The Get Started Technology Venture Programme 2011 was held from March to May and culminated with participants pitching their business ideas to a selected panel that included Mr Cian Hughes of the ITLG, an independent organisation comprised of over 1500 high-level technology leaders based in Silicon Valley. The panel for the TIDA Demo Day included representatives from the ITLG, Enterprise Ireland, DCU Invent, and Paddy Power. Unable to attend the final day competition, Dr Reen submitted his pitch as a video presentation with the assistance of the Audio Visual Department at UCC.

Dr Reen’s presentation described small compounds that prevent formation of infectious microbial structures called biofilms and is based on current research programmes being developed under Professor Fergal O’Gara, director of the BIOMERIT Research Centre. Biofilms are a global economic and health burden estimated to account for up to 80% of microbial infections in the body and are exceptionally difficult to treat. Furthermore, biofilms are a primary cause of biofouling in marine and industrial settings. The technology being developed is seeking to address this global concern through the use of non-antibiotic small compounds.

Picture: Dr Jerry Reen, BIOMERIT, Microbiology Department, UCC and Mr Cian Hughes of the ITLG and one of the judging panelists.

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