Intertrade Ireland Boosts Innovation

An all-island technology transfer programme FUSION, is to help businesses innovate and improve their products, processes or services.

InterTradeIreland is offering up to £29,500 to local companies through the award winning programme where samm businesses (SMEs) are partnered with a third level institution with specialist expertise and a high calibre science and technology graduate based in their company who will lead a 12 month innovation project.

InterTradeIreland's FUSION programme provides a package of support that includes assistance towards the graduate’s salary and associated costs and a full consultancy package for the academic that the company will work with.

Up to £29,500 will be made available to each company, to fund 50% of the recruit's employment costs and 100% of other eligible costs.

The company contributes a minimum of £11,000 per annum towards a graduate salary and support.

Over 85% of graduates are offered long term employment with the company beyond the initial project, testament to both the success of the projects undertaken and the quality of graduates recruited.

InterTradeIreland Director of Business Programmes and Services, Margaret Hearty explained: "Most companies acknowledge the importance of innovation in these difficult times but for many, they simply lack the people, financial and knowledge resources to make it happen.

"Our FUSION programme partners SMEs with the best ideas and expertise on the island to give businesses the edge by improving their capabilities, while at the same time making a tangible impact on their bottom line."

Companies interested in applying for the programme should visit: www.intertradeireland.com/fusion for further information and to register their interest.

(BMcC/GK)