New $20 Million Transatlantic Research Collaboration to Deliver High-Value Jobs and Economic Growth Across Ireland, Northern Ireland and the U.S.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD, First Minister Michelle O’Neill, and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly MLA have pledged support to a $20 million investment in a new U.S.-Ireland Research Translation and Commercialisation Initiative.

The U.S.-Ireland R&D Partnership’s new initiative is a trilateral project funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP), Research Ireland and Department for the Economy. The initiative is also part-funded through the Government of Ireland’s Shared Island Fund, and supported by a Secretariat provided by InterTradeIreland, the cross-border trade and business development body, which is the only organisation with a direct legislative mandate to lead all-island economic collaboration.

This new initiative will support collaboration between researchers, innovators and industry partners across the United States of America, Ireland and Northern Ireland. The program will identify research in cybersecurity, energy and sustainability, telecommunications, sensors and sensor networks, and nanoscale science and engineering.

It will assist in the development of bespoke training programmes for researchers who have worked on these projects, to upskill them in advancing their research along the translation and commercialisation path. There will also be an opportunity for selected teams to receive further funding to catalyse the creation of start-ups focused on the outcomes of their research.

Welcoming the announcement, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “The U.S.-Ireland R&D Partnership is a powerful example of how sustained international cooperation delivers real benefits for our people, our economy and our research community.”

First Minister Michelle O’Neill also welcomed the announcement, saying: “This new transatlantic initiative represents a significant opportunity to turn excellent research into real benefits for our economy and our communities; while strengthening the strong relationships we have built with partners in the US and across this island.”

Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly added: “For the last 20 years, the U.S.-Ireland R&D Partnership has shown how practical, results-focused cooperation can deliver tangible economic benefits, bringing together government, academia and industry to work together to support innovation and growth.

Brian Stone, NSF Chief of Staff, Performing the Duties of Director, said: “Today’s announcement from NSF TIP, the Government of Ireland and Department for the Economy marks a natural next step in our transatlantic partnership, expanding our collaboration to accelerate the translation of projects into businesses and solutions, delivering significant scientific, economic and real-world benefits.”