Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateways works in partnership with Technological Universities and Institutes of Technology across Ireland. The 17 specialised Gateways and 3 sectoral clusters deliver innovation expertise and solutions for Irish industry, providing a bridge between businesses and research institutions. Engaging with the programme provides benefits to all types of businesses, and in particular small to medium sized enterprises (SME’s). The following are key reasons why companies should consider interacting with the Technology Gateway programme.
1) Financial assistance:
The Technology Gateways offers a range of Enterprise Ireland Innovation funding support that cover a large portion of project costs. These programs, such as the Innovation Voucher scheme and the Innovation Partnership Programme (IPP) are designed to encourage businesses to leverage research expertise to solve challenges, unlock new opportunities and develop innovative products and services. Each support is uniquely created to offer the most practical approach for industry. Supports are available for all types of business from SMEs right through to multinationals and understanding each support is the first step to taking your company to the next level.
2) Access to expertise:
The Technology Gateways connects businesses up with specialised technical experts and researchers across various sectors including ICT, biotechnology, MedTech, Manufacturing, engineering, design and food. This tailored support enables companies to solve complex challenges and issues specific to them while developing innovative products and processes, reducing the need for in-house expertise. This offers the added benefits of building long-term partners within their industry. These collaborations offer continued innovative solutions and access to expertise.
3) Industry-specific support:
The programme consists of 17 gateways, all specialising in different areas. Businesses can connect with the gateway that is tailored to their specific needs. This ensures the support and insights provided are highly relevant to their initiatives.
4) Cost-effective Innovation:
An ongoing challenge for many SME’s is the costs associated with research and development. R&D is a crucial component for businesses to remain competitive in the dynamic industry, however it can often be expensive and resource intensive. The Technology Gateway programme paves a path to cost-effective innovations by provides firms with the use of state-of-the-art facilities and resources at a fraction of the cost. This guarantees more affordable alternatives to accessing high quality research and technology.
5) Accelerated Development:
Collaborating with experienced technologists and researchers can significantly speed up the process of product development. In today’s dynamic market, it is crucial to gain and maintain a competitive edge. The Technology Gateway programme is designed to ensure businesses move from concept development to market ready solutions at a faster rate.
For more information about Technology Gateways, check out our industry case studies, contact us or follow us on LinkedIn.