For startups, SME’s and even established companies seeking to innovate existing products, navigating the journey to market can be a challenge. However, the Irish Food Tech Cluster as part of the Technology Gateway programme, is here to guide you through this journey, providing knowledge, expertise and skills in food and beverage technology to Irish industry.
Whether you are launching a new product, or enhancing an existing one, the pressure to keep up with trends and innovate can be difficult. With Irish Food Tech Cluster, companies across Ireland can now access these resources for Research, Development and Innovation projects in a wide selection of areas that include bioprocessing, food for health, process control and packaging amongst many others.
What supports do the Irish Food Tech offer?
Each gateway centre within the cluster is supported by a dedicated Gateway Manager and a team of specialised business development engineers to help with your company’s individual needs. The cluster is available to start ups, SMEs and existing companies.
- For start-ups: If you’re a start-up with groundbreaking food innovation ideas, the cluster can offer the R&D support required in order to bring your concept to life. We connect your business with the necessary expertise, knowledge and equipment to help you innovate your ideas and prepare it for market entry.
- For SMEs: Small and medium sized companies can leverage the clusters resources to enhance existing products, improve production processes, and explore new markets. The cluster’s collaborative framework offers firms the opportunity to access advanced expertise and facilities that might otherwise be out of reach.
- For established companies: Even well-established companies must innovate to stay competitive in the dynamic food industry. Whether it be refining your processes, developing new products or adopting new technologies, we are here to help you meet the competitive market demands.
Why is innovation critical in the Food Industry?
Innovation in the food industry is not always about developing the next revolutionary product, it revolves around responding to customer needs and wants, sustainability and staying competitive. From high tech process control to sustainable packaging, companies of any size that fails to innovate face the risk of being left behind in the rapidly evolving food market. This is where the Irish Food Tech Cluster comes into play!
Key benefits of engaging with the IFT Cluster:
The Irish Food Tech Cluster comprises of seven Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateways that provide specialised knowledge, expertise and equipment to advance food and beverages innovation across Ireland. Gaining access to specialised equipment can be a major barrier when engaging in R&D for companies, however, the cluster provides companies with state-of-the-art equipment, expert advice and R&D support tailored to their needs. Additionally, it facilitates the opportunity to collaborate by connecting businesses with the wider Technology Gateway Network.
Sourcing funding can often be an obstacle; the cluster facilitates access to various Enterprise Ireland funding options. Through initiatives such as Innovation Vouchers, Feasibility Studies and Innovation Partnerships, the cluster can assist companies with accessing the financial support necessary in order to succeed on their innovation journey.
How to get started:
Firstly, clearly outline your innovation ideas or project and determine the type of assistance required. Next, contact the cluster through the dedicated support office or your regional gateway. The gateway team will discuss your project in detail, explore the potential funding options and assist with any necessary funding applications. Once everything is in place, your project will commence on the start date agreed and will be managed throughout by your Gateway team, who will also keep you informed and updated on your projects progress.
Whether you are a startup, SME or an established company, the Irish Food Tech cluster is here to turn your innovative ideas to life in today’s fast-paced food industry. Embrace the power of collaboration and find out how our cluster can drive your business’s food innovation journey.