The Research Ireland ARC (Accelerating Research to Commercialisation) Hub for ICT was officially launched today at TU Dublin's Grangegorman campus, marking a major new national initiative designed to accelerate the journey from cutting-edge ICT and artificial intelligence research to real-world, commercially viable solutions with economic and societal impact

Hosted by Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) and supported by national and European partners, the ARC Hub for ICT has been established following TU Dublin's successful €32.21 million funding award to address a critical gap in Ireland's innovation and funding ecosystem by providing researchers with a structured pathway from research excellence to commercial and societal impact. The Hub will support ICT and AI researchers across Ireland through targeted funding, training, mentorship, and access to industry networks.

ARC Hub Launched to Accelerate Research-to-Impact Pathway

Supported by Research Ireland, the ARC Hub for ICT is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027. The ARC Hub for ICT aligns with national research priorities and European regional development objectives. Through collaboration between academia, industry, policymakers, and funding bodies, the Hub aims to strengthen Ireland's position as a leader in ICT and AI innovation.

Dr Deirdre Lillis, President of TU Dublin, said:

"TU Dublin is proud to lead this important national initiative. As Ireland's number one university for knowledge transfer, we have a strong track record of driving innovation in collaboration with industry, delivering more than 550 industry-linked research projects. The ARC Hub for ICT builds on this momentum by supporting researchers to translate innovation into application, delivering meaningful benefits for society and the economy."

James Lawless TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, said:

"The ARC Hub for ICT will play a critical role in supporting our researchers to translate cutting-edge research into commercial impact, driving growth and innovation both regionally and nationally. With today's launch, the ARC Hub for ICT team, comprising interdisciplinary researchers from across or higher education sector have further showcased their talent and the scale of their ambition. I share that ambition and I look forward to seeing the ARC Hub for ICT, based in and led by TU Dublin, progress in its endeavours, its collaborations and its impact over the coming years."

Prof Sarah Jane Delany, Director of the ARC Hub for ICT, added:

The ARC Hub for ICT is about unlocking the full potential of Ireland's world-class ICT and AI research. By providing a clear, supported pathway from research to impact, we are empowering researchers to transform innovative ideas into solutions that address real-world challenges."

Dr Diarmuid O'Brien, CEO of Research Ireland, addressing the launch, commented:

"Investment in ICT research accounts for a third of Research Ireland's funding, with approximately €547million of awards currently active across a broad range of programmes, specialisations and higher education institutions. The ARC Hub programme is one of the most imaginative and potentially disruptive programmes ever delivered by Research Ireland. At its heart is a scalable model of entrepreneurism that will generate and convert talent and ideas into future enterprises."

Sofia Alves, Director, DG Regional and Urban Policy, European Commission, said:

"The ARC Hub for ICT is a strong example of how EU Cohesion Policy can transform excellent research into real economic and societal impact. By strengthening regional innovation ecosystems, fostering collaboration across institutions, and supporting researchers in engaging with markets, this initiative addresses one of Europe's key challenges: ensuring that innovation delivers tangible benefits for regions, citizens, and bus...