Global medical technologies group Hemcon has put the Institute of Technology (IT), Sligo on the map in terms of third-level technology transfers to multinationals, having licensed a new platform technology from its School of Science.
The new platform has a range of applications in the fields of wound care, control of hospital acquired infections and oral hygiene applications.
Global vice-president of Hemcon in Ireland, Keith Real said the company was looking forward to the “rapid commercialisation of a number of medical applications” and a continuation of its partnership with IT Sligo.
The agreement is the culmination of research work carried out in the School of Science led by Dr James Brennan, Dr John Barrett and Dr Tom Patton. The proprietary platform technology provides a full range of product solutions ranging from antimicrobial professional products to personal hygiene solutions.
The application was discovered in the course of a research project in the School of Science and IT Sligo began a process of selecting suitable industry partners to develop the new discovery for commercial applications. Hemcom was chosen as the most suitable, given its existing markets, complementary technologies and track record in innovation. The company featured in the list of top 50 most innovative companies in the US, two years running.
“Collaboration between academia and industry will help sustain and create new jobs as we transition to a knowledge-based society,” said Niall McEvoy, innovation and technology transfer manager at IT Sligo.
“IT Sligo has taken a major step forward with this agreement. I’m confident it will help create spin off opportunities locally.”
By Sorcha Corcoran
Pictured: Dr James Brennan, head of department, School of Science Institute of Technology, Sligo; Keith Real, Global vice-president of Development, Hemcon; Dr Jimmy Devins TD, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment; Dr Terri Scott, president, Institute of Technology, Sligo, at the announcement of groundbreaking licensing agreement with Hemcon Medical Technologies, a world leader in wound care
