Ireland: backing companies working at the frontier of innovation

Ireland’s inaugural Disruptive Technologies Summit, which took place on 9^th September 2024 in Dublin Castle, encouraged enterprises and researchers to collaborate on game-changing technologies. 

Pictured are (L-R): Gökhan Çelik, CEO, A-techSYN; Marina Donohoe, Head of Research and Innovation at Enterprise Ireland; Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr Peter Burke, T.D.

Since its launch in 2018, Ireland’s Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) has been quietly transforming the country’s research and development landscape. With €500 million earmarked for the development of high-impact technologies, the fund seeks to harness Ireland’s academic and industrial capabilities in a way that not only advances the nation's economy but positions Irish companies at the cutting edge of global innovation. To date, over €371 million in funding has been awarded to 104 projects. Managed by Ireland’s Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and administered by Enterprise Ireland, the DTIF aims to back collaborative projects between industry partners and between industry and academia, focusing on technological breakthroughs with the potential to disrupt established markets and drive future growth.

From advanced manufacturing to biotechnology, the DTIF has stimulated a wave of innovative activity in sectors where Ireland is rapidly becoming a global leader. One of the key characteristics of the fund is its focus on “disruptive” potential—technologies that are not just incremental improvements but transformative in nature. The fund's approach is rooted in fostering collaborations between established businesses, high-potential start-ups, and research institutions, ensuring a cross-pollination of ideas and expertise that accelerates the transition from research to market.

Imelda Lambkin, Department Manager, Disruptive Technologies & Innovation, Enterprise Ireland, highlights the significance of the fund: “The DTIF is not just about supporting individual companies or technologies; it’s about creating an ecosystem of innovation where collaboration and ambition thrive. The impact of this fund is already visible, as we see Irish businesses and research institutions working together in ways that are transforming entire sectors and addressing global challenges. The DTIF is laying the groundwork for long-term economic growth and societal progress.”

Deciphex - Revolutionising Cancer Diagnostics with AI

Deciphex, one of the pioneering companies supported by DTIF, is using artificial intelligence to target accurate screening, which will contribute to improved outcomes for cancer patients. By automating and enhancing the diagnostic process, Deciphex is not only improving efficiency but also paving the way for earlier detection and more personalised treatments. The company's technology has the potential to transform pathology, a cornerstone of cancer diagnostics, by speeding up the analysis of tissue samples while maintaining high accuracy. This innovation exemplifies the disruptive potential that DTIF seeks to harness, with Deciphex poised to make a significant impact on global healthcare outcomes.

Lumavision - Transforming Cardiac Care with High-Resolution Imagery

Another standout beneficiary of the DTIF is Lumavision, whose high-resolution imagery technology offers unprecedented views of the beating heart. This breakthrough in visualisation provides cardiologists with accurate, real-time information that can guide more effective patient therapies. With cardiovascular diseases being a leading cause of death globally, Lumavision’s technology could be a game-changer in improving the precision of cardiac treatments, ultimately saving lives and reducing healthcare costs.
 

Neurent Medical - Enhancing Quality of Life for Rhinitis Patients

Neurent Medical, also backed by the DTIF, is focused on improving the quality of life for millions of patients suffering from chronic rhinitis, a condition characterised by persistent nasal congestion and irritation. The company’s innovative technology offers a minimally invasive treatment solution, providing long-lasting relief for patients who have traditionally had few effective options. By targeting the root cause of the condition rather than just managing symptoms, Neurent Medical is setting new standards in patient care, demonstrating the transformative potential of DTIF-backed health technologies.

A-techsyn - Pioneering Maritime Surveillance with Drone Technology

A-techsyn is leveraging DTIF support to develop innovative drone technology designed for maritime surveillance. The company’s drones are capable of surveying large areas of coastline, playing a critical role in improving Ireland’s ability to combat drug smuggling and protect its borders. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can operate in challenging environments and provide real-time data that enhances maritime safety and security. This project showcases the potential of advanced technologies to not only disrupt industries but also address significant societal challenges.

Subsea Micropiles - Advancing Offshore Wind with Seabed Drilling Solutions

The Subsea Micropiles project, another DTIF-supported initiative, is developing solutions for seabed drilling systems to install marine anchors, a technology with huge potential to support the growth of offshore wind applications. As the world moves towards renewable energy, offshore wind farms are becoming a key component of sustainable energy strategies. Subsea Micropiles’ technology is critical to enabling the expansion of this sector, providing a reliable and efficient method for securing offshore wind installations in place. This advancement reflects DTIF’s commitment to fostering innovations that contribute to both economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Advanced Manufacturing and Collaborative Innovation

While life sciences and communications technology are critical growth areas, the DTIF is also playing a crucial role in reshaping Ireland’s advanced manufacturing sector. Through fostering partnerships between research institutions and companies, the fund has supported the creation of new materials and production methods that could transform industries ranging from electronics to automotive.

A standout example of this is the collaboration between Mbryonics, Valitacell, and NUI Galway, which highlights the multidisciplinary approach encouraged by the DTIF. This partnership, which brings together expertise in photonics, biotechnology, and material sciences, is exploring novel optical technologies that have applications in both the space sector and healthcare. Such collaborations not only drive technological advancement but also strengthen Ireland’s competitive position on the world stage.
 

Economic and Societal Impact

DTIF’s broader impact extends well beyond the immediate development of new technologies. By backing companies that are working at the frontier of innovation, the fund is helping to generate high-skilled jobs, attract foreign investment, and ensure that Ireland remains a magnet for global tech talent.

The strategic investment in sectors such as biotechnology, communications, and advanced manufacturing not only bolsters Ireland’s competitive advantage but also diversifies the economy away from more traditional sectors. As Ireland continues to evolve into a knowledge-based economy, the technologies emerging from DTIF-backed projects will play a critical role in shaping the country’s industrial future.

Moreover, the societal impact of these projects is profound. Innovations in healthcare, such as Neurent Medical’s treatment for rhinitis or Deciphex’s AI cancer diagnostics, promise to dramatically improve patient outcomes, while advances in drone technology and maritime surveillance are enhancing national security. Meanwhile, innovations in manufacturing are driving sustainability efforts, with new materials and processes offering solutions to reduce waste and improve energy efficiency.
 

Charting the Future of Irish Innovation

As DTIF continues into its sixth year, it remains a key element of Ireland’s industrial strategy. With each new round of funding, the projects become more ambitious, and the scope of innovation widens. As global competition in the technological arena intensifies, the fund’s role in propelling Irish companies to the forefront of disruptive technologies will only grow in importance.

Looking ahead, the DTIF is expected to play an increasingly vital role in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from climate change to healthcare. Its focus on long-term, high-impact innovation ensures that Ireland is not only participating in the global innovation economy but is shaping its future.

By backing technologies that have the potential to disrupt industries, DTIF is laying the foundation for Ireland’s next wave of economic growth. In doing so, it is positioning the country as a leader in sectors that will define the 21st century, ensuring that Irish innovation continues to punch well above its weight on the global stage.

For further information contact:

Enterprise Ireland Press Office