TU Dublin to Drive Research Commercialisation with €32.21m ARC Hub for ICT
Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) warmly welcomes today’s significant announcement by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, regarding a €63.84 million investment aimed at accelerating research impact and fostering innovation across Ireland through the new ‘Accelerating Research to Commercialisation’ (ARC) Hub Programme, of which TU Dublin has secured €32.21 million to establish and host the ARC Hub for ICT directed by TU Dublin’s Professor Sarah Jane Delany. The investment is significant in that the ARC Hub will be the first national-scale research centre hosted and led by a Technological University.
Speaking at the announcement, Minister Lawless said:
The Research Ireland ARC Hubs for Therapeutics and ICT represent a new model for regional innovation and entrepreneurial training that will catalyse a step-change in the translation of cutting-edge, publicly-funded research towards impact at a regional level. The ARC Hubs will enhance and accelerate the commercialisation of research to create new products, processes and services.
As the host of ARC Hub for ICT, TU Dublin is delighted to lead this ground-breaking initiative, which will play a transformative role in translating cutting-edge research into tangible societal and economic benefits. The programme, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the Irish Government, aligns with Ireland’s Smart Specialisation Strategy for Innovation 2022-2027 and will significantly enhance regional innovation ecosystems.
Welcoming the announcement, TU Dublin Vice President for Research and Innovation, Dr Brendan Jennings, remarked:
Universities play a crucial role in driving economic growth by enabling researchers to transform pioneering ideas into real-world applications that benefit communities. TU Dublin has a distinguished track record in commercialising research through licensing and the creation of start-ups. As the host of the ARC Hub in ICT, we are excited to lead this national initiative, fostering innovation and collaboration across all Irish universities to bring cutting-edge ideas to market.
Professor Sarah Jane Delany, director of the TU Dublin ARC Hub for ICT; will spearhead efforts to fast-track research in key technological areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), data management, healthcare technology, education, infrastructure, and sustainability. By fostering collaboration between leading academic institutions, industry partners, and entrepreneurs, the Hub will strengthen Ireland’s position as a leader in research-driven innovation.
Speaking about the announcement, Professor Delany stated:
The ARC Hub in ICT represents an amazing opportunity to bridge the gap between academic research in ICT and AI and real-world products and services. It will give researchers across Ireland the opportunity to access development and entrepreneurial supports to commercialise their research delivering economic growth and societal benefits.
TU Dublin is committed to bridging the gap between academic research and its practical application, ensuring that innovative discoveries can be harnessed for societal and economic advancement. This investment will enable researchers at TU Dublin and across Ireland to develop their capabilities and bring ground-breaking ideas closer to realisation. The establishment of the ARC Hubs represents a major milestone for Ireland’s research and innovation landscape. TU Dublin looks forward to contributing to this ambitious programme and ensuring its success in delivering impactful solutions for the future.
Further details can be found from here: Research Ireland Press Release.
ARC Hub for ICT Picture: Left-right: Dr Robert Ross, Senior Lecturer, School of Computer Science, TU Dublin; Dr Steven Davy, Manager for Centre for Sustainable Digital Technologies, TU Dublin; Prof. Sarah Jane Delany, Professor of Inclusive Computer Science, School of Computer Science, TU Dublin and ARC Hub for ICT Lead; James Lawless TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science; Michael Horgan, Chair, Research Ireland; Helen Kearns, Head of Media, Communication and Outreach at European Commission Dublin Representation; Dr Brendan Jennings, VP Research and Innovation, TU Dublin; and David Kelly, Director of Southern Regional Assembly. The ARC Hub for ICT is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027.
