Since its launch in 2013, the Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway Network has driven innovation in Irish businesses by bridging the gap between industry and academia. The programme provides companies across the country with access to advanced technology solutions, helping to drive innovation and boost regional economic development.
To strengthen collaboration throughout the network, the gateways are organised into three sector-focused clusters, each designed to meet the unique needs of different industries.
- The Applied Internet of Things (Applied IoT) cluster brings together Gateways focused on connecting hardware, software, sensors, data analytics and communications to help firms exploit IoT ‑ driven innovation.
- The Engineering, Materials & Design (EMD Ireland) cluster supports innovation in fields such as precision engineering, advanced materials, coatings, prototyping and industrial design  enabling companies to access multi‑disciplinary expertise across engineering, materials science and design.
- The Irish Food Tech (Food & Beverage Technologies) cluster addresses the food‑and‑beverage sector, its Gateways assist industry with bioprocessing, food‑for‑health, packaging, process control and other R&D relevant to food firms.
The Clusters are designed to facilitate multi-Gateway collaboration. Depending on company need, access to expertise is available across several Gateways within a Cluster, enhancing the scope and impact of innovation.
Cluster services are available to companies of all sizes from start-ups and SMEs to large industrial enterprises and you do not need to be an Enterprise Ireland client to access these supports. Any business seeking to innovate or solve technical challenges can engage with a Cluster.Â
All Gateways work collaboratively in their Clusters by selecting the most appropriate expertise, knowledge and equipment across the consortium suited to individual clients’ needs to provide optimal support for growth and development.
The Clusters provide many benefits for businesses, such as:
- a ready-made R&D infrastructure applied to industry problems of all sizesÂ
- access to 300+ researchers and engineersÂ
- an opportunity to capitalise on the research and engineering expertise of multiple centres
- access to R&D advice, supports and funding from Enterprise IrelandÂ
A suite of funding options are also available to suit all project sizes and types, with industry support in the forms of various Enterprise Ireland funding initiatives such as Innovation Vouchers, Feasibility Studies and Innovation Partnerships. Click here for more information on funding options.
Technology Gateway Clusters
 Applied Internet of Things (IoT)
The Applied IoT Cluster brings the skills, expertise and equipment of six Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateways to Irish businesses, applying state of the art technologies to new and existing products, processes and services. By engaging with the cluster, businesses can take advantage of the interconnected resources of the member Gateways, such as access to a diverse range of specialised equipment and knowledge units within Ireland’s Technological Universities.
This partnership enables them to create breakthrough solutions and address complex challenges and generate new ideas. The cluster’s Gateway members have a wide range of expertise in various areas, such as sensors, communication, networks, software, machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR), and data analytics. To learn more about how Applied IoT can support your business, visit Applied Internet of Things Cluster – Technology Gateways.Â
EMD Ireland
EMD Ireland specialises in the engineering, materials and design (EMD) sector. The Cluster brings a range of expertise, facilities and equipment to companies looking to access Research, Development and Innovation supports in areas such as energy, precision engineering, polymers, protective coatings, prototype design, medical imaging technologies and 3D medal additive manufacturing.
By choosing to collaborate with the cluster, companies throughout the island of Ireland can investigate innovation solutions availing of the considerable resources within the member Gateways. EMD Ireland’s Gateways work together to achieve a cohesive approach to innovation solutions in a manner that is time and budget effective. To learn more about how EMD Ireland can support your business, visit EMD Ireland Cluster – Technology Gateway Network.
Irish Food Tech
In 2018, the Irish Food Tech Cluster formed to support the Food and Beverage Technologies sector. Composed of seven Gateways, the Cluster provides extensive resources for Research, Development and Innovation projects tailored to the food industry. Irish Food Tech supports bioprocessing, food for health, process control and packaging amongst many others.
With the support from Irish Food Tech’s team, businesses in this sector can access expert knowledge and upgrade their food safety, enhance product quality, and respond to market demands with improved innovation.
To learn more about how Irish Food Tech can support your business, visit The Irish Food Tech Technology Gateway Cluster – Technology Gateways.
For Irish companies of all sizes that may currently lack the resources, funding, or expertise to explore innovation projects, Enterprise Ireland’s Technology Gateway Clusters offer valuable support.
Contact the Clusters team for more information
The Clusters have a dedicated support office and team to help with your company’s 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. You can also follow us on LinkedIn to keep up with the latest industry and cluster news.
The Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway Programme is co-financed by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-27 and the Northern & Western Regional Programme 2021-27.
