16 May 2007

Irish Companies to benefit from UCC Initiative

Do you know that you can access world-class research expertise that could put you at the cutting edge?  Do you know that you can benefit from funding programmes to access that research?

In UCC, a major innovation is taking place to help Irish companies benefit from the world-class research expertise within the university. The Technology Transfer Initiative (TTI), an industry outreach programme, is based in UCC to provide access for Irish companies to world-class research facilities.   Funded by Enterprise Ireland, the TTI facilitates the effective transfer and commercialisation of technology between university and industry. 

According to Miriam Collins, Programme Manager "Recognising the concerns and constraints of small industries is the key to the TTI's success together with the provision of an easy-to-access entry point to the resources and expertise within UCC. As a prime source of knowledge, UCC has a significant role in the process of technology transfer to Irish industry.”

On 28th May, in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland, DRIVE FOR GROWTH and CorkBIC, the TTI will host a seminar titled "Research for SMEs - How to Benefit from New Funding Programmes" at UCC to highlight the latest supports for industry to gain access to R&D both nationally and in Europe.
 
Innovation can be an expensive and lengthy course of action.  Many companies find it difficult to begin the process.  Negotiating the minefield of funding agencies and bureaucracy often puts people off trying.  However, help is available and the UCC seminar aims to assist industry through the process.  Speakers will give participants a greater understanding of what's involved in national and European funding programmes as well as ways to access that funding. A number of case studies, involving local companies, Science2Business and Cybercolors, will highlight the advantages and benefits of collaborative R&D.

Through the TTI, UCC aims to build stronger relationships with industry and to apply new knowledge and technologies for the economic benefit of the region. It is intended to increase the number of indigenous companies which are technologically literate and to encourage these companies, where possible, to include an R&D dimension in their operation.  Irish companies are being forced to be increasingly innovative to meet the challenge of competition in national and international markets and in response to the ever-increasing rates of product obsolescence.

Artie Clifford, MD of Dingle Bay Seafood Soups feels that "with the assistance of the TTI at UCC, food producers are being given access to the huge depth of knowledge which is available in our universities and which will help to give us a major competitive advantage in Europe."

Enquiries: Miriam Collins, Tel. 021 4902823; email miriam.collins@ucc.ie or Linda McCourt, Tel. 021 4903925; l.mccourt@ucc.ie

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