WIT and IT Carlow conference will highlight funding streams for businesses to collaborate with researchers
Disruptive Innovation is the theme of a new conference aimed at businesses and innovators which will demonstrate how availing of Government funding to collaborate with researchers.
Amplitude, which runs in Waterford’s WIT Arena on 3 October 2018 is led by research centres in Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) and Institute of Technology Carlow (IT Carlow). Funding opportunities vary from Innovation Vouchers worth €5,000 up to R&D and Commercialisation Funds worth six figures to a company.
In addition four new funding streams have been established under the National Development Plan 2018 – 2027.
Organisers recognised the need in the South East for an event dedicated to facilitating collaboration opportunities between entrepreneurs, start-ups, multinationals, academic researchers and state agencies.
“This event will drive discussion around future trends, how research can have a dramatic impact on industry and how they consider future technologies for their sectors,” said MC for the event, Niamh Bushnell, CEO of Tech Ireland.
Keynote speakers include Ann Kehoe, Global Head of Brand for Alltech and Marc O’Regan, CTO with Dell EMC who will break down their experiences in the realm of Disruptive Innovation and how their companies face the daily challenges of staying ahead of their competitors.
Delegates will have the opportunity to try out some exciting demos of science and technology and a dedicated start up area sponsored by South East Local Enterprise Offices will also give companies a chance to see what's emerging in the start-up scene.
Industry keynote speakers will be joined by Mind Magician Keith Barry.
The driving force behind the event are research centres TSSG (Telecommunication Systems Software Group), SEAM (South Eastern Applied Materials), PMBRC (Pharmaceuticals and Molecular Bio Technology Research Centre and RIKON (Business Technology Management) along with Design Plus (Design, Engineering, ICT and Bioscience) from IT Carlow.
Prof Willie Donnelly, President of WIT and one of the founders of WIT’s TSSG research centre, explains that between both institutes almost every industry can gain from collaboration to grow, develop and improve their product, processes or services - no matter the size.
“Companies will discover how to design and develop new or existing products or services. Academic experts and industry partners from both Institutes will give real life examples of successful collaborations,” he says.
Also taking to the stage at Amplitude is an internationally recognised speaker and Waterford native, Keith Barry, whose talk entitled ‘Brain Magic’ remains in the Top 25 TED Talks of all time since 2008. Barry says “As a scientist myself I look forward to talking about how through continuous research, collaboration with others and dedication I believe we can all harness our subconscious potential to achieve greatness. I'll also talk about how through NLP/mirroring and body language techniques you can better communicate your ideas to others.”
“The aim is to grow Amplitude year on year to become a recognised national and international event. Organisations such as South-East Chamber of Commerce’, Local Enterprise Offices (LEO), IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland will also be participating and supporting this initiative,” adds James O’Sullivan, Technology Transfer Office, WIT.
The event will also feature free IP workshops with Keltie Patent Attorneys, a London based Intellectual Property firm who recently opened an office in Galway. Representatives will be there on the day ready to answer questions relating to IP and will be in the main exhibition area.
Tickets are now on sale for just €25, buy now . For more information or if you are interested in sponsoring Amplitude contact hello@amplitude.ie