THE UNIVERSITY of Limerick (UL), in partnership with two other companies, has been awarded almost €7million to develop a radar system that could help cut road accidents.
The MIMRAD 5D project has been awarded €6.9m in government funding under the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF).
The consortium of Provizio Limited, Robert Bosch Ireland Limited, and UL will develop a compact, cost-effective imaging radar design combining Provizio’s AI perception, Bosch’s next-gen transceiver, and UL’s sensor fusion expertise for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which together will aim to prevent road deaths and casualties through a reduction in the number of road collisions or the seriousness of them.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment, Peter Burke, and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science, James Lawless, announced funding of €28.2m for three additional projects under DTIF.
Announcing the funding sweep, Minister Burke said: “This €28.2million investment in three more exciting projects under the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund is further confirmation of the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting companies and research institutions that are pushing boundaries through research and innovation.”
“Not only does this significant investment support R&D activity by industry, it will also create employment and unlock technologies that improve health outcomes, save lives and shape our future for decades to come.
Jenny Melia, Enterprise Ireland CEO, added that “the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund is about investing in bold ideas and ambitious partnerships that have the potential to deliver real impact – for our economy and for our society”.
“The three projects announced today exemplify this ambition, with breakthroughs in cancer treatment, cardiac care, and road safety that could save lives and transform global markets.
“Through the DTIF, we are supporting dynamic Irish companies to develop new intellectual property and to scale world-class innovation.
“The collaborative model is helping to anchor R&D talent in regions across the country and build strong foundations for future growth. Enterprise Ireland is proud to play a central role in delivering this programme, which continues to unlock transformative opportunities for Irish enterprise,” the Enterprise Ireland CEO said.
