Mar 15, 2024

Irish foundation recognizes U.S. AgTech leaders

Eamonn Keogh, distinguished professor in the Computer Science and Engineering Department at the University of California-Riverside, and John Hartnett, founder and CEO of SVG Ventures|THRIVE, have received honors for exceptional contributions to research and innovation.

They are recipients of Science Foundation Ireland’s (SFI) St. Patrick’s Day Science Medal, given each year to two “distinguished U.S.-based science, engineering or technology leaders with strong Irish connections.” One is for academia (Keogh) and the other for industry (Hartnett).

Irish Taoiseach (prime minister) Leo Varadkar gave the awards to Keogh and Hartnett at a March 14 ceremony in Washington, D.C.

“The work of Dr. Keogh and Mr. Hartnett really demonstrates the quality of research being undertaken by the U.S.-Ireland diaspora,” Varadkar said in a news release. “They are driving transformational research and innovation. This work is already helping us to respond to global challenges in areas like climate change, healthcare, and digitalization.”

Eamonn Keogh, UC-Riverside, FarmSense

Keogh, who was born and grew up in Dublin, Ireland, is an expert in the field of data mining and machine learning. As the co-founder of FarmSense, he was a pioneer in applying the power of data to the problem of flying insect classification with FlightSensor. He currently is the only person to have won three independent Bill and Melinda Gates Grand Challenge Awards, and the only person to be a three-time Bell Labs Prize finalist. He is co-founder of the Keogh-Yoshii Scholarship for underrepresented students in computer science.

“I am proud to note that in recent years we have seen my work on computational entomology deployed in a dozen countries, helping to reduce food insecurity by helping to survey and control insect pests,” Keogh said. “I am pleased to have maintained a connection with my Irish roots, collaborating with Irish colleagues regularly, and engaging with Irish primary and post-primary schools.”

See related article: FlightSensor provides pest surveillance

John Hartnett, SVG Ventures|THRIVE

Through SVG Ventures|THRIVE, Hartnett helps entrepreneurs, investors and Fortune 500 corporations to advance the future of food and agriculture globally. Hartnett, a Limerick native, is a veteran in the technology industry who supports and mentors companies as they transition from education and research to start-up. Based in California, he founded the Irish Technology Leadership Group (ITLG), a network of global Irish technology leaders that fosters links between the U.S. and Ireland. In 2014, John launched the ITLG Young Innovators Event to promote the development of leadership and innovation in Irish youth, and to ignite a passion for technology and entrepreneurship.

“At SVG Ventures|THRIVE we care deeply about innovation in the agri-food sector, particularly using technology to advance research,” Hartnett said. “Investment in these areas is vital for ensuring a more sustainable future for food and agriculture. Through my work with the ITLG, I have been delighted to bring delegations of investors and technology leaders to Ireland, increasing collaboration with the USA in the key areas of entrepreneurship, female leadership, young innovators and education.”