UL Deep-Tech Partner Opportunity Platform Highlights Spin-Out Potential

Seventeen leading Irish researchers were reported to have presented their breakthrough projects to potential investors at a special showcase event at the Nexus Innovation Centre, University of Limerick. The event was said to be part of the Deep Tech Partner Opportunity Platform (POP), where scientists from state-funded institutes meet entrepreneurs to lead the creation of Ireland's next major innovation success story.

The explained focus of the projects seems to be the deep-tech solutions tailored to solve specific real-world problems. Deep tech is understood to be innovation based on serious scientific discoveries or engineering progress rather than small improvements. According to the case made, such technologies require very heavy research and development and investment to commercialise, but are powerful enough to resolve global issues like climate change, resource scarcity, and industrial disruption.

The showcased innovations at the University of Limerick reportedly range from semiconductors, food technologies, artificial intelligence and data analytics, advanced battery anodes, and solid-state nanopore and micropore chip technologies, to new developments in medtech, edtech, renewable energy, and robotics. Entrepreneurs were said to have connected with investors, mentors, and business leaders able to aid in the journey of bringing these inventions into market-ready solutions. The showcase was described as the fourth in a series of Business Partner events organised by the TTO at UL, which provides a strong platform for collaboration among researchers, founders, investors, and industry experts.

The TTO at UL was said to be directed by Paul Dillon, who noted that Irish universities play a pivotal role in fast-tracking academic research into spinouts with real-world impact. Dillon stated that UL takes pride in lending its full support to this national cause that strengthens Ireland's innovation landscape and assists visionary founders in making the transition from research to practical solutions. He added that backers for this venture include Enterprise Ireland, Research Ireland, the Higher Education Authority, and the EU, thus showing the importance of sustained investment in deep-tech innovation.

Gert O'Rourke, New Ventures Manager at UL, reportedly commented that researchers generate the breakthroughs, and the university's role is to help bring them to the world. O'Rourke elaborated that supporting commercialisation is not only about creating companies but is also about creating opportunities that change lives, strengthen communities, and inspire future innovators. The projects were reported to have originated from various institutions such as UL, UCD, UCC, ATU, University of Galway, Teagasc, MTU, DCU, and RCSI, thereby indicating the breadth of research excellence in Ireland.

Editor’s note

This report shows that the University of Limerick's deep tech showcase has become one of the many important platforms within Ireland to propel research and innovation. At the Nexus Innovation Centre event, some of the leading researchers were able to present their projects to investors and entrepreneurs and create new ideas that could solve real problems. The showcase was termed as part of the UL deep-tech partner opportunity platform, connecting scientists with business leaders. This connection is critical because deep-tech start-ups in Ireland require very strong backing to go from research to market. The event portrayed how research is commercialised in Ireland through spin-outs as well as how this could create avenues for growth by bringing together not only universities but also mentors and investors. Projects cutting across AI to semiconductors to renewable energy and robotics were showcased, highlighting the wide innovation scope across Irish universities. Heavy investment and long commitment were needed, but they will produce solutions against life's global challenges later on, such as climate change and resource scarcity.

Thus, university involvement in establishing the start-up ecosystem in Ireland is really emphasised and bringing together researchers and investors in this event. It shows that deep-tech entrepreneurial initiatives are not just about creating companies but creating products that have the potential to change lives, build stronger communities, and inspire future innovators.

FAQs

1. What is the University of Limerick deep tech start-up showcase event?

It is a special event held at the Nexus Innovation Centre where leading Irish researchers present breakthrough projects to potential investors and entrepreneurs. The showcase is part of the Deep Tech Partner Opportunity Platform (POP), which connects scientists with business leaders to help create Ireland’s next innovation success story.

2. Is the University of Limerick good for engineering?

Yes, UL is considered strong in engineering. It ranks 421 in QS World University Rankings 2025 and is among the top 200 globally for engineering management. It is also ranked 6th in Ireland overall and is recognised for research output and innovation.

3. How can entrepreneurs participate in UL’s Nexus Innovation Centre events?

Entrepreneurs can join by attending showcase events, networking with researchers, and collaborating through the Technology Transfer Office (TTO). These events are designed to connect founders, investors, and mentors, giving entrepreneurs direct access to new technologies and potential spin-outs.

4. Why is deep-tech spin-out promotion important for Irish universities?

It is important because spin-outs help commercialise academic research, create start-ups, and attract investment. Ireland’s universities have already produced successful companies, including unicorns, showing that spin-outs strengthen the national innovation ecosystem, generate jobs, and bring research to real-world impact.

5. What is Limerick Institute of Technology ranked in QS?

Limerick Institute of Technology (now part of the Technological University of the Shannon) is not highly ranked in QS. It is listed around 4233 globally and 19th in Ireland, reflecting its smaller research profile compared to major universities