28 January 2011

Equinome recognized for R&D success

Equinome has been announced as a finalist in the Research & Development of the Irish Times InterTradeIreland All-island Innovation Awards.

A global leader in the field of equine genomics, Equinome has been nominated for the commercialization of the Equinome Speed Gene Test. This test emerged from research led by company co-founder Dr Emmeline Hill, in which gene that was found to predict sprinting ability and stamina potential was characterised, which can immediately identify a Thoroughbred as a potential sprinter, middle-distance or long-distance horse.

Donal Ryan, Managing Director of Equinome, said "We are delighted to be recognized for the achievements of our research group. Equinome are committed to achieving the highest levels of scientific excellence within all aspects of our research activities, in order to ensure that those outputs which are commercialized provide our customers with the most accurate and informative tests for genetic potential and performance".

Now in its second year, the Irish Times InterTradeIreland All-island Innovation Awards aim to recognise and promote the best service, product or operational innovations throughout the island. The finalists were selected by an independent panel of judges to secure a place at the final and a chance to win the overall ‘Innovation of the Year' award as well as a unique and high profile communications and advertising package worth €200,000, comprising advertising promotion in the Innovation Magazine and The Irish Times publication.

InterTradeIreland Strategy and Policy Director, Aidan Gough, said: "Despite the economic situation, there is a really encouraging level of innovative activity amongst businesses that is heartening to see. Nurturing and supporting talent is a key role of development agencies like InterTradeIreland and we were impressed by the diversity of innovation taking place from organizations of all sizes, sectors and locations across the island. The innovations represented by our competition finalists are not only strong ideas - they are market-led and market-focused, answering the needs and demands of the marketplace and backed up by strong business plans."

Equinome will be competing against two other finalists in their category. The winners of the competition will be announced at an awards ceremony in Dublin on 2nd March.