AIT is encouraging small companies across the Midlands to apply for a €5,000 Enterprise Ireland Innovation Voucher during April.
The call for applications for the vouchers is open until 5pm on Friday April 30.
To be successful in an application for an Innovation Voucher, the company's project must require an innovative solution, provide additional value for the company, and have ongoing benefits.
AIT was among the top three knowledge providers nationally to complete Innovation Voucher projects on behalf of small companies during 2008 and 2009 – undertaken by AIT’s research institutes in Software (SRI ), Materials (MRI ), and Biosciences (BRI ) and AIT’s schools of Business, Engineering, and Science.
Claire Quinn of Peat Treat in Clara used an Innovation Voucher at AIT to develop a range of peat products for therapeutic and cosmetic treatments.
“AIT were fantastic,” says Claire.“When you’re putting something on people’s skin you have to be very careful. AIT chemically tested the peat samples to determine the biologically active ingredients and properties of each and to ensure that there were no harmful substances in the peat. This validation enabled Peat Treat to develop prototype products and to focus on developing its brand.”
Claire plans to bring her products to market shortly and says that AIT and the Innovation Voucher provided the support necessary to bring her idea to reality.
According to Michael Lonergan, manager of the Midlands Innovation and Research Centre at AIT, “If you own or manage a small company and have a business opportunity or problem that you want to explore, why not apply for an Enterprise Ireland Innovation Voucher worth €5,000? The Innovation Voucher will allow you to concentrate on running your business while AIT comes up with a solution that could take your business to the next level.”
For more information on the Innovation Voucher scheme (including online application facility ), log on to www.innovationvouchers.ie and contact Michael Lonergan, manager of Midlands Innovation and Research Centre, on (090 ) 6471882.
