In today’s dynamic and competitive market, innovation is a necessity. Dedicated to supporting Research, Development and Innovation activities, MET Technology Gateway is an interdisciplinary applied research centre in the MedTech, Life Sciences and Engineering sectors.
Based at Atlantic Technological University (Galway City), MET provides open access for industry to the academic expertise within, generating solutions for the close-to-market needs of companies. Delivering world class innovative solutions for the close-to-market needs of Irish based Start-ups, SME’s and Multinationals to build, scale and expand reach by improving competitiveness and enhancing innovation activities.
Driving Innovation through the power of Collaboration
MET Technology Gateway empowers companies to effectively prepare for innovation projects by providing crucial support from concept to execution. It bridges the gap between academia and industry by delivering access to top-tier expertise, customised support systems and cutting-edge infrastructure that are all aligned with the needs and desire of the market.
By offering access to academic resources, MET allows companies to dive into a wealth of knowledge and assistance, such as offering expert consultation on technology feasibility, assistance in detailed project planning and resource allocation, and grants access to cutting-edge equipment and specialised expertise. Crucially, the Gateway facilitates prototyping and rigorous testing, mitigating risks and validating new products or processes. This collaborative approach guarantees companies, regardless of their size, can develop and scale new products, processes and technologies quickly and effectively.
MET guides companies through it’s industry collaboration engagement model. By acting as a strategic partner, the gateway model streamlines the innovation process, enabling companies to confidently navigate the complexities of development and bringing successful, close to market solutions to fruition.
MET Industry Collaboration Engagement Model
Stage 1 – Identify the Specific Problem or Opportunity
Your innovation journey begins by identifying the specific problem or opportunity the company wished to exploit. The company needs to clearly articulate the specific challenge they’re facing or the market gap they want to explore. This step involves defining the scope of the project and the desired outcomes. For example, this could involve optimising manufacturing process to reduce waste, developing a new medical device prototype or developing an entirely new product. Defining the scope of the project and setting specific goals to be achieved aids a strong foundation for success.
Stage 2 – Conduct an Internal Assessment:
Once the problem is defined, the company should assess their internal resources, capabilities, and limitations. An internal assessment is essential, as it is important to understand what expertise and data is readily available. This helps to determine where MET’s expertise and resources can provide the most significant value. This includes understanding the gaps in knowledge, highlighting technical challenges, and the data that they currently have available.
Stage 3 – Initial Consultation with MET:
Reach out to the MET Technology Gateway team for an initial consultation. This allows the company to discuss their project ideas and explore potential collaboration opportunities. During this meeting, they can learn about MET’s capabilities, expertise, and facilities. This initial consultation aids to set expectations and to pave the way for an innovation plan tailored to your needs.
Stage 4 – Define Project Goals and Objectives:
Following the initial engagement, you will work with MET to clearly define the project goals and objectives. Work in unison to establish measurable outcomes, set timelines and determine what success looks like. This step is vital for aligning expectations from both teams and everyone is working towards to same targets to ensure project success.
Stage 5 – Explore Funding and Support Opportunities:
With the framework of the project being built, it is now time to discuss potential funding and support options with MET. The gateway can provide guidance various financial assistance available such as grants and funding programs. This helps companies to manage costs efficiently and effectively.
By following these initial steps, companies can effectively initiate a collaborative innovation project with the MET Technology Gateway, maximising the potential for successful outcomes.
Contact MET:
Companies can easily engage with the MET Technology Gateway by initiating a direct conversation about their specific innovation needs. 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. To find out more about MET Technology Gateway, check out their website or follow them on LinkedIn.
The MET Technology Gateway is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021-27.