Profile: Design+ Technology Gateway

Design+ Technology Gateway partners with companies to transform ideas into market-ready innovations. Based at South East Technological University (SETU) Carlow, our multi-disciplinary team combines expertise in design, engineering, ICT and bioscience to help industry solve complex challenges, seize new opportunities, and accelerate growth.

What we do:

Since 2016, Design+ has partnered with companies of all sizes from ambitious start-ups to multinationals to deliver cutting-edge solutions that drive growth and competitiveness.

We specialise in three key areas:

Design: strategy, visual communication, product design and user experience
Prototyping: 3D printing, machining, modelling and validation
Engineering: smart energy systems, embedded circuits & systems, and advanced surface & coating technologies

At Design+, we go beyond supporting innovation we help companies de-risk investment, accelerate time-to-market, and maximise return on R&D.

By working with us, industry gains:

Increased productivity and efficiency
Differentiated, user-focused products and services
Sustainable solutions for long-term growth
Access to commercial, technical and marketing expertise under one roof

As part of the Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway Network, Design+ connects you to a powerful ecosystem of expertise. We are also active members of two national clusters Engineering, Materials & Design (EMD Ireland) and Irish Food Tech giving your business access to over 300 industry-focused researchers across Ireland.

Why Work with Design+:

Partnering with Design+ gives your business direct access to:

State-of-the-art facilities in the 2,500m² Dargan Centre, including specialist labs, advanced prototyping equipment, and dedicated incubation space.
Over 300 industry-focused researchers across SETU’s six Centres of Research and Enterprise (designCORE, engCORE, healthCORE, enviroCORE, socialCORE and gameCORE), backed by more than 100 postgraduate researchers working on advanced programmes.
Cross-disciplinary expertise that combines design, engineering, ICT, and bioscience to deliver real-world solutions.

Our team works with you to define, design and deliver ensuring the products and services you create are intuitive, sustainable, and commercially viable, giving your business a stronger edge in competitive markets.

What Technologies are Available at Design+:

At Design+, we combine creativity with cutting-edge technology to help companies design, prototype, and engineer solutions that deliver real commercial impact. Our facilities and expertise span three core areas:

Design as a Driver of Innovation

Design Strategy – helping companies map resources, user needs, and key activities to identify new opportunities for growth.
Visual Communication – packaging, infographics, user interface and user interface & experience (UI/UX) design.
Product Design – concept generation through sketching, 3D CAD modelling, and photorealistic rendering, with validation through prototyping and 3D printing.

Prototyping: Validate and Test Ideas

From early-stage proof of concept to full product testing, our prototyping capabilities help businesses reduce risk and speed up development.

3D Printing – Multi-material (MJP 5600) and stereolithography (SLA) printing for large-format, high-precision prototypes.
Machining & Fabrication – 5-Axis CNC milling, metal cutting, bending and joining for test rigs and product components.
Laser Cutting – precision processing of acrylic, anodized metal, wood, cardboard, leather, tile and more.
Modelling & Casting – foam modelling for form and ergonomics; vacuum casting and vacuum forming for product testing and short-run production.

Engineering Innovation

Our engineering capabilities help companies embed smart technologies and advanced materials into next-generation products and processes.

Smart Energy Systems – efficiency-focused solutions for advanced manufacturing, biomedical and process industries.
Embedded Circuits & Systems – IoT, smart factory, and healthcare innovations using disruptive electronics and systems design.
Surface & Coating Engineering – advanced coatings for water treatment, biomedical devices, and aerospace applications.

Who We Work With:

At Design+, we work with companies at every stage of their innovation journey:

Start-ups and HPSUs – helping founders turn ideas into prototypes, validate concepts, and bring their first products to market faster and with less risk.
SMEs – supporting ambitious companies to scale innovation, improve efficiency, and compete globally through smarter products, processes and services.
Large Indigenous Companies and Multinationals delivering advanced R&D partnerships that unlock new technologies, enable product diversification, and drive long-term competitiveness.

No matter the size or sector, our focus is on delivering practical, commercially relevant solutions that strengthen your business and create measurable impact.

Our Approach:

We believe design is more than aesthetics it’s a strategic business tool. By putting the end-user at the centre of development, we help companies create meaningful, differentiated products and services that win in the marketplace.

The greater the user engagement, the greater the commercial success. That’s why Design+ delivers solutions that are not only technically sound, but also authentic, intuitive and aligned with customer needs.

Start Your Journey:

Working with Design+ is simple. Whether you want to test an idea, build a prototype, or explore long-term R&D collaboration, our team is here to help.