€460,000 in agri-tech innovation funding for MTU
Irish agri-tech and food companies are set to gain access to advanced European testing and validation services.
It comes as Ireland joins agrifoodTEF, a European network of test and experimentation facilities for artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics in the agri-food sector.
Munster Technological University (MTU) will deliver Ireland’s participation in the network through the IMaR Research Centre and AgriTech Ireland Cluster at its Kerry campus.
The university will also receive €460,000 to support its involvement, funded through the EU Digital Europe Programme and co-funded by Research Ireland.
Agri-tech
The network connects research centres, test facilities and industry partners across Europe, with a focus on helping companies developing digital and automation technologies for agriculture and food production.
Irish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be able to test, validate, and accelerate the adoption of AI and robotics solutions for the agri-food sector.
MTU will provide structured validation services to companies, taking on average eight to 12 weeks to complete.
The companies will receive evidence-based findings designed to strengthen investor and customer confidence ahead of wider rollout.
MTU
AgriTech Ireland works with over 50 SMEs each year, connecting businesses with technical expertise, research facilities, funding opportunities and industry partnerships.
Kieran O'Donoghue, cluster manager at AgriTech Ireland, said joining agriFoodTEF provides a "significant opportunity" for members to connect with "a European network of expertise, facilities, and innovation partners".
"Through the cluster, SMEs will be able to collaborate with technical specialists, access testing and validation capabilities, and generate the evidence needed to support the development and adoption of new agritech solutions.
"This strengthens our ability to support members throughout their innovation journey while raising the profile of Irish AgriTech within the wider European innovation ecosystem," he said.
Prof. Joseph Walsh, vice dean research and innovation and director of IMaR at MTU, added this is an important milestone for MTU and the IMaR Research Centre.
"Through this European consortium, we will combine our expertise in digital technologies, AI, and applied research with the industry engagement capabilities of the AgriTech Ireland Cluster to support agritech SMEs in validating and accelerating innovative solutions.
"This partnership strengthens Ireland's contribution to the European agritech innovation ecosystem while creating new opportunities for companies to test, validate, and commercialise technologies that can support a more productive and sustainable agricultural sector," he said.
