June 2009 – Local University must play key role in Job retention and Job creation says Brady

NUI Maynooth must play a key role in retaining the jobs we have in Kildare and also act as a stimulus for further job creation according to local TD and Minister Aine Brady who organised a meeting between, recently appointed Minister with responsibility for Innovation, Conor Lenihan TD and the College Authorities.

'Recently, following my request, the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise with responsibility for Innovation met with the College so that he and his Department were briefed on the work that is on-going in the area of Innovation and Commercialisation of Research at the College and its developing links with Industry. A knowledge provider like NUI Maynooth, will be key to attracting further inward investment to the area and maintaining exiting jobs by fostering Innovation and ensuring that the University's research strategy is relevant to Industry.' stated Minister Brady.

'The University is now working very closely with Industry. Last year the college signed over 18 research collaborations with various companies, giving a total of 50 ongoing research contracts with industry. Their partnership with Intel, for example, involves the provision of a Masters in Engineering programme for all senior Intel engineers throughout the world. Commercialisation is taken very seriously at NUI Maynooth and they in recent years have broken down barriers to facilitate an almost seamless working relationship with Industry.' stated Minister Brady.

' NUI Maynooth are opening their doors to showcase how they can work with both the SME sector and the larger multinational enterprises, to their mutual benefit.'

'Grants of €5,000 to €500,000 from Enterprise Ireland are now available to companies that wish to develop and commercialise Research ideas with academic experts at universities like NUI Maynooth. Following recent budgets, significant tax breaks are available for companies investing further in research and development. In 2008 alone NUI Maynooth completed six license deals with businesses and helped ‘spin out' one brand new company from its campus - Socowave - which now employs ten people.' stated Minister Brady.

'The twining of industry with academia will be the foundation of the future success of the Irish, and indeed Kildare's, economy. Strategic research partnerships between industry and academia can stimulate innovation, create high quality employment and deliver a competitive advantage to our industry.'

'I am committed to working with all the relevant stakeholders in improving the college's links with, not alone Industry, but also the local community in Kildare. The college must not alone be seen as a traditional educator but also as a valuable resource for Kildare - for our community and for our Enterprises.' concluded Minister  Brady.

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