Enterprise Ireland network a boost to regional innovation and job creation
A nationwide network of Technology Gateways, capable of delivering
technology-based solutions for companies in Ireland was launched by Seán
Sherlock T.D. Minister for Research & Innovation today (Monday) in Thomond
Park, Limerick.
This is a €23million investment by Government through Enterprise Ireland in
12 Technology Gateways located in 8 Institutes of Technology; Athlone IT,
Cork Institute of Technology, Dublin Institute of Technology, IT Tallaght,
IT Tralee, Letterkenny Institute of Technology, Limerick Institute of
Technology and Waterford Institute of Technology.
Designed to act as the ‘R&D arm’ of companies, the Technology Gateways will
focus on delivering technology solutions through collaborative projects
with the research teams in the Institutes of Technology.
Expertise is available to companies in technology areas such as; applied
biotechnology, connected media, biodiagnostics, engineering materials,
pharmaceutical and healthcare, mobile services, coatings innovations,
embedded systems, polymer technologies, intelligent sensor systems,
photonics and wireless solutions.
Launching the Technology Gateway Network Minister Sherlock said, “The
Government’s primary goal is to generate growth and create employment in
towns and cities around Ireland. The Technology Gateway Network will give
companies all over Ireland access to technology solutions for their
business challenges. Enterprise Ireland’s involvement in this process
ensures the commercial value of these solutions can be converted into new
products and services so that quality employment opportunities can be grown
and maintained”.
Companies already engaging with the Technology Gateways include Openet
Telecom, Dairymaster, Eurotech Renewables, Shasta Ltd., General Paints and
Mincon.
Speaking at the event, Declan Lyons, Enterprise Ireland explained that
Technology Gateways will connect the research and innovation capabilities
of the Institutes of Technology to the companies that need novel technology
solutions.
“Enterprise Ireland and the teams in the Technology Gateways are committed
to solving the technical challenges faced by companies in their efforts to
develop new products and services. The beauty of this network is that if
one Gateway doesn’t have the answer, they can put out a call to the other
11 in the network to find it” concluded Lyons.
For more information on the Technology Gateway Network visit
www.technologygateway.ie