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. Accessible through a single point of contact, the clusters employ in excess of 300 research and engineering professionals and to date have successfully delivered over 4000 innovation projects with 2500 Irish companies. 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.
All three clusters work to consolidate the considerable amount of expertise and technologies available throughout the network and deliver market lead innovation solutions in a collaborative and responsive fashion.
Our clusters
The Applied IoT Cluster combines five Enterprise Ireland’s Technology Gateways. Industry can avail of knowledge and expertise in areas like sensors, control, software, networks, communications, data analytics, machine learning, AR/VR and Industry & Manufacturing 4.0.
EMD Ireland is a consortium of seven of Enterprise Ireland’s Technology Gateways operating within the engineering, materials and design sector. The cluster provides a range of expertise for companies who are looking to access research and development within these areas.
The Irish Food Tech Cluster is a consortium of seven of Enterprise Ireland’s Technology Gateways operating within the food and beverage technology sector. Connecting industry with researchers in areas that include bioprocessing, food for health, process control and packaging.
How can we help?
For Irish companies of all sizes, that may currently lack the required resources, funding and/or expertise to explore an innovation problem or project, the clusters are often their first port of call. 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.
What funding options are available?
There are a variety of different types of funding available, to suit all types and sizes of project. We offer Industry support in the form of various Enterprise Ireland funding initiatives such as Innovation Vouchers, Feasibility Studies, Innovation Partnerships and the Agile innovation Fund. You can also access any gateway cluster by direct consultancy. You can access more information on funding options here.
Key benefits of working with the clusters
1.
Access a dedicated Gateway manager and a team of specialised business development engineers.
2.
Deliver project feasibility – from short term up to longer product or service research and development projects (two years).
3.
Help with the various funding mechanisms available, including Innovation Vouchers, Feasibility Studies, Innovation Partnerships and Agile Innovation Fund.
4.
Extend your company’s R&D capability, with access to over 300 industry-focused researchers and engineers across the Clusters.
5.
An opportunity to capitalise on the research and engineering expertise of multiple centres and Institutes of Technologies.
What type of projects do we collaborate on?
Our clusters collaborate with a wide range of companies on many different types of projects in many different sectors. Below is a selection of case studies which highlight our collaborative work in industry.
Contact the clusters
The clusters have 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.
We welcome all opportunities to engage with and assist Irish companies embracing innovation and look forward to providing you with relevant information and useful contacts within the Technology Gateway Network.