Micron Agritech showcasing device designed to combat EU dosing ban at the National Ploughing Championship

Micron Agritech, the Irish technology student-led start-up based out of TU Dublin Hothouse, has developed a prototype device that will enable farmers to significantly reduce the amount of antimicrobial medication given to animals, which is directly linked to the cause of death in millions of humans worldwide.

The Tástáil device, which is being showcased for the first time at the National Ploughing Championships 2019, will have the ability to test for parasites in cattle with on-site and immediate results indicating to farmers when they need to dose their herds.  The current agricultural practice of preventative dosing of cattle herds is set to be banned in 2021 under new EU regulations.

The new EU rules, which were announced last October, are being brought in to reduce the amount of antimicrobial medication used in the agriculture sector. The overuse of antimicrobial medication in animals can be directly linked to the increased antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in humans. It is predicted that AMR will be the cause of ten million human deaths yearly across the world by 2050 if measures are not taken.

By the end of 2021, the common practise of preventative dosing will be banned in the EU and medication only allowed if the animal has been properly tested beforehand. Using the Tástáil device will allow farmers to stay EU compliant by testing their animals with instant results and will save them thousands of Euro annually on unnecessary dosing and medication.

Micron Agritech, founded by four undergraduate product design students at TU Dublin, is a participant of the I-Cubed programme at TU Dublin Hothouse, the student summer incubator that allows participants to nurture and grow their startup ideas. Paul Maguire, Head of Innovation and Enterprise at TU Dublin Hothouse, voiced his support for Micron Agritech stating,

“We are delighted to support and sponsor Micron Agritech for the National Ploughing Championships 2019. Working with the team during the TU Dublin Hothouse I-Cubed programme, we have assisted Micron Agritech on launching their company and aiding in patenting their innovative testing device. Micron Agritech will showcase their Tástáil idea at the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena. We wish them the best of luck in the competition and look forward to continuing working with all involved.”

CEO and co-founder of Micron Agritech, Sean Smith stated that “With antimicrobial resistance becoming a major global issue, Tástáil will allow for the reduction of the use of medication which in turn reduces resistance, benefiting society as a whole. We are heading towards an era where agriculture is data-driven, and we envision a world where the power of technology is used to sustain a healthy and productive agricultural society. We believe that with the Tástáil, this is achievable.”

Micron Agritech will be showcasing the Tástáil demo device and informing farmers of the importance of testing their herds for parasites as opposed to preventative dosing at the 2019 Ploughing Championships in Carlow as part of the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena from 17 to 19 September.