Dublin - A device for treating lung cancer and revolutionary microchip technology have jointly emerged as Ireland's inventions of the year.
The two products were selected as the winners of Ireland's Best Invention 2011 award in a ceremony hosted by University College Cork (UCC).
UCC's technology director, Brendan Cremin, said both devices offered potentially exciting commercial applications.
The nano-technology microchip - developed by the Tyndall Institute in Cork - allows for vastly improved information transfer rates. It also allows for the miniaturisation of microchips. “It will have an absolutely huge advantage for consumer electronics,” Mr Cremin said.
And the new medical device aims to radically improve the treatment of lung cancer. A laparoscopic aid, the device allows for minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of certain types of lung cancer.
It was developed in Ireland and has already sparked interest from the US and Germany.
It was invented by a Cork Cancer Research Centre team led by John Hinchion and Declan Soden. - Irish Independent