In our ‘Meet the Team’ series, we bring you a range of interviews from across the Technology Gateway Network Team.
Today we introduce Dr. Jamie Meehan, Technology Gateway Manager at MET Technology Gateway, ATU Galway City.
Tell us a bit about MET Technology Gateway
The Medical and Engineering Technologies (MET) Gateway is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021-27. MET delivers cutting-edge innovative solutions for the close-to-market needs of Irish-based Start-ups, SMEs, and Multinationals to build, scale, and expand reach by improving competitiveness and enhancing research, development and innovation (RD&I) ambitions by:
- Access to technical expertise, resources and state-of-the-art equipment.
- Driving innovative solutions for companies.
- Leveraging RD&I Funding to unlock industrial growth and productivity.
Substantial value is directly being provided to the Irish industry by acting as a dynamic innovation organisation. We empower businesses, especially in MedTech, life sciences, and engineering, to overcome technological hurdles and accelerate growth. Through access to state-of-the-art equipment, expert knowledge, and collaborative research, MET enables companies to streamline processes, enhance product development, and future-proof their operations. By bridging the gap between research and practical application, MET directly contributes to increased efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainable economic advancement for our industry partners.
Vision: To deliver world-class innovative solutions for the close-to-market needs of Irish-based Start-ups, SMEs, and Multinationals to build, scale, and expand reach by improving competitiveness and enhancing innovation activities.
Mission: To be a leading center of applied research and innovation in medical and engineering technologies, recognised for our excellence in supporting industry growth and development.
What’s unique about the Gateway and its presence in the West?
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) has a long-standing and impactful history in supporting the growth potential of industry. ATU’s dedication to applied research and industry engagement makes it a pivotal player in accelerating the development of the MedTech and Engineering ecosystem in Ireland.
Fostering collaboration and innovation, the Medical and Engineering Technologies (MET) Gateway is an interdisciplinary technology centre with access to 20+ expert industrial researchers providing world-class solutions for MedTech, Lifesciences and Engineering companies. Our unique value proposition is our expert team with a combined 100+ years of industry know-how and focus on bridging the gap between advanced technology and practical industrial application. Highly specialised technology expertise includes areas such as:
- Medical Imaging Technologies
- Anatomical Modelling & Physiological Replication
- Data Analytics & Visualisation
- Design Engineering & Optimisation
- Tissue Engineering & Bio-fabrication and
- Innovation in Nutrition & Sport Technologies.
MET’s presence in the West of Ireland is pivotal, serving as a critical resource for regional businesses seeking to innovate and compete globally. We provide access to cutting-edge equipment, industry focused RD&I, applied research expertise & knowledge, demystification of funding opportunities, empowering near-to-market solutions and collaborative research opportunities. In addition, MET fosters a dynamic innovation ecosystem, driving economic growth and technological advancement specifically tailored to the unique needs of industries within the region.
Can you describe your role and key responsibilities?
The MET Technology Gateway Manager plays a critical role in driving innovative support to industry by acting as a strategic leader, collaborator and facilitator. The Manager must foster strong collaborations between industry and academic researchers, securing funding for impactful RD&I projects, and ensuring the efficient operation of the gateway’s advanced facilities. Furthermore, the Manager is responsible for understanding industry needs, identifying relevant technological solutions, and translating research findings into practical applications that enhance competitiveness and drive growth. Ultimately, the MET Technology Gateway Manager’s ability to build strong partnerships, secure resources, and lead a skilled team is essential for maximising the gateway’s impact on industry innovation.
Can you share a bit about your career journey and how you arrived at your current position?
Dr. Jamie Meehan’s journey to leading the MET Technology Gateway is rooted in a deep passion for bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and practical industry application. With a strong industrial background in advanced manufacturing and engineering and a proven track record in research and development, he has cultivated expertise in translating complex technologies into impactful solutions. His experience spans across advanced manufacturing, digitalisation, global industry cluster developments, commercialisation, leadership & team building, PMO, MNCs/SMEs growth, startups and navigating strategic funding opportunities for clients.
