Dublin City University

Dublin City University (DCU) is a distinctive, innovation-driven, research-led third-level institution. Thirty years since its foundation it is now one of Ireland’s youngest and most dynamic universities with more than 10,000 students. Radical in its strategy from the outset, it has always been particularly responsive to the needs of business and industry, both in its programmes of study and in its research. It is characterised by a focus on translational research, innovation and entrepreneurship, an ability to move quickly and to effect change.

DCU hosts large scale research centres in areas such as sensors, health and life sciences, ICT, plasma science and technology and software based machine translation. With a distinctive emphasis on translational research conducted by interdisciplinary research teams DCU has become a significant force in applied research in Ireland. DCU is committed to continuing its vigorous contribution to the development of Ireland’s global knowledge society in particular by supporting emerging knowledge intensive companies in their early formative stages and through the provision of mechanisms for collaboration which are pro-business and pragmatic.

The Invent Centre at DCU plays a central role as a gateway for entrepreneurs. DCU has been the leading Irish university in terms of technology licences granted to Irish and international companies reflecting its progressive pro-business culture for the last number of years. This illustrates both the relevance to industry of DCU’s translational research strategy and the strong pro-business outlook of the researchers and the Invent technology transfer team working closely together.

Invent DCU has helped many individuals to start their own business. It provides over 2800 sq. m of purpose-built incubation space for technology-based start-up companies, as well as offering a wide range of early stage business support services to its client companies and to researchers ranging from intellectual property management and evaluation services to early stage business planning for start-up companies. The comprehensive suite of supports available through Invent DCU is ideal for transforming a good idea into a working business. DCU offers small companies access to the sophisticated research environment, which includes a number of National Centres carrying out research at the highest levels. These Centres have strong linkages to Irish industry and include: The National Centre for Sensor Research, The National Centre for Plasma Science and Technology, The Biomedical Diagnostics Institute and The INSIGHT Centre for Data Analytics.

For more details see www.dcu.ie and www.dcu.ie/invent