Science Foundation Ireland had reported a 19 per cent increase in the number of linkages with companies in 2011.

The SFI reported that 246 multinational companies and 337 SMEs had 939 links with researchers funded by the organisation last year.

SFI said its funding contributed to significant breakthroughs in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), cancer, superbugs, blindness, nano-sensor technology, and social media trends, among other areas.

Minister of State with responsibility for research and innovation, Sean Sherlock, said: “The 158 per cent increase which SFI has seen in the number of industry-academic linkages over the past four years, is certainly a significant achievement and testament to the focus of the organisation and the dedicated and innovative minds of its researchers.”

“As SFI enters its second decade of existence, SFI funded researchers have developed important technologies such as a microchip sensor that allows for constant monitoring of babies in cots, hospital patients and others at risk of fatalities such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). These are the kinds of ground-breaking discoveries that prove the true value of investment in science”.