Successfully led and project managed large multi-million euro (up to €20,000,000) national and global transformative projects with significant industry value-add, unlocking strong collaboration and trust to achieve exceptional outcomes. This experience, coupled with an innate understanding of the MedTech, life sciences, and engineering sectors, positioned him to steer the MET Technology Gateway. Driven by a commitment to fostering innovation and driving regional economic growth, Jamie now leverages his experience to connect industry partners with the gateway’s resources, enabling them to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Working with senior leaders with a proven track record in fuelling disruptive innovation, strategic partnerships and digital transformation, empowering C-suite executives, directors and teams to empower the full potential of their organisations and ignite the future-proofing of their enterprise strategies. Jamie has a profound understanding of the complexities facing businesses today, leveraging 15+ years expertise in national and international grant funding mechanisms, enterprise development models, innovation KPIs, stakeholder management, leadership strategy developments, project management, digital transformation and sustainability to deliver impactful solutions.
Guiding companies to reach new heights that can enhance their competitiveness, resilience, and long-term growth. Passionate about encouraging organisations to embrace change, adapt to evolving market dynamics, work more collaboratively and thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. Industry trust-building, collaboration, innovation and growth are core catalysts of change!
What drew you to this industry?
I was drawn to the MET Technology Gateway manager role by the unique opportunity to directly impact the MedTech, life sciences, and engineering sectors in the West of Ireland. Recognising the gateway’s potential as a catalyst for innovation, providing a vital bridge between academic expertise and industrial application. The prospect of facilitating transformative projects, fostering collaboration, and driving regional economic growth through technological advancement resonated deeply with my passion for translating research into real-world solutions. Moreover, I was particularly motivated by the chance to empower companies to overcome technological challenges and compete on a global scale, ultimately contributing to the advancement of these critical industries.
What are the main benefits for a company collaborating with MET?
Collaborating with the MET Technology Gateway offers companies a range of significant benefits, primarily focused on accelerating innovation and enhancing competitiveness:
- Access to Cutting-Edge Technology and Expertise
- Accelerated Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I)
- Enhanced Innovation and Competitiveness
- Cost-Effective Solutions
- Networking and Collaboration Opportunities
- Future-Proofing and Process Improvement
- Regional Economic Growth
How can you help a company prepare for an innovation project?
The MET Technology Gateway empowers companies to effectively prepare for innovation projects by providing crucial support from concept to execution. We offer expert consultation on technology feasibility, assisting in detailed project planning and resource allocation, and grants access to cutting-edge equipment and specialised expertise. Crucially, we facilitate prototyping and rigorous testing, mitigating risks and validating new products or processes. Furthermore, MET guides companies through funding opportunities, ensuring financial viability. By acting as a strategic partner, MET streamlines the innovation process, enabling companies to confidently navigate the complexities of development and bring successful, market-ready solutions to fruition.
As a new member of the Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway team, what are you most looking forward to?
As a new member of the Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway team, I’m most looking forward to the dynamic intersection of research and industry, where cutting-edge ideas transform into real-life solutions. The opportunity to collaborate with diverse companies, open access to the nationwide network of 17 Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateways, and to witness firsthand the impact of technological innovation is incredibly exciting. I’m eager to contribute to the growth of the region, facilitating impactful projects and helping companies navigate the complexities of development, ultimately driving economic progress and technological advancement within the West of Ireland.
What’s the one piece of advice you would give to a company considering an innovation project?
As the MET Technology Gateway manager, my key piece of advice for a company considering an innovation project would be to prioritise clear early communication, impactful opportunities identified and a well-defined problem statement that align with your enterprise strategy. Before diving into technical solutions, invest time in thoroughly articulating the challenge you’re addressing and the desired outcomes. This clarity will not only streamline collaboration with the gateway, but also ensure that the collaboration process and transformational projects remain focused and aligned with your strategic objectives, maximising the return on your investment and accelerating the journey from concept to market-ready innovation.
How can companies get involved with MET Gateway
Companies can easily engage with the MET Technology Gateway by initiating a direct conversation about their specific innovation needs. The first step is to reach out and schedule a consultation to discuss potential projects, challenges, and opportunities. We actively encourage companies to clearly articulate their objectives, allowing the gateway to assess how our expertise, facilities, and collaborative network can best support their goals. From initial feasibility studies to prototype development and testing, MET offers tailored solutions. By fostering open communication and understanding the company’s vision, MET enables a streamlined and impactful collaboration, driving innovation and growth. Please contact jamie.meehan@atu.ie to explore how MET can accelerate the growth of your business.
LinkedIn: Jamie Meehan,PhD | MET Technology Gateway | LinkedIn
X: @MET_Gateway
Mob: +353 (0)87 1727626
Web: www.metcentre.ie