The student's pitch related to the development of yeast-based feed supplements for pig nutrition, which he has been developing in the SFI (Science Foundation Ireland) funded research lab of Professor Charles Spillane at NUI Galway.

Funded by the SFI TIDA (Technology Innovation Development Award) Programme, the student, Dr Sandesh Swamidatta, and Prof Spillane are developing novel yeast-based feed supplements for improved pig nutrition.

Dr Swamidatta said the SFI TIDA programme was "an exhilarating experience" which provided an insight into the commercialisation aspect of research outputs.

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"The SFI TIDA Pitch Off event gave an excellent platform to showcase our lab’s research and to get first-hand experience of how investors evaluate the commercial potential of a research idea,” he said.

Prof Spillane said the SFI TIDA Programme is "invaluable for providing the necessary support to determine whether commercially promising research findings can be further built upon to be translated into commercial products or services.”

According to research from NUI Galway, feed and nutrition costs are critical for profits in the pig industry with Irish pig production ranking third after beef and dairy in terms of economic value. Ireland’s pig meat export in 2014 was worth an estimated €570m. The cost of production of pigmeat at the moment is estimated at €1.60/kg of meat.

The major cost of production in producing pigmeat relates to feed, which accounts for approximately two third of the total production cost. Improving feed efficiency, improved mineral absorption and mineral nutrient supplementation are key areas of livestock nutrition research.

Science Foundation Ireland

Science Foundation Ireland provides funding for research that has the potential to improve the competitiveness of industry and enterprise in Ireland. Amongst its funding programmes, the SFI TIDA Programme provides funding for research groups to focus on an applied research project with commercial potential and provides entrepreneurship training for the researchers.

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