The Lofty Measure is a portable pocket-sized laser designed to replace the traditional measuring stick that horse owners are familiar with. Grace, who has been developing this device over the last 12 months, hopes to market the product worldwide. A farmer by profession, the Tipperary native received funding from the diversity fund of the Leader Programme to develop his invention.

“To be honest it was a rush to get the product on Dragons’ Den and it wasn’t quite ready. Although I didn’t get a Dragon on board, it was a great experience and it gave me plenty of exposure,” he said. “The programme made me look at the business of bringing the product to the marketplace. Since then it has been patented.”