Seventeen of Ireland’s leading researchers have showcased breakthrough research to potential investors at a special event held at the Nexus Innovation Centre in University of Limerick.
Deep tech partner opportunity platform (POP) is where top scientists at Ireland’s state-funded deep tech research institutes network with entrepreneurs, with the potential to become Ireland’s next major innovation success story.
The projects were selected for their deep-tech solutions designed to tackle real world challenges.
Deep tech refers to companies and innovations that are based on significant scientific discovery or engineering innovation, rather than incremental improvements. These technologies often require intensive research and development (R&D) and substantial capital investment to commercialise but have the potential to tackle major global challenges like climate change and resource scarcity, disrupt industries, and create new markets.
The innovations showcased at the event in UL ranged across semiconductors, food technologies, AI and data analytics, advanced battery anodes, solid-state nanopore and micropore chip technologies, as well as breakthroughs in medtech, edtech, renewable energy and robotics.
Entrepreneurs had the opportunity to connect with investors, mentors and commercial leaders who provide essential support in transforming breakthrough inventions into market-ready solutions.
The showcase marked the fourth in a series of Business Partner events led by the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) at UL, providing a powerful platform for deep engagement between researchers, founders, investors, mentors and industry leaders.
Paul Dillon, Director, Technology Transfer Office UL said: “Ireland’s universities are central to fast-tracking visionary founders academic research and creating spinouts with real world impact. At UL we are proud to champion this collaborative national effort, one that strengthens Ireland’s innovation landscape and supports visionary founders on the journey from research to real-world impact.
“The research powering these ventures is supported by Enterprise Ireland, Research Ireland, the Higher Education Authority and the EU, a testament to the importance of sustained investment in deep-tech innovation.”
Gert O’Rourke, New Ventures Manager in UL added: “Researchers deliver the breakthroughs, our role is to help bring them to the world. At UL, supporting the commercialisation of research isn’t just about creating companies, it’s about creating opportunities that change lives, strengthen communities and inspire the next generation of innovators.”