The South West College has launched InnoTech Fermanagh, which has seen the recruitment of 4 highly skilled and experienced new members of staff to provide technical expertise to the people of County Fermanagh. The Innovation and Technology “InnoTech” Centre, was first developed in Cookstown, County Tyrone in 2009 and due to its success, the College has received funding to expand upon the existing service with a dedicated service for County Fermanagh businesses, based in the INTEC Centre, Enniskillen. Over the past 18 months, the Cookstown based centre has helped over 200 firms and entrepreneurs translate their concepts into profits and jobs.
The aim of the InnoTech Centre is to support industry through technical research and development and mentoring. The InnoTech Centre has established key specialisms in environmental sustainability and renewable technologies; engineering, product design and prototyping; electronics, software and ICT and a new area of focus, tourism development and sustainable tourism.
Dr Fergal Tuffy, Research Lecturer at the InnoTech Centre, said:
“We know that taking a new product or service from concept to the market can be a daunting prospect. That’s why we work closely with all our clients and partners to ensure they have every opportunity to access all further support options, funding or otherwise.”
“We invest time to ensure a full understanding of each challenge, match our know-how and explore all potential solutions. This means we can offer a tailored solution to give companies a leading-edge. With this dedicated presence and resource, I would strongly encourage anyone interested to contact us to find out more about advancing their innovative ideas.”
Funding for the InnoTech Centre has been provided by the Department for Employment and Learning through the Innovation Fund, Employer Support Programme. This programme has been developed to ensure that the Further Education (FE) sector has the capacity and expertise to deliver the workforce skills required by the economy and to enable Colleges to support industry and entrepreneurial activity in priority sectors. The InnoTech Centre has also been supported by Fermanagh District Council, in being located in the Council’s INTEC Centre.
The development of InnoTech Fermanagh has arrived at a critical time, in regards to the current economic climate, where all local businesses are finding it difficult to sustain their futures. The InnoTech Centre can provide businesses or new entrepreneurs who may have an innovative idea, with access to technical support and assistance, from high-tech employees who have a vast range of knowledge and expertise in all key areas.
Commenting on the new staff appointments, Fergal Tuffy said, “we are delighted at the calibre of staff that we have recruited;”
“Matthew Quigley is of an agricultural engineering background and has previous experience as a Mechanical Design Engineer with Kerry Die Products Ltd. based in Killarney. Matthew also has designed numerous products and is highly skilled in many 2D and 3D CAD design packages.”
“Dave Murray is an Electronic and Electrical Engineer who has over 10 years experience in various roles from electronic system design, to software to digital signal processing. As well as a strong technical background, Dave has significant experience in business start-up and development.”
“Gemma Keenan is a Sustainability specialist with qualifications in Estates Management and Rural Sustainability. As well as knowledge of various renewable technologies, Gemma has experience in the management and running of a successful business and as an entrepreneur herself, has previously set up her own small business.”
“Anne Kelly is focusing on a new area of specialism for the InnoTech Centre, an area that is of prime importance in Fermanagh; Tourism. Anne is qualified with BSc (Hons) Leisure, Events & Cultural Management and has an MSc in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Anne has worked in a range of areas such as market research, sales specifications, fundraising and public relations. Anne has also worked within the Tourism sector for the past 4 years with the Cookstown Tourist Information Centre;”
As well as working with industry and entrepreneurs the Centre is also promoting the STEM agenda within Northern Ireland. Its aim is to increase the number of students studying courses in the area of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics through the design and development of innovative awareness raising activities aimed at schools.
The InnoTech Centre has developed strategic partners to provide advice, training and support for entrepreneurs through a number of specialist initiatives – including Invest NI’s ‘Go-For-It’ and ‘Growth’ programmes. It has also provides valuable assistance for clients in the application for funding through numerous schemes. Examples include Invest NI’s Innovation Vouchers, Technical Development Incentive grants, grants for R&D, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, and Intertrade Ireland’s Fusion projects.
To find out more about advancing your innovative ideas, contact us via telephone 028 8225 5223.
