Midlands Innovation & Research Centre Michael Lonergan 27 th March 2013
Midlands Innovation & Research Centre Centre Opened December 2004 15 units (plans for expanded MIRC II) 82 knowledge-based start-ups supported. The MIRC provides: incubation facilities for innovative and knowledge-based enterprise New Frontiers Entrepreneur Development Programme makes available the resources and expertise of AIT to support client companies and enterprise in the region. 1.5m collaborative R&D between MIRC clients and AIT Research Centres Objective bring rate of HPSU generation in the region above the national average
New Frontiers Enterprise Programme Structured business development training over a year (3 Phases) commencing in May 2013 State-of-the-art start-up facilities at MIRC and NUIM Core Phase 2-2,500 x 6 months - Enterprise Ireland Access to resources of AIT, NUIM and Enterprise Ireland Access to industry expertise and networks 1:1 mentoring and business coaching No participant fee
Research, Development and Technology Transfer A key objective of the MIRC is to leverage the resources of AIT in support of client companies: Access to the expertise of AIT, facilities and specialised equipment Collaborative research projects Technology transfer Supply of appropriately qualified graduates Student work placement / student project work Access to the Library and its online databases. MIRC coordinates Innovation Voucher projects at AIT 203 projects completed/underway to date. AIT second for completion of Innovation Voucher projects among 38 knowledge providers nationally.
AIT Research Centres Materials Research Institute Biomedical materials and drug delivery systems Recycling / green technologies Lightweight composite materials Bioscience Research Institute Microbiology Cell & Molecular Tox / Biotech Ecotoxicology / Biocide Development Software Research Institute Telecom Management Cloud computing Connected Digital Media Contract Design & Analytical Services CAD & rapid prototyping Polymer processing and characterisation Physical and mechanical testing
Enterprise/Entrepreneurship Support by AIT Business School Support of student entrepreneurship: Enterprise-focused programmes Think Outside the Box Competition Entrepreneurship Academy 2013 Support of entrepreneurship/enterprise in region: Consultancy support Innovation Voucher projects MBS/MBA Student projects Dedicated Ideas Room in MIRC II
Start-up AIT Enterprise Programme 2007. Manufactures liquids, pastes and gels for the Irish and EU healthcare industry. Enterprise Ireland HPSU in 2007. Collaborative research project with MRI. Currently 40 employees with turnover of 4.2m. Best Business Start-up Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards (Mar-10). Life Sciences Exporter of the Year 2011 Export Industry Awards.
Nopsar Participant start-up on AIT Enterprise Programme 2008. Athlone-based. Providing telecom R&D consultancy services to Huawei Technologies. 12 employees. Enterprise Ireland HPSU 2011.
Participant start-up on AIT Enterprise Programme 2008. Steri Ova: Designed, developed and prototyped by IPSD Centre. Biocidal efficacy assessed by BRI. Ready to manufacture and go to market with one of leading global companies in babycare. Enterprise Ireland HPSU funding 2011. Late Late Show Jan-13. UK Baby Products Association s Innovation Award 2013.
townapps.ie Developing your business in the App world Participant start-up AIT Enterprise Programme 2011. Mobile applications which connect people with their local town, making it easier for visitors to find what they are looking for, offering vouchers for locals and visitors and keeping users up to date on what s on and where to go. Developed in collaboration with SRI. App has been rolled out successfully in Athlone. More towns, expand internationally.
MIRC New Frontiers 2013 Innovation Vouchers MIRC entry criteria: Knowledge-based Good growth and commercial potential Export potential Committed promoter(s) New Frontiers 2013 - Phase 1 commencing in May. MIRC contact point for Innovation Voucher projects at AIT. Next Call 8-April to 28-April www.innovationvouchers.ie Contact: mirc@ait.ie 090-6471882