Third level research and software companies to be brought together by new ISA network
Software & Services | 03 Feb 2010 :
The Irish Software Innovation Network (ISIN) is a new body set up by the Irish Software Association, to act as a "free matchmaking service" between software companies and third level research institutes, connecting businesses to the expertise available in Ireland's universities.
ISIN has received some €200,000 in funding from Enterprise Ireland.
Michael Martin is the manager of the new network group and he described the benefits for software companies and researchers, "There is massive potential to boost innovation, enterprise and employment if we can get our software companies to work more closely with research institutes. To do this we have developed a dedicated database to simplify and speed up the matchmaking process. The network will be of interest to any business that wants to commercialise a specific technology, but which may not have the internal resources needed to conduct the research themselves."
Martin encouraged software companies to engage saying: "If a company is interested in participating, we will meet with them to discuss their research requirements. We will then identify potential academic partners and match the appropriate academic expertise to support the company. We'll provide ongoing support throughout the process, including progress monitoring, guidance and fundraising advice."
"Enterprise Ireland recognises that the Irish Software Association has established trust and shared experiences with their members," said Gearoid Mooney, director of ICT research commercialisation, Enterprise Ireland. "We want the ISA to build on the strong relationships they already have with their member companies to provide independent and experience-based advice on the innovation and R&D options open to software companies in Ireland."
The ISIN website provides a comprehensive guide to funding, IP licensing, R&D tax credits, case studies, events and a search facility through which companies and research institutes can locate matching technology requirements. In Ireland last year, ISA reports, 10 ISA members were involved in collaboration with Irish research institutes.
www.isin.ie