Research centre for testing products will be first of its type in country

A research and innovation centre which will be the first of its type in the country for testing new products is to be created in Cork.

Those behind the Mallow Systems Innovation Centre believe it will provide far-reaching technological, economic, and educational dividends for the town.

Mallow is set to benefit directly from projects such as energy saving systems, smart heritage tours, and smart lighting solutions.

Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) Nimbus Centre staff will co-ordinate field trials for over €1m of funded research projects at the new unit and collaborate with local companies and educational facilities on the project.

The centre will be funded by the biggest single grant from Cork County Council’s Economic Development Fund.

The brainchild Mallow Development Partnership (MDP) will also get finance from the town council.

The centre will formally establish Mallow as a designated field trial site for research projects being undertaken at CIT and, in time, at other third-level institutions.

It will also increase the opportunities for innovative companies to come to Mallow for both the testing and commercialisation phases of their new products and services.

Dr Kieran Delaney, the co-ordinator of strategic initiatives at the Nimbus Centre, said it will actively facilitate and encourage collaborative research with local companies, giving them access to resources and structures not previously available to them.

“It will also support and enhance other regional and national programmes that are designed to encourage innovation and promote job creation,” Dr Delaney said.

He said programmes at the centre would sustain continuous professional development for staff in partner businesses working on innovation and/or commercialisation projects.

This will be supported by multi-disciplinary teams assigned from CIT to work with businesses on these projects.

It is also envisaged that the centre will develop a number of active problem-based learning projects for primary and secondary schools.

Sean Sherlock, the research and innovation minister, said it has the potential to create the employment so badly needed in the area.

MDP chairman John McDonnell claimed it would have “significant benefit for the economic development of Mallow”.

“CIT will be working on many projects which will be of direct relevance to the town. The institute will be part of an overall community drive to maximise the resources of the town through the application of new technologies,” county mayor Tim Lombard said.