Science & Innovation Division, Enterprise Ireland

2002

YEAR BOOK

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Enterprise Ireland � Science & Innovation Division

Martin Lyes

Science & Innovation Division, Enterprise Ireland

A An isosorbide-based inhibitor docked within the active site of a human butyrylcholinesterase model. The red arrow indicates the entrance to the active site. This model will be used to aid the construction of a new class of isosorbide-based inhibitors for probing the biological role of this enzyme, and potentially for use in diseases such as Alzheimer's. B represents an energy minimised isosorbide-based inhibitor shown surrounded by residues from butyrlcholinesterase; the catalytic serine is shown in gold. C shows an energy minimised isosorbide-based inhibitor superimposed on butyrylcholine, the prototypical substrate of butyrylcholinesterase.

A key interest of Enterprise Ireland in its Technology Innovation Strategy is to fund relevant applied research and ensure that the results of such research are commercialised. The Science and Innovation directorate provides a range of R&D support measures aimed at satisfying this interest and achieving the goal of creating competitive companies. Some of the support measures are briefly described below.

1. Basic Research: Grants Scheme
The Basic Research Grants Scheme is directed at supporting high quality fundamental research in the third level education sector. The aim of this programme is to stimulate original scientific research through the support of individuals with innovative ideas. Open across all the sciences and engineering, a 'bottom-up' approach results in the stimulation of creative research that will form the backbone to future industrial research and development. The allocation of funds to a specific category for new researchers, or researchers who have returned following a career break, gives new or returned researchers the opportunity to establish their careers.

In 2002, support for the scheme was dramatically increased to �16M when Enterprise Ireland went into partnership with The Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology, with both groups supporting 50% of the total budget. As a result, 119 projects were funded this year compared with 69 in 2001 and 85 in 2000.

Among the 119 funded is a project which will be carried out in collaboration with Trinity College Dublin and Athlone Institute of Technology by researchers John Gilmer and Sean Reidy. The project will examine potential safe inhibitors to a protein believed to be involved in the development of Alzheimers disease (see Figure). Also funded this year were Ronan Grimes and David Newport from the University of Limerick, who will focus on fluid phenomena at the micron level to address fundamental engineering issues that arise with micro devices.

2. Innovation Partnerships
Company � Third Level College Collaboration for New Product/Process Development

The Innovation Partnerships Initiative is an open call funding mechanism established to assist Third Level Colleges to work on cutting edge research projects with Irish industry. We are inviting applications from talented, inspired and dedicated researchers, who have linked up with potential industry partners. The collaborative team must have the ability to meet the challenge of taking a pre-commercial research project from inception through to completion.

IP funding is specifically for collaboration with industry on research projects that feature a technological and commercial risk factor. By joining forces with industry, third level researchers can become involved in innovative, globally focused research.

Research projects are co-funded by both Enterprise Ireland and the collaborating company or companies. Enterprise Ireland makes no claim on the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) developed in the course of the research. The IP Initiative also supports Technical Feasibility Studies. These are intended to provide a 'stepping stone' to full Innovation Partnerships research project funding.

Case Study � Parthus and Cork Institute of Technology
Parthus identified an opportunity to increase its business by investing in high performance chips used in the manufacture of Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). The company established a collaborative R&D agenda with Cork Institute of Technology to advance the research ideas. Through its involvement in this research project, the company now has a valuable high performance clock multiplier technology, developed by the CIT research group. The technology is now being licensed to Semiconductor manufacturers who sell integrated circuits to LCD display manufacturers.

3. Research Technology & Innovation (RTI) Competitive Grants Initiative
Enterprise Ireland aims to harness foresight and innovation, and work with companies to bridge the gap between a good idea and a profitable place in the market.

Objectives

The Research Technology & Innovation Initiative aims to bring about a substantial net increase in the level of high quality Research and Development in businesses in Ireland. The Initiative will support commercially focused, industry led projects in product and process development.

Initiative Content

The Initiative covers high quality, risk intensive R&D projects, which are essential for companies to establish � or to maintain � their overall competitiveness. Projects can relate to either product, process development or design and should be:

��an integral part of the strategic development plans for the company;

��represent an advance in the level of technical innovation relative to the company's current products and processes;

��be designed to help the company meet market requirements, especially in the area of higher value added products;

��normally be completed within two years from date of approval;

��lead to full commercial exploitation, typically within one year after completion of the project.

Who may apply?

All manufacturing and internationally traded services companies in Ireland are eligible to apply. The initiative is particularly directed at established companies, which are planning to undertake their first R&D projects, and those which are significantly developing their existing R&D activity.

Grant Rates

Maximum grant rates will vary between 25% and 45% of eligible expenditure depending on the size of the company and its location. The maximum amount of grant for any application will not exceed �444,400. The RTI Initiative is co-funded by EU Structural Funds.

How to apply

Contact your Development Advisor.

4. Innovation Management Initiative
Efficient management of R&D potential is vital when developing innovative ideas into profitable reality. Enterprise Ireland works with client companies to ensure this momentum is efficiently maintained.

Objectives

The objective of the Innovation Management Initiative is to increase the number of companies undertaking R&D for the first time and to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the innovation and R&D process in those companies already undertaking R&D. It also aims to capture the creative potential of employees and thus enable higher added value R&D to be undertaken.

Initiative Content

Under this Initiative, the training courses available to participants are listed in the table below.

Who Can Participate?

All manufacturing and internationally traded services companies in Ireland may participate. The Initiative covers first time and early stage R&D performers as well as experienced and advanced R&D performers.

Funding

Eligible companies will have 50% of course fees paid.

For information on specific courses, please contact the Training Supplier listed below.

Course	Training Supplier	Contact
Introduction to R&D Management	Innovator http://www.innovator.ie	Phone: 01-6792196 Email: [email protected]
Introduction to R&D Management (Pilot Action � web based delivery)	Innovation Partners http://www.innovation-partners.com	Phone: 01-2849021 Email: [email protected]
Innovation and R&D Management for the Food & Drinks Industry	Faculty of Food Science & Technology, UCC http://www.ucc.ie/fitu	Phone: 021-4903178/021-4902007 Email: [email protected]
R&D Management Development for Experienced R&D Performers	BSM (Company) http://www.bsm.ie/innovation	Phone: 091-746900 Email: [email protected]
Series of Expert Seminars in Innovation and R&D Management	National Institute of Technology Management (NITM) http://www.ucd.ie/nitm	Phone: 01-7168012 Email: [email protected]
Masters in Technology Management	National Institute of Technology Management (NITM) http://www.ucd.ie/nitm	Phone: 01-7168012 Email: [email protected]
Masters in Technology Management by distance education	Atlantic University Alliance http://www.aua.ie	Phone: 061-213037 Email: [email protected]
Development Actions Networking of Companies	Atlantic University Alliance http://www.aua.ie	Phone: 061-202947 Email: [email protected]
Training of Trainers	Atlantic University Alliance http://www.aua.ie	Phone: 061-331588 Email: [email protected]

For general information, please contact: Dorothy Timmons,
Enterprise Ireland, Glasnevin, Dublin 9;
Tel: 01 808 2530; Fax: 01 808 2645;
E-mail: [email protected]
Further Information on the above initiatives and on all Enterprise Ireland's Industry-Academic support measures can be referenced on our web site at www.enterprise-ireland.com