Are you a small or medium-sized business thinking about applying for an Enterprise Ireland Innovation Voucher? Sive Geoghegan Technology Gateway manager at MiCRA, TUD Tallaght reveals all by answering the eight most frequent questions asked to give you an insight into the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Voucher process. Find out what you can expect when working with an Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway in this Q&A.
What is a Technology Gateway?
Technology Gateways are an Enterprise Ireland Initiative in partnership with Technological Universities and Institutes of Technology around the country. Specialist gateways operate by focusing on key technology areas aligned to industry needs.
The MICRA Technology Gateway based in TUD Tallaght focuses on the advancement of chemical and biosensor technologies, using materials such as enzymes and advanced polymers. We deliver solutions to companies in many sectors including in vitro diagnostics, environmental, food and pharmaceuticals. Our facilities consist of state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation, cell culture and microbiology labs (class 2 biosafety rated), and prototype fabrication facilities for printed sensors and microfluidics.
Technology Gateways are unique, in that we are a network of 17 individual gateways, however we often collaborate closely on projects with sister gateways either within the Network or our own sectoral clusters. You can find out more information on our network and clusters here.
What is an Innovation Voucher and how does it work?
The Innovation Voucher programme was developed by Enterprise Ireland to build links between knowledge providers (i.e., higher education institutes, public research bodies) and Irish SMEs. Innovation Vouchers worth €5,000 are available to assist a company to explore a business opportunity or problem with a registered knowledge provider.
A company can apply for a maximum of four Innovation Vouchers, one of which must be a co-funded Fast Track voucher. Vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. But a company may only have one ‘active’ voucher at any point in time. Applications can be made throughout the year via the Enterprise Ireland Online Application System.
Am I eligible to apply?
The initiative is open to all small and medium-sized limited companies registered with the Companies Registration Office (CRO) in Ireland. You do not have to be a client of Enterprise Ireland to apply for a voucher. More details on eligibility are available here.
What types of vouchers are available?
There are two types of vouchers available. A fully funded €5,000 standard voucher and the 50-50 co-funded Fast Track voucher (to a maximum value of €10,000). You can get more information on each voucher here.
What types of innovation can I use my voucher for?
Innovation Vouchers can be used for all different types of innovation everything from new product or process development; new business model development; new service delivery and customer interface to new service development; tailored training in innovation management; and innovation or technology audits.
Technology Gateways such as MiCRA will work closely with you to assess your individual company requirements. We have dealt with a wide variety of projects through the Innovation Voucher initiative. To get a feel for the types of projects we work on, read our case study on Incereb, an Enterprise Ireland High Potential Start-up (HPSU) working in the medical device industry.
What should I do when I receive my voucher?
When you receive notification of a successful application, contact your preferred knowledge provider. If you have indicated a Technology Gateway as your preferred choice, the Gateway team will work with you to formalize the process. If you are unsure of a suitable knowledge provider or need advice, contact the Technology Gateway Team via our contact form.
What can I expect when working with a Technology Gateway?
Within each gateway, a dedicated Gateway Manager and a team of specific business development staff act as the key contact points and manage the successful delivery of projects. The Technology Gateway network has the expertise of over 300 industry-focused researchers, with the specialist equipment and facilities of the Technological Universities and Insititues of Technology, so there is a lot of advice and help on offer! In fact, since 2013, over 5,000 Irish companies have used the Technology Gateways, completing more than 8,000 innovation projects.
How should I prepare for my initial meeting with a Gateway?
If you are coming to the Gateway with a specific problem to be addressed, it is useful to have as much background information as possible. This will allow the Gateway team to assess the best way forward and maximize your output from the voucher. We will also aid you in drafting a project plan for your proposal. We are happy to provide guidance and help at all stages of the process, so feel free to contact us at any time.
Will I own any resulting IP?
IP developed as a result of an Innovation Voucher project belongs to the company unless the company and the knowledge provider have otherwise agreed.
To find out more about the MiCRA Technology Gateway check out their website. You can also contact Sive directly by email: Sive.Geoghegan@tudublin.ie for helpful advice on funding criteria and processes.