Are you an Irish SME in need of expertise to elevate and advance your product or service beyond your current R&D capabilities? The Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway Network, is here to help!
Who we are.
The Network currently consists of 17 dynamic Technology Gateways, strategically located within Technological Universities and Institutes of Technology around Ireland. We specialise in key technology sectors which are aligned to meet industry needs such as polymers, photonics, mobile, materials, design, energy, mechatronics, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, wireless technologies and precision engineering. Our dedicated team of specialised engineers collaborate with industry partners to drive the development of cutting-edge innovative products and services.
Companies can access Technology Gateways through various Enterprise Ireland supports or by directly funding the project. Enterprise Ireland has a range of innovation funding supports available for Irish businesses, including the popular Innovation Voucher programme.
What is the Innovation Voucher Scheme?
The Innovation Voucher scheme, run by Enterprise Ireland, enables small to medium sized companies to apply for a €10,000 voucher. This Voucher provides access to academic support for research or innovation from a listed knowledge provider. Vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of issue and can be used throughout the Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway network. For more information about the vouchers, check out our FAQ article, or contact the Technology Gateway Office.
How can the Gateways and Innovation Vouchers transform your company?
We strive to have a close connection with industry which is evident in our successful outcomes. We view each project as unique, tailoring our assistance to met specific needs. Our specialist gateway teams ensure that projects are delivered on time and within budget, offering a wide variety of support and assistance ranging from prototype production, business model development, process optimisation, customer interface, technical specification, new service development and technology audits. We even assist with the voucher application process!
Read how Irish companies such as Kaizen Energy and MCC Water Solutions have utilised the Innovation Voucher scheme through collaboration with Technology Gateways.
Kaizen Energy
Kaizen Energy was founded in January 2013 to specialise in the operation and management of community and district heating systems (DHS). They recognised district energy as a niche sector in Ireland with huge growth potential but with limited experience and expertise available.
They are a privately owned Irish company located in Dublin and operate systems and contracts nationwide. They are the only company in Ireland who are wholly dedicated to the operation and management of district energy services.
Kaizen Energy have an existing platform for metering and billing in district heating applications. This route to market in the existing energy market positions them ideally to capitalise on the emerging retrofit and community energy markets and they wish to develop an evolution of their existing product range which could be applied to this emerging market. Using an Innovation Voucher Kaizen Energy, collaborated with CREDIT Technology Gateway and received an analysis of the opportunities for their role in the retrofit market, including what niches its existing technology could be applied to.
“Based on the results of the project, Kaizen Energy could now expand into the retrofit space in the retrofit and community energy markets and their capability to carry out innovative projects has been enhanced. This research has helped determine the best routes for Kaizen Energy into these markets.”.
Paul O’Hannigan, Operations Director
MCC Water Solutions
MCC Water Solutions is a family run business based in Donegal that operates throughout Ulster, with over 40 years’ experience in the pipe-laying and the water pumping industry. The company’s ethos is to protect the environment by sustainably harnessing our ever-decreasing water sources by getting the most from every litre that is used in irrigation systems. MCC Water Solutions have recently brought their experience to the golf and sports field market.
The aim of the collaboration with WiSAR Technology Gateway was to investigate the feasibility of developing a mobile water dosing system for golf greens to allow the green keeper to accurately add various agents such as fertiliser or other chemicals, to the flowing water in a controlled and automated fashion, optimising the mix according to grass conditions.
“By working with WiSAR researchers in ATU, under the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Voucher Programme, Reitigh Uisce MCC Teo were able to adopt technological solutions, to significantly advance the efficiency of our systems, making them more attractive to emerging markets such as the sports and agricultural industries. Going forward, we would like to build on this research by further refining our product, which we believe will position the company for international growth and market penetration.”
Reitigh Uisce MCC Teo