Therapeutics & Monitoring which are targeting the
medical device industry through the convergence
of ICT technology platforms in microneedle
transdermal drug delivery, cancer treatment,
prosthetics, chemical sensing, biophotonics and
specialised conformal coatings in new areas of
medical device innovations.
- Convergence and co-existence of Energy
Information Networks
Given that the energy agenda has
now taken pride of place in the public
consciousness, the newly opened
International Energy Research Centre
is of particular interest. What kind of
projects are set to be undertaken and
how will industrial entities partner with
- Energy storage challenges
the centre?
A new International Energy Research
Centre (IERC) has been established at Tyndall,
UCC. This centre will be an industry-led
collaborative entity working with leading Irish and
international researchers in the area of integrated
sustainable energy systems. It will be a platform for
innovation in the commercialisation of technologies
created through the convergence of ICT and
Energy research across Ireland. Tyndall is a leader
in European ICT research and is ideally equipped
to facilitate the convergence of ICT and energy
necessary to deliver the novel energy systems that
will drive Ireland’s Green economy. Some of the
themes being examined are:
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- Factory optimisation using local smart grids
- Home area energy networks
American multi-national, United Technologies
Corporation (UTC), has located a new research
facility at Tyndall, UCC. UTC is the first company
to locate a research facility in Ireland as a direct
result of the IERC’s establishment. The company
has established a unique energy and security
research centre in Ireland employing 7 people and
expecting to employ up to 37 people over the next
four years through a €15m investment.
Maritime Energy
The IERC is complemented by UCC’s flagship
Maritime and Energy Research Campus and
Commercial Cluster (MERC) project, which
focuses on marine renewable energy (offshore wind,
wave and tidal energy). The MERC collaboration
copper-fastens UCC’s excellent relationship with
the Cork Institute of Technology, and uniquely
involves the Irish Naval Service.
Together this tripartite will deliver a new campus
in Ringaskiddy, Cork, featuring the National
Maritime College of Ireland, the Irish Naval
Service and UCC’s new National Marine Renewable
Energy Test Facility. A critical mass of expertise
will be brought to bear on the key areas of energy