New projects sought for €500m Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donoghue, and Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary, launched Call 7 of the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) today. The aim of the Fund is to encourage collaborations by industry and research sector into the development and commercialisation of ground-breaking technologies.
The launch took place in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath at the offices of Ostoform Ltd, the lead partner in a DTIF Call 3 project. Ostoform are working with two other project partners – Ross Polymer Ltd and Technological University Shannon – to develop an innovative ostomy pouch, used in the treatment of digestive and urinary conditions, which directs corrosive output away from the skin and improves patient wellbeing and quality of life.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan said: “In announcing the seventh Call for the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund, we aim to maximise the impact of our investment in Irish research institutions.
“The Fund can play a major role in delivering on Government research and enterprise objectives, as outlined in policy documents such as the recent Quantum Technologies Strategy and the White Paper on Enterprise.
“We’re focusing on areas like quantum technologies, where breakthroughs can truly make a difference. By fostering collaboration between companies and research facilities, our goal is to not only drive innovation but also create more job opportunities for graduates in the future.”
Leo Clancy, CEO, Enterprise Ireland, who administers the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund, said: ‘’Enterprise Ireland is pleased to continue to support the reopening of the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund on an open rolling basis, replacing the previous closed call approach. This will enhance the user-friendliness of a fund that has already demonstrated its value in deepening innovation capability across the enterprise sector and embedding a culture of continuous innovation among Irish SMEs through collaboration with Ireland’s excellent research base.
“We are beginning to see ground-breaking technologies and business advancement from earlier participants of the DTIF programme, such as the cutting-edge solution that Ostoform, Ross Polymer Ltd and Technological University Shannon are developing to improve the well-being and quality of life of ostomy patients.”
The call for funding will be administered by Enterprise Ireland on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Projects that complement the priority enterprise policy objectives on digital transformation and integrating decarbonisation and net zero commitments, as set out in the White Paper on Enterprise, are welcomed. Projects that help to drive the innovation and transformation opportunities that are needed in sectors such as construction are also encouraged. All projects will be expected to demonstrate a positive contribution to the sustainability targets in the Climate Action Plan.
The Government has already allocated €371 million to 104 successful projects approved under the six previous DTIF calls. These projects cover areas such as life sciences, medical devices, ICT, artificial intelligence, manufacturing and environmental.
Projects must be geared towards commercialisation over a 3- to 7-year timeframe. They must also align with Ireland’s six Research Priority Areas, namely ICT; Health and Wellbeing; Food; Energy, Climate Action and Sustainability; Manufacturing and Materials; and Business Services and Processes.
Call 7 is a rolling call which is open for submission of applications until 30 April 2025.
TechCentral Reporters
Subscribers 0
Fans 0
Followers 0
Followers