Technology Gateway Clusters – FAQ’S    

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Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateways works in partnership with Technological Universities and Institutes of Technology across Ireland. Our 17 specialised Gateways and 3 sectoral clusters deliver innovation expertise and solutions for Irish industry. The following answers frequently asked questions related to the clusters.

What are the Technology Gateway Clusters?   

Technology Gateway clusters are industry focused research & development clusters within the Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway Network. Developed to further boost the level of collaboration available throughout the Network, cluster resources can be accessed by companies across Ireland in a wide selection of sectors.

Each cluster is equipped to assist companies with projects requiring expert technical advice and application development, providing a single point of contact for companies looking to access technical capabilities within these areas. In essence a ‘one-stop-shop’ for innovation projects.

Currently the Network has three specialised clusters in the areas of (1) Internet of Things, (2) Engineering, Materials and Design and (3) Food and Beverage Technology.  

Applied IoT Cluster:

The Applied IoT Cluster harnesses the expertise, skills, imaginations and equipment of six Technology Gateways and specialises in applying state of the art internet of things (IoT) technologies to new and existing products, processes and services. Companies and individuals throughout Ireland are capitalising on the research and development resources available across the cluster to develop new and innovative ways of applying sensors, communications, networks, software, machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR) and data analytics to solve existing problems and develop new ideas to enhance their business. 

EMD Ireland Cluster:

EMD Ireland consists of seven Technology Gateways specialising in Engineering, Materials and Design. The cluster has expertise in areas such as energy, precision engineering, polymers, protective coatings, prototype design, medical imaging technologies and 3D medal additive manufacturing. 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.  

Irish Food Tech Cluster:

The Irish Food Tech Cluster is composed of seven Technology Gateways, specialising in food and beverages technology. The cluster presents extensive resources for Research, Development, and Innovation projects tailored to the food industry. Each centre offers assistance and support in delivering near-to-market solutions, becoming an important extension of your company’s R&D capability. Key areas of expertise include bioprocessing, food for health, process control, and packaging amongst many others.

What funding supports are available for collaboration?

Enterprise Ireland provide a wide range of funding and support initiatives to drive innovation and collaboration within small to medium-sized companies and research institutions across Ireland. These programs are designed to encourage businesses to leverage research expertise to solve challenges, unlock new opportunities and develop innovative products and services.

The Innovation Partnership Programme encourages Irish-based companies to work with Irish research institutes resulting in mutually beneficial co-operation and interaction. Companies can access expertise and resources to undertake research towards the development of new and improved products, processes, services, and generate new knowledge and know-how. 

The Enterprise Ireland Innovation Voucher programme is open to all small and medium-sized limited companies registered in Ireland. Innovation Vouchers are worth €10,000 and are available to assist a company or companies to explore a business opportunity or problem with a registered knowledge provider. 

If you are interested in finding out more about any of these funding options, get in touch with the Gateway Team who will provide more detailed information on the process and funding options.  

What companies are eligible?

Collaborating with a cluster is open to companies of any size so whether you’re a start-up, SME, or multinational, there is a Technology Gateway Cluster team available to assist with all aspects of your RD&I project. You do not need to be a client of Enterprise Ireland.

How can the Clusters help my company?

Companies who choose to collaborate with an industry cluster can avail of the considerable interconnected resources available within the member Gateways, achieving a cohesive and timely approach to innovation. 

Working within a cluster means that should your project require expertise from multiple gateways, this transition will be managed in-house by your lead Gateway Manager. This continuity helps to create efficiencies in the process as well as adherence to budgetary and timeline projections.

Cluster teams will discuss the project in detail, highlight the most suitable funding options available and assist with the funding applications if necessary. The project will commence once approved, with the team providing updates and managing progress.

Can I collaborate with multiple Technology Gateways at the same time?

Yes, you can collaborate with multiple Gateways within a Cluster. Depending on your project needs, partnering with a cluster will give access to a broader range of expertise and resources. Clusters are designed to be responsive and flexible to the requirements of Irish businesses.

How can I collaborate with a Cluster?

The cluster has a dedicated support 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.

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