InBusiness Q4 2016

Page 92

TECHNOLOGY GATEWAY NETWORK ENTERPRISE IRELAND

FUELLING

INNOVATION The Technology Gateway Network is boosting Irish business and innovation.

T

he Technology Gateway Network is an Enterprise Ireland funded programme which exists to enable industry to access the technology expertise of the Institutes of Technology (IoTs). The technology gateways provide the IoTs with dedicated resources who work with industry to articulate their problems in a manner that can be addressed by the institute’s research base. The individual gateways target industry sectors relevant to their core research capability. The current programme runs from 2013 to the end of 2017 with the expectation that the programme will be funded for an additional five year period from 2018-2022. The Technology Gateway Network

Technology gateways in brief • Deliver technology solutions for Irish industry close to their market needs. • Are open access points for industry of all sizes. • Act as local access points to the wider resources in the Irish research infrastructure. • Have a proven track record of delivering for industry. • Completed more than 1,650 industrial projects since 2013. • The total value of these projects is in excess of a16 million with 46 per cent of the total directly coming from industry.

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comprises 15 individual gateways, each centred around a proven area of expertise which serves an identified industry support base. The gateways are regionally based and provide open access to the IoTs for companies on a local, regional and national basis. The role of the gateway staff is to manage the interaction between the companies and the institute, help the companies source funding where necessary, and ensure projects are delivered successfully.

WiSAR Wireless Solutions Letterkenny IT

PEM Precision Engineering & Manufacturing

IT Sligo Command Connected Media APT Polymer Technologies

GMIT Galway

DIT

Athlone IT

IT Tallaght

MET Medical & Engineering Technologies

Shannon ABC Applied Biotechnology

IT Carlow

Limerick IT

CREST Coatings Innovations MiCRA Bio Diagnostics

Design + Applied Design

Waterford Institute of Technology IMaR Intelligent Mechatronics & RFID

IT Tralee

Cork Institute of Technology SEAM Engineered Materials

CAPPA Innovation Through Light TEC Embedded Systems

PMBRC Pharmaceutical & Healthcare MSTG Mobile Services

OPEN ACCESS Companies all over Ireland are using technology gateways to develop new or better products and services and smarter ways of doing things. Through the Technology Gateway Network, they are leveraging the expertise of over 300 industry-focused researchers, together with the specialist equipment and facilities of the Institutes of Technology, to access near-to-market innovation and solutions. Since 2008, over 850 companies have used the Technology Gateway Network to complete over 1,650 projects. Each technology gateway focuses on key technology areas aligned to industry needs. The focus areas of the gateway network includes materials, industrial design, precision engineering, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, embedded solutions and wireless services. Within each gateway, a dedicated gateway manager and a team of specialised business development engineers act as the key contact points for industry and manage the successful delivery of projects on time and within budget.

SMALL PROJECTS, BIG IMPACTS Technology gateways are used by companies of all sizes, the majority of which are small and medium enterprises. Typical projects focus on the development of a new product or service or the optimisation of a process. The average project lasts for 2-3 months and costs around a10,000. However projects can range from a1,500 to a1 million. While projects may be small, the impacts for the company and the Irish economy are far greater. The Technology Gateway Network website includes a number of case studies focusing on the benefits to the client companies. Gateway managers are always happy to discuss potential collaborations with industry, so for more information, read through this guide, visit www. technologygateway.ie, follow us on Twitter @EITechGateway or simply get in touch with your local gateway team. InBUSINESS | Q4 2016

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