The FUSION cross-border innovation programme is ‘probably the most efficient and effective mechanism for knowledge exchange in western Europe’, according to Tim Brundle, Director of Innovation at the University of Ulster.

He was speaking as 20 of Ireland’s most innovative companies came together to celebrate their achievements as part of the University of Ulster and InterTradeIreland FUSION Programme.

In industries ranging from seafood to engineering, construction technology to interactive tourist guides and healthcare technology to glass, the FUSION programme brings together academics and entrepreneurs to power innovation across the island of Ireland.

Launched in 2001, the programme has now supported the development of over 200 partnerships across the island, with businesses reporting over £25m in benefits accruing from the programme.

Speaking at the InterTradeIreland-sponsored celebration and networking event in Dunboyne, Mr Brundle said: “One of the most exciting aspects of the FUSION programme is that it links industry and academia, and helps the knowledge exchange between them – and it does that in a very efficient way. It’s about unlocking the knowledge contained in academia and capitalising on it within industry, and is probably the most efficient and effective mechanism for knowledge exchange in western Europe.”

“It brings the best ideas together with the best brains together with the companies with the greatest need for innovation solutions – that’s why it has been so successful across Ireland.”

The University of Ulster has been involved in more FUSION projects than any other institution on the island, says Professor Bernie Hannigan, the University of Ulster Pro –Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation:

“FUSION projects have involved academics from all four of the University’s campuses; Jordanstown, Magee, Coleraine and Belfast, and from all corners of the island, from Donegal to Cork, Waterford to Mayo, Dublin to Galway.

“We have worked with large and small companies, whether new or established, in businesses as diverse as bakery, biotechnology, plastics and paper bags. Projects have resulted in new products, streamlined processes and the adoption of new technologies to advance them strategically whilst producing real bottom-line results.

“We look forward to building on these great, established relationships, and we hope to start many new ones in the next rollout of the FUSION Programme.”

PODCAST: David Young interviews Tim Brundle on the reasons for FUSION’s success

http://news.ulster.ac.uk/podcasts/Fusion.mp3

Notes for editors

FUSION facilitates knowledge and technology transfer by linking companies in one jurisdiction with research institutions in the other. InterTradeIreland will provide a support package worth up to £61,500 towards the graduate’s salary and academic expertise. It can help companies to develop new products to increase sales, enhance existing products to improve profit margins, and streamline production processes to reduce costs.

Universities and colleges benefit through enhancing the business relevance of their research and teaching and individual graduates benefit from industry-based training and the opportunity for fast-track career advancement to senior management. To date over £25 million of benefits have been reported by companies and this figure is expected to increase substantially as projects complete and realise their full potential over the coming years.

For further information, please contact:

David Young
Telephone: 028 90366074
Email: David Young