2015 Press Releases
UCC supports innovation and entrepreneurship
UCC hosted a Horizon 2020 Industry Leadership Information Day to help companies seize the opportunities that Horizon 2020 provides and support the development of their R&D ambitions through collaboration with University researchers.
Horizon 2020, the EU’s €79 billion programme for research and innovation, represents a significant opportunity for Irish companies to develop their research and innovation capacity and grow their businesses.
Organised by UCC Research Support Services (RSS) working closely with the National Support Network for Horizon 2020, and attended by over 150 delegates from across the country, the Information Day was aimed at increasing awareness of the industry relevant opportunities in Horizon 2020 and encouraging participation in the programme. Enterprise Ireland’s Horizon 2020 European Advisors and UCC RSS staff were also available throughout the day to offer advice and support to companies on the programme, its opportunities and how to apply.
This workshop is one of a number of initiatives and programmes that form part of UCC’s strategy to forge and develop stronger research relationships with industry, and support regional stakeholder engagement with Horizon 2020 programmes.
Speaking at the event, Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation, Damien English TD, thanked UCC for hosting and organising the Information Day and went on to say “I commend UCC on your success to date in Framework Programmes and I’m delighted at your level of ambition for Horizon 2020. The fact that today UCC is at the cutting edge in many areas, with internationally recognised research in science, food, medicine and social sciences amongst other disciplines, gives me great confidence that you will realise or even surpass your ambition.”
Dr David O’Connell, Director, UCC RSS commented “Supporting job creation, innovation and entrepreneurship is a key strategic goal for UCC. If you’re a company looking to invest in R&D, from the genesis of an initial idea, all the way through to near-market product development, there are supports available to support this ambition. We provide relevant information and advice to companies in helping them access these supports, and Information Days like this are a key part of the service.”
Dr Sergio Fernandez-Ceballos, one of Enterprise Ireland’s European advisors said “Information days are a key step in positioning researchers and companies for success in future Horizon 2020 calls. By facilitating networking between these communities, and providing critical information, these days can lead to the development of quality, strong and successful funding proposals.”