Bridging the gap between research and application: The Cork Smart Gateway’s mission to innovate

The Cork Smart Gateway (CSG) is on a mission to position Cork as a leader in innovation and smart city development. An initiative funded by Cork City Council, Cork County Council and University College Cork, and backed by a strategic and cross-functional steering group, the CSG serves as a hub for fostering collaboration among industry, academia, public sector bodies and the community.

The CSG is dedicated to three core objectives: connecting key stakeholders to enhance Cork’s innovative ecosystem, driving the development of new smart projects while supporting existing ones, and amplifying the region’s ongoing innovation efforts.

Building an Innovative Ecosystem: Collaboration, Networking and Promotion

Cork boasts a robust innovation ecosystem, fuelled by the synergy of public and private sector organisations. The CSG plays a pivotal role in ensuring that this ecosystem operates cohesively. Through monthly steering group meetings and regular engagement with stakeholders, the Gateway facilitates seamless collaboration. It organises events to promote knowledge sharing and networking, and represents members at local and national events, where it highlights Cork’s cutting-edge projects.

Looking ahead, the CSG is preparing for an exciting year filled with in-person and online events designed to foster collaboration, network-building and knowledge exchange.

The CSG is partnering with the Tech Industry Alliance to showcase the groundbreaking research conducted by UCC’s School of Computer Science and its affiliated research centres –Insight, NASC, CONNECT and LERO. These research centres are at the forefront of advancements in AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, 5G, software development and more. This event aims to strengthen ties between local academia and industry, driving Cork’s status as an innovation hub.

Promoting Innovation: Upcoming Webinars and Digital Initiatives

The CSG will also launch a series of webinars focused on different facets of Cork’s innovