Galway’s reputation as a hub for digital business and tech innovation has received a significant boost with the recent announcement of €2.5 million in funding for 28 industry-focused research fellowships.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, unveiled the investment as part of the Research Ireland Industry Research, Development, and Innovation Fellowship (IRDIF ) Programme, signalling a strong commitment to fostering cutting-edge research with real-world impact.
The funding will support researchers undertaking placements in 22 companies, both domestic and international, with projects spanning artificial intelligence, sustainable energy, healthcare, and more. Notably, University of Galway is among the eight higher education institutions participating, cementing the city’s role at the heart of Ireland’s knowledge economy.
Bridging academia and industry
“The IRDIF Programme exemplifies how academic research can be seamlessly integrated with industry expertise to address pressing challenges,” said Minister Lawless. “These fellowships will not only advance critical research but also drive societal and economic growth through innovation.”
The initiative fosters dynamic partnerships, with industry collaborators contributing over €1.7 million in co-funding. This synergy ensures that researchers bring fresh academic insights to the table while gaining invaluable industry experience that enhances their professional development.
Celine Fitzgerald, interim CEO of Research Ireland, highlighted the programme’s role in boosting Ireland’s competitive edge, saying, “We are delighted to facilitate these collaborations, which are pivotal in translating academic excellence into tangible industry benefits.”
Pioneering projects with global impact
Among the projects funded, several stand out for their innovative potential:
-Smarter AI for Safer Digital Spaces: In partnership with Workday, researchers are developing AI systems capable of swiftly detecting harmful content, reducing reliance on human moderation and enhancing online safety.
-Eco-Friendly Solar Tech: Collaborating with Kastus Technologies, a project focuses on creating cost-effective, self-cleaning coatings for solar panels, improving energy efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.
-Addressing Male Infertility: BD Research Centre Ireland is backing the development of a cutting-edge cell-sorting system to tackle male infertility, promising new hope for affected individuals.
-Climate Resilience Tools: Climate Matters is working with researchers to create climate risk intelligence tools for safeguarding critical infrastructure against environmental threats.
-Sustainable Dairy Innovations: A partnership with Arrabawn Co-Operative Ltd. aims to convert dairy processing by-products into eco-friendly phosphate supplements, showcasing Ireland’s leadership in sustainable agri-tech.
Galway’s role in Ireland’s tech ecosystem
Galway’s vibrant tech ecosystem is well-represented among the programme’s participants, with companies like Mirai Medical Limited and HT Materials Science leading projects in medical technology and advanced materials. The city’s dynamic blend of academic prowess and entrepreneurial spirit makes it a fertile ground for such pioneering initiatives.
The fellowships, lasting between 12 and 24 months, are set to produce significant contributions not just to individual industries but to Ireland’s broader research and innovation landscape. As Research Ireland prepares to open new funding opportunities in 2025, the future looks bright for Galway’s place on the global tech stage.
With this latest investment, Galway continues to solidify its status as a cornerstone of Ireland’s digital business and tech innovation, bridging the gap between groundbreaking research and transformative real-world applications.
