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Businesses Urged to Capitalise on Ireland’s Leading Research Collaboration Platform
Atlantic Technological University is calling on businesses to leverage its position as Ireland’s most collaborative university for industry partnerships, as confirmed by the Annual Knowledge Transfer Survey 2024.
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is calling on businesses to leverage its position as Ireland’s most collaborative university for industry partnerships, as confirmed by the Annual Knowledge Transfer Survey 2024. ATU topped the national rankings for the number of research engagements with companies, delivering 122 collaborative projects last year—more than any other Irish university or research-performing organisation.
This performance highlights ATU’s strategic role in driving innovation-led growth across the Northern and Western region and beyond. Of these projects:
- Over 90% were with SMEs, the backbone of Ireland’s economy.
- Over 90% involved Irish or Northern Irish-owned companies, ensuring local economic impact.
- Over 70% were with firms based in the Northern and Western region, reinforcing regional competitiveness.
- 25% were repeat engagements, demonstrating trust and tangible results.
Research spanned critical sectors including manufacturing, sustainability, digital transformation, robotics, AI, and health innovation.
Nationally, the survey reported €880 million in research expenditure, 1,363 live R&D projects, and 2,270 new agreements with industry and non-commercial entities. ATU’s contribution positions it as a key driver of Ireland’s innovation economy.
Dr Kieran Ryan, RTTP, Head of Knowledge Transfer at ATU, said:
“ATU is uniquely positioned to help businesses innovate at pace. Our streamlined processes and expert guidance make research accessible and commercially relevant. Whether you are an SME seeking to develop new products or a larger enterprise exploring digital transformation, we can help scope your project, secure funding, and deliver measurable impact.”
Dr Ryan added: “If your business is considering a research project but unsure where to start, contact ATU today. Together, we can transform ideas into competitive advantage and strengthen Ireland’s innovation ecosystem.”
The Atlantic Technological University Knowledge Transfer Office is supported under the KT Boost Programme co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021-2027.
For further information please go to:
• Technology and Knowledge Transfer – Atlantic Technological University
• Annual Knowledge Transfer Survey 2024
Or email:
Aidan Haughey
Communications Manager
Tel: +353 87 961 8355
