Ovation Agriculture won a £7,500 prize as a runner-up in the KickStart category of the Converge Awards for academic innovation held in Edinburgh in October 2024.
Converge executive director Adam Kosterka said Ovation Agriculture demonstrated the “forward-thinking, industry-specific innovation” that the organisation aimed to support.
He added: “By addressing an overlooked aspect of livestock health with cutting-edge technology, the company has the potential to make a significant impact on animal welfare and farm productivity across Scotland and beyond.
“The awards event was also attended by Scotland’s deputy first minister Kate Forbes, who said: “Translating world class research from our universities into new innovative technologies and businesses is key to delivering on Scotland’s National Innovation Strategy to drive economic growth.
“I congratulate this year’s winners, who are addressing global challenges and bringing positive change across the country.”
Company founder and SRUC agriculture lecturer Jillian Gordon said: “Cattle chew their food at least twice before they actually start digesting it.
“If they develop abscesses or infections, they’re not able to get the nutrition they need, leading to decreased production, potential infertility, and weight loss.
“By ensuring their dental health is managed, we’re able to give them a longer, more comfortable life and improve their productivity.”
Converge is Scotland’s springboard for university founders and presented 12 prizes to Scottish universities across four award categories: Converge, Create Change, KickStart and Net Zero.
Photo shows founder Jillian Gordon of Ovation Agriculture accepting the award from Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister of Scotland