irish market as small but “very dynamic”.

“The biggest opportunity for growth and employment for Ireland will come from the SME sector and the innovators and entrepreneurs of tomorrow, the biggest hope for Ireland is to nurture its forthcoming generation of entrepreneurs and researchers,” he added.