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Irish Team IRIS (Innovation Recycling Infrastructure Solutions) Heads to IFTP Global Finals at Texas A&M
Atlantic Technological University announces that the Irish team, IRIS, has been selected among the six finalist teams for IFTP 2025. The team will compete at Texas A&M University, College Station next week, from April 15–18, for the title of Global Champion.
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) announces that the Irish team, IRIS, has been selected among the six finalist teams for IFTP 2025. The team will compete at Texas A&M University, College Station next week, from April 15–18, for the title of Global Champion.
IFTP 2025 was hosted across 36 universities, with approximately 1,500 students participating worldwide from 22 countries.
ATU’s Team IRIS progressed by winning the Irish leg of the competition and was subsequently shortlisted from among the 36 local university winners for the final in Texas.
Team IRIS has developed an innovative solution addressing two major global challenges—plastic waste and sustainable construction. Their project focuses on creating eco-friendly bricks made from recycled plastic and other sustainable materials. This solution not only reduces plastic pollution but also provides a cost-effective, durable, and sustainable alternative to traditional building materials.
ATU has hosted the Irish leg of the competition for four consecutive years. The organising team comprises academic and industry partners: Dr Carine Gachon, Transcend Project Manager at ATU; Damien Toner, Aquatech Business Manager at Bord Iascaigh Mhara – Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency; Frank Kane, Senior Scientist, Marine Institute; Derek Thornton, Mechanical Lecturer at ATU; and Dr Jack Saad, Fulbright Scholar at Texas A&M (PhD Robotics, Genova University, Italy), who lectures in industrial and mechanical engineering at ATU Galway.
Congratulations to Team IRIS on reaching the global finals, and best wishes as they represent Ireland on the international stage next week.
Team IRIS members: Joyce Mathew (ATU Galway), Christopher D’Mello (DkIT), Gabriela Rodrigues (University of Galway), Camillo Murgia (ATU Galway), Harish Sampathkumar (ATU Donegal).
Acknowledgement is extended to the sponsors: Thermo King, Trane Technologies, EU GREEN Alliance, Marine Institute, Bord Iascaigh Mhara – Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency, and the ATU Entrepreneurial Office.
Photo: L to R: Back row, Joyce Mathew, ATU Galway, Christopher D’mello, DIT, Gabriela Rodrigues, University of Galway, Camillo Murgia, ATU Galway, Harish Sampathkumar, ATU Donegal. Front row, Dipshikha Das, ATU Galway, Kajal Bhapkar, ATU Donegal. [Photo: Brad Anderson. No repro fee]
