MiCRA Biodiagnostics Technology Gateway, one of 17 Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateways situated around the country, is an industry-led research and development facility located in the CASH-Synergy Centre at TU Dublin – Tallaght Campus.
The facility has a strong and growing portfolio of applied research, making knowledge and expertise accessible to local and national industry. To enhance this knowledge further, they are also an active member of Irish Food Tech, a consortium of seven of Enterprise Ireland’s Technology Gateways operating within the food and beverage technology sector. The cluster provides a range of expertise and support for companies looking to access research and development within these areas.
What is the MiCRA Biodiagnostics Technology Gateway?
The MiCRA Biodiagnostics Gateway delivers solutions across the agri-food, in-vitro diagnostics (animal and human), environmental, and biopharmaceutical industries with expertise in:
- Rapid and portable electrochemical sensor design, development and prototyping.
- Specific expertise in bio-, immuno- and chemical sensors for the detection of microbes, biomarkers, chemicals and food allergens.
- Application in areas of quality, toxicity, viability and chemical and biological contamination analysis.
- Advanced analytical services and materials development.
What facilities and technologies are available at MiCRA Biodiagnostics?
MiCRA Biodiagnostics is an industry-led research and development facility that focuses on the advancement of biosensor technologies, using materials such as enzymes and advanced polymers. MiCRA delivers solutions to companies in many sectors including in vitro diagnostics, environmental, food, and pharmaceuticals. The facility consists of state of the art advanced analytical, surface science and PAT instrumentation, Bio/Pharmaceutical Pilot Plant, cell culture and microbiology labs, and sensor prototype fabrication facilities. It is staffed by microbiologists, chemists, biologists, physical scientists, and engineers.
MiCRA helps companies in many areas, including sensor prototyping and manufacturing, materials development and characterisation, immunoassay platform development, enzyme biosensors for human and animal health care, and biosensors for the rapid and sensitive detection of bacteria. With cutting-edge analytical instrumentation and expertise, MiCRA also has dedicated staff focused solely on the provision of analytical services research to industry partners.
What types of companies does MiCRA work with?
MiCRA partners with a wide range of academic research, entrepreneurs, startups, SMEs, and large industrial companies to deliver solutions in analytical chemistry, biosensors, and diagnostic products for Irish industry.
What supports and funding does MiCRA have available to help your company?
We work with industrial clients and partners through a range of funding mechanisms from the smallest feasibility studies up to 2+ year commercialisation projects. These funding mechanisms include:
- Vouchers: Innovation Voucher and co-funded
- Innovation Partnerships
- H2020, Comm fund, etc.
- Contract research and analysis
- Consultancy
What are your next steps?
To find out more about the MiCRA Technology Gateway check out their website and follow them on Twitter and LinkedIn for all the latest news and events! You can also contact them directly for helpful advice on funding criteria and process.