Twenty-two invention patents have been awarded to University of Limerick researchers at a special ceremony which recognises the efforts made by researchers in pursuing and obtaining granted patents worldwide.
The UL Innovation Awards which take place every two years, celebrate the achievements of those who have brought their new innovations from the research lab to a fully granted patent.
The awards also give special recognition to research and innovation activities across the university that have resulted in a notable commercial and societal impact.
The patents have been granted in USA, Europe and the UK and for the first time in China and Japan, marking the increasing globalisation of UL’s research and innovation.
They span a wide range of technologies from medical devices to sustainable materials, semi-conductors to software engineering.
Among the inventions that were granted patents are:
More efficient biofuel production: This organic compound arose from a collaboration between the University of Limerick and a company. The invention can be used to create biofuels more efficiently, including bioethanol, a renewable transport fuel that can be produced from agricultural and plant waste
Improved methods for plastic recyling: the technology enables recycling of plastics (mainly plastics used in used in fibres for clothing, containers for liquids and foods) into a high-tensile fibre, which can then be used in a wide variety of value-added products. Such products could be cheaper to produce while retaining high strength and rigidity, enabling their use in applications such as car parts. The products themselves are also recyclable, contributing to a greener environment and circular economy.
Improved for false start detection: This system outlines enhances the detection of false starts in athletic events, including sprinting and swimming. The system is adaptable to various athletic events and surfaces, offering a more efficient means of identifying false starts and enhancing fairness in competitive sports.
Director of Technology Transfer Office at UL, Paul Dillon said: “The UL Innovation awards celebrate the activities of our researchers in bringing their research to the marketplace to create new products, services and ultimately create jobs for our students. They are important because the State invests a lot of money into research activities, and the commercialisation of these outcomes in the form of patents, spin out companies or industry collaboration showcase the real world impact this investment is having.”
UL Vice President Research Professor Norelee Kennedy said: “It’s wonderful to recognise the achievements of our researchers and their colleagues in industry. The work they do to get patents granted is a really important one for the university. It’s that kind of commercial external commercial focus of our research that ensures it ultimately has societal benefit.
“These patents are a testament to the excellent research being carried out across a diverse range of technologies, from medical devices to improving sustainable materials, from semi-conductors to software engineering. The awarding of patents in China and Japan further illustrate UL’s global reach of our research.”
UL Provost and Deputy President Professor Shane Kilcommins added: “Innovation and creativity in universities is vital, and we see it in our curriculum design, our research and in our engagements with others. These innovations being celebrated contribute directly to society, to specific cohorts in society, often vulnerable groups. These awards acknowledge the contribution that UL researchers are making to society. It speaks in particular to our research culture and to our sense of entrepreneurship and innovation.”
In addition to the patent awards, two special Impact Awards were presented for Research Collaboration and Innovation.
The Research Collaboration Award recognises an outstanding example of knowledge transfer success arising from University of Limerick and a company working together through collaborative research.
The winner of this year’s award went to Professor Brian Carson, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science and Sarah O’Neill Carbery Food Ingredients for their research partnership on a new a new whey protein, Optipep 4Power that launched to market in 2021 and is targeted at the high-performance sport market including CrossFit and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
UL spinout Class Medical Ltd were awarded the prize for Innovation. Class Medical developed the Transurethral Safety Valve that prevents medical complications. The Safety Valve prevented up to 100 patients in Ireland from suffering severe injury this year with a corresponding saving to the HSE of up to €1 million.
To date, Class Medical has raised €4.5 million in venture funding and has been recognised as a High Potential Start Up by Enterprise Ireland.