Applications open for second specialist agrifood innovation programme FAST-IP at University College Dublin.
Applications are now open for the second Food and Agriculture Sustainable Technology Innovation Programme (FAST-IP) which begins this September.
Led by UCD and Teagasc, FAST-IP is a specialist agrifood technology innovation programme that provides participants with the skills necessary to evaluate, select and validate ideas for new products and services in the agrifood sector, and to accelerate the commercialisation pathway of these ideas.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for mid-career professionals to embrace their entrepreneurial ambitions and develop market led solutions to real problems experienced by the global agrifood sector”
Aligned with Ireland’s national agrifood strategy, Food Vision 2030, FAST-IP also aims to support establishing Ireland as a leader in sustainable food systems by balancing climate-smart agriculture, environmental and economic sustainability, and innovation.
Food for thought
Participants on the inaugural programme, which ends in August, are currently developing business plans for new market ready innovations in areas ranging from soil health, food allergens, pest control and bioeconomy.
12 places are available on the full-time, 12-month, in-person programme, aimed at mid-career professionals, which is delivered by the UCD School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, in partnership with Teagasc, at the AgTechUCD Innovation Centre at UCD Lyons Farm in Co. Kildare.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for mid-career professionals to embrace their entrepreneurial ambitions and develop market led solutions to real problems experienced by the global agrifood sector,” said Edel Mitchell, programme manager for FAST-IP.
“The practical needs led innovation process enables participants to deep dive and forensically understand pressing challenges for the agrifood sector and build innovative solutions.
“If you are interested in embarking on this journey and leveraging the unparallelled access to industry experts, mentorship and cross sectoral immersive opportunities I would encourage you to apply for the FAST-IP programme.”
FAST-IP uses design-thinking methodologies and has a practical focus. Through the programme participants, working in teams, learn how to conduct needs-led innovation to develop market validated solutions to unmet needs in the areas of agricultural technology and food sustainability sectors.
Participants also spend 8-10 weeks immersed in agricultural environments including farms, food processing companies, and Teagasc locations throughout the 12-month programme.
“FAST-IP aims to position Ireland as a global innovator in AgTech and food systems by fostering the creation of high-potential start-ups, scalable businesses and sustainable solutions that address challenges in areas including, climate change, food security, productivity and economic diversification,” said Dr Siobhán Jordan, Head of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation, Teagasc.
“We are now seeking applications from mid-career individuals who are interested in embarking on this cutting-edge, immersive programme to create innovative, sustainable agri-food solutions with expert mentorship and entrepreneurial training by UCD and Teagasc.”
FAST-IP is accredited by UCD at Level 9 on the National Qualifications Framework and participants who complete the programme will be awarded a Graduate Diploma in Agrifood, Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Main image at top: Participants in the inaugural Food and Agriculture Sustainable Technology Innovation Programme
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