MTU secures multi-million investment for industry projects and research centres

Friday 10th May 2024

The technological university secured the substantial funding from the Government and the EU

Munster Technological University (MTU) has announced that it has secured €7.6 million in funding to advance its research activities through the Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway Programme until 2029.The funding, which was co-financed by the Government and the European Union (through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-27) “underscores MTU’s commitment to driving innovation and collaboration between Irish industry and higher education”.

MTU said that since the inception of the Technology Gateway Programme in 2013, over 4,900 Irish companies have utilised the network, engaging in more than 7,700 innovation projects.This collaborative effort, the university said, has resulted in €60 million invested by companies in research projects with Technological Universities (TU) and Institutes of Technology (IoT). Notably, the majority of these companies are Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs), leveraging cutting-edge facilities and expertise offered by the Technology Gateways.

Professor Maggie Cusack, president of MTU, said that the investment will “extend MTU’s successful collaborations, driving innovation across the Southwest and connecting businesses with our esteemed research network.”

“Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of innovation and economic growth,” Professor Cusack said.

Leo Clancy, CEO of Enterprise Ireland, echoed Professor Cusack's sentiments, emphasising the importance of the Technology Gateways in fostering innovation and growth within Irish industry. He highlighted the programme's track record of enabling companies nationwide to develop new products, processes, and services, leveraging the expertise and resources available at academic institutions.

MTU said that research is a fundamental aspect of its endeavours and in collaborating with a diverse array of organisations, including industry, higher education institutions, state, and voluntary bodies, it conducts research that contributes significantly to the Irish economy and wider society.

“This funding will support the Southern Region’s sectoral areas of strength and aligned with the National Smart Specialisation Strategy, thematic areas; Advanced Manufacturing, Automotive/Aerospace, Food/AgriTech, Design, ICT, Marine/Maritime, Pharma/MedTech, Renewable Energy, Cybersecurity, Smart Cities and Communities.”

The investment of €7.6m is projected to generate 1,660 projects with industry and will benefit several research centres at MTU, including:

•Intelligent Mechatronics and RFID Gateway (IMaR) & Applied IoT

•Centre for Advanced Photonics & Process Analysis (CAPPA)

•Nimbus Gateway in Cyberphysical Systems and Internet of Things

•Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre (MTU) (Shannon ABC)

Source: Irish Independent