EMD Ireland Cluster – FAQ’s

Female engineer looking at technical drawing of prototype, whilst holding a prototype in left hand

The Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway cluster EMD Ireland, offers expert technical assistance, advice and support in the Engineering, Materials and Design sector.  Providing extensive experience in the delivery of near-to-market solutions for companies who are looking to access Research, Development and Innovation knowledge.  

Who are EMD Ireland? 

EMD Ireland consists of seven Technology Gateways specialising in areas such as energy, precision engineering, polymers, protective coatings, prototype design, medical imaging technologies and 3D medal additive manufacturing. With skills, knowledge and expertise in a range of sectors the EMD Ireland team strive to provide Irish business with the necessary aids and supports required to drive the development of RD&I throughout Ireland.   

How can the cluster help? 

Working with the cluster opens up many areas of opportunity for Irish Business. Companies who choose to collaborate with EMD Ireland can avail of the considerable interconnected resources available within the member Gateways, achieving a cohesive and timely approach to innovation. Our dedicated team of Gateway Managers and Business Development researchers and engineers works with a wide range of companies on both large and small projects. By sharing their expertise and experience with their colleagues throughout the cluster and wider network, they are best placed to deal with a wide selection of innovative solutions to Irish industry.  

What equipment is available through the cluster? 

EMD Ireland has access to a range of equipment situated within Institutes of Technology and Technological Universities around the country, ensuring each specific innovation requirement can be met. Below is a small sample of equipment available within the cluster. More details on available equipment can be found here.   

  • APT: High Temperature Gel Permeation Chromatography (HT-GPC) system 
  • CREDIT:   ZephIR DM Lidar wind measurement device 
  • CREST: Nanoscratch tester with Optical Profilometer   
  • DESIGN+: Projet MJP 5600 – Large format multi material 3D printer  
  • MET: Philips Azurion 7 M20 Digital Fluoroscope  
  • PEM: High-capacity universal tensile testing machine   
  • SEAM: EOS M100 – 3D metal printing system 

How does working with the cluster benefit Irish Industry? 

Working within the cluster means that should your project require expertise from multiple gateways, this transition will be managed inhouse by your lead Gateway Manager. This continuity helps to create efficiencies in the process as well as adherence to budgetary and timeline projections. Companies also benefit from an abundance of expert advice and knowledge, a flexibility in approach as well as a high level of cluster member collaboration, creating not only an internal culture of innovation and research but also supporting the development of research and innovation in Irish industry. Companies often find that in the journey of product to market, the cluster often becomes an important extension of their overall R&D capability.   

What companies are eligible? 

The cluster is open to companies of any size so whether you’re a start-up, SME, or multinational, EMD Ireland’s dedicated Technology Gateway managers and staff are available to assist with all aspects of your RD&I project. You do not need to be a client of Enterprise Ireland to collaborate. 

How can you get started?  

The cluster has a dedicated support office and team to help with your companies’ individual needs. If you have an idea for a new product, service or process or are experiencing difficulties with an existing process, get in touch with us to see how we can assist you in developing an innovative solution. 

For more information about Technology Gateways and our three industry clusters, check out our case studies, contact us or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn

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