FAQ’s

Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway Network is a programme in partnership with Technological Universities and DKIT. Our 17 Technology Gateways are located nationwide and provide services and supports, across a range of technologies, to Irish companies in the areas of Research Development and Innovation. Companies can leverage the expertise of over 300 industry-focused researchers and engineers, together with the specialist equipment and facilities available within our Gateways

The Network is open to companies of any size so whether you’re a start-up, SME, or multinational, our dedicated Technology Gateway managers and staff are available to assist with all aspects of your R&D or innovation project.

No, the Technology Gateway Network is open to all Irish companies from SME’s right through to multinationals, you do not need to be a client of Enterprise Ireland to collaborate with the Network.

The Network offers a range of Enterprise Ireland funding options to suit companies of all sizes. Current funding mechanisms available include Innovation Vouchers, Feasibility Studies and Innovation Partnerships. Companies can also fund the research themselves. Some terms and conditions may apply in respect of some funding options but our Gateway teams will explain in detail the requirements and process.

Yes, our unique selling point is our network structure. Our Gateways frequently work collaboratively on innovation projects. If your project requires the expertise of additional Gateways, it is available to you. This will be organised by your lead Gateway manager.

When you have an idea of what is required, contact us or your regional Gateway Manager. There are no set requirements though, maybe you just want to talk through an idea or have a detailed plan already, either way the technology gateway team are here to help and provide you with information on the next steps.

To further boost the level of collaboration within the Technology Gateway Network, three industry focused research & development clusters specialising in the areas of Internet of Things (Applied IoT), engineering, materials & design (EMD) and food & beverage technologies (Irish Food Tech) were developed. Dedicated Technology Gateway managers are available within each cluster to assist with all aspects of your next R&D or innovation project including the development of a tailored project plan, advice on the various direct and Enterprise Ireland funding mechanisms available and delivery of the completed project on time and in budget. 

Working with a cluster opens up many areas of opportunity for Irish Business. Companies who choose to collaborate with our industry clusters can avail of the considerable interconnected resources available within the member Gateways, achieving a cohesive and timely approach to innovation. Our dedicated team of Gateway Managers and Business Development researchers and engineers works with a wide range of companies on both large and small projects. By sharing their expertise and experience with their colleagues throughout the cluster and wider network, they are best placed to deal with a wide selection of innovative solutions to Irish industry.  

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. Companies also benefit from an abundance of expert advice and knowledge, a flexibility in approach as well as a high level of cluster member collaboration, creating not only an internal culture of innovation and research but also supporting the development of research and innovation in Irish industry. Companies often find that in the journey of product to market, the cluster often becomes an important extension of their overall R&D capability.   

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

The cluster has a dedicated support office and 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.