Technology Transfer & Innovation

IT Sligo: Your Education & Innovation Partner

The Technology Transfer & Innovation Unit has very specific targets as set out in the Institute’s Strategic Plan 2007-12 entitled “Mapping the Future”.

The Technology Transfer & Innovation Unit is the primary driver for Strategic Goal No 1: “To continue to diversify in academic development of all learners in respect of all programmes including access, diverse assessment methods and alternative delivery”. We are on target to achieving that goal.

The other main strategic goal which is primarily driven by the Technology Transfer & Innovation Unit is Goal No 7, “To further develop the role of the institute in its responsibility for the growth and development of the environment, social, economic and cultural vibrancy of the region”. Again we are on track to achieve the quantitative measures associated with that goal.

The Technology Transfer & Innovation Unit provides a single point of contact for external linkages with IT Sligo and provides advice and assistance on a range of activities including sources of funding for collaborative projects, open and distance learning including bespoke training, consultancy and state-of-the art communication and business facilities. The office is responsible for all Institute Intellectual property matters, technology transfer and commercialisation.

The Office also has strong links with government and development agencies such as Enterprise Ireland, Local Authorities, the Western Development Commission, business representative bodies and community based organisations.

The Office fosters Innovation through ITSBIC http://www.itsbic.ie/ (IT Sligo Business Innovation Centre) a newly developed 2,777 m2 building which provides a huge range of facilities and services to businesses located in the ITSBIC. There are currently 18 occupant companies with 40 employees based in ITSBIC. A dedicated R&D building was integrated into the BIC construction project. This enables ITSBIC occupants to seamlessly avail of the services and resources of the R&D building in collaboration with the Head of Research.

The Centre for Design Innovation http://www.designinnovation.ie/ is the National centre of excellence for the research, understanding and promotion of the effective use of design within business and the public sector in Ireland is also based in ITSBIC.

The Institute’s predominant engagement with industry is focused on the provision of training and development programmes. Engagement with regional industry is primarily focused on company specific programmes, while a range of On-Line programmes is provided to industry on a national basis. Indeed IT Sligo has been to the forefront in developing an extensive range of On Line Programmes, mainly in the areas of Engineering and Science. Currently IT Sligo offers in excess of 20 On-Line programmes to a range of companies including Intel, Elan Drug Technologies, and Medtronic. IT Sligo’s main flagship collaboration programmes include:

National Programmes:

In addition to a number of specific programmes IT Sligo has developed a flagship partnership with the Irish Prison Service. IT Sligo has commenced delivery of the Higher Certificate in Arts in Custodial Care to new Recruit Prison Officers of the Irish Prison Service (IPS). The Higher Certificate is a two-year programme which is delivered in partnership with staff from IPS. The objective of the programme is to develop a highly professional workforce, one that is focussed on the well-being and rehabilitation of an increasingly diverse prison population. The programme involves a range of innovative teaching and learning strategies, including work-based learning, problem-based learning and distance education.

International Programmes:

Coca-Cola:
A global training contract in analytical techniques.

Masonite Ireland & Masonite International:
A level 7 course in Manufacturing Management and the delivery of an Occupational Health & Safety Programme to Masonite facilities across Europe using web enabled technology.

Abbott Laboratories:
A training contract for analytical techniques.

For further information contact:

• Niall McEvoy
• Head of Technology Transfer & Innovation
  Institute of Technology Sligo
• 071-91 55385
• 071-91 60934
• mcevoy.niall@itsligo.ie