In our ‘Meet the Team’ series, we bring you a range of staff interviews from across the Technology Gateway Network.
Today we introduce Jim Prendergast, Business Development Executive at TSSG Technology Gateway. Jim started his current role in the middle of the pandemic and gives his view on joining the TSSG team whilst working remotely, innovation and how TSSG can help your company.
1. Tell us a bit about the TSSG Technology Gateway
TSSG is the ICT research and development wing of WIT and employs over 90 software developers, engineers, UX/UI designers and PhD researchers. Dedicated to research in specific focus areas such as Networks & Cloud Computing, VR/AR, Artificial Intelligence, Machine learning, Data Mining and Software System Architecture and Engineering, the TSSG is one of the leading ICT research institutions in Ireland. We are one of the most successful ICT research centres in Ireland securing funding of €120 million under EU Programmes
2. Describe your role?
It is my job to facilitate the collaboration between cutting edge research and disruptive industry at the TSSG Technology Gateway in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland. I bring clients and companies from concept to reality through expertise at the TSSG in ICT & IoT innovation. I enable business’ to avail of our expertise through funding mechanisms such as Enterprise Ireland Innovation Vouchers. Through an ever-increased networking and engagement strategy I also connect with established companies for contract R&D programmes, which are ever present in TSSG.
3. How did you find starting a new job during a pandemic/working remotely?
For many, working remotely came as something new. It was a strange feeling coming from a day to day on the road face to face into a digital platform. I noticed pretty quickly how businesses adapted to the “new normal”. My approach was that everyone was in the same boat and working together, so it didn’t faze me. I do look forward to meeting my colleague in the office when we reopen and welcoming future companies into the TSSG labs.
4. What’s unique about the Gateway and its presence in the South-East?
Our relationship with WIT has grown from strength to strength over the years. Our presence is ever felt, and our aim is to contribute to the south east becoming a leader in the Digital Transformation world. With over 700 project partners, TSSG researchers have their finger on the pulse with new and cutting-edge technologies in the areas of Future Health, Precision Agriculture, Smart Energy, Intelligent Transport Systems & Molecular Communications and Computing. Almost half of the projects currently active in the research centre are direct industry projects working to improve Ireland’s status as a leader in tech start-ups. TSSG delivers innovative ICT solutions to our clients across multiple industries, including Agritech, HealthTech, Smart Cities, Communications and Energy Sectors.
We are transforming how companies operate and compete through our scientifically proven R&D knowledge and expertise that has a direct impact on improving our clients’ bottom line.
Every company must innovate to survive, especially in a post Covid world. If you do not have a Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I) focus TSSG can help you create that focus. If you have an established RD&I function, create an extension of this function with TSSG and we will help you push the boundaries to ensure you stay ahead of the competition and disrupt the marketplace.
5. How can companies get involved with TSSG?
Get in touch with myself or one of our team; Miguel Ponce De Leon, Technology Gateway Manager and Carol Faughnan, Business Development Executive, and we will listen carefully to what you need, help to carve out a product development roadmap and match you with the right teams and funding supports to get you where you need to be.
You can also get in touch with the team here.
6. What are the main benefits for a company collaborating with TSSG?
I can’t emphasise enough how together is better. Collaborating with industry and our in-house expertise researchers there are resources here at the TSSG that can benefit a company. You can use funding through TSSG to leverage value to your business.
7. How can you help a company prepare for an innovation project?
At the TSSG we offer clients valuable experience when it comes to ICT projects. We identify a roadmap through our Innovation Sprint, and this outlines the key technical strategy needed for the project ahead. A good start is half the battle & knowing where we need to be at key stages gives the client and TSSG perspective and a positive outlook.
8. What’s the one piece of advice you would give to a company considering an innovation project?
I would have to say understand your niche. A client understanding the market will work in tandem with our expertise who possess high technical skills. This is a key component when developing the product. The more knowledge a business has on their product, the more innovation takes place.
9. What do you love most about your job?
I get to meet the with so many companies from a wide spectrum. The satisfaction of guiding clients from concept to application is a great feeling. Knowing that I have helped an entrepreneur who will play a significant role in the economy gives me great joy. Networking and facilitating relationships between industry and research is a huge buzz.
Contact me on LinkedIn or email me at jprendergast@tssg.org to arrange a meeting or have an informal virtual coffee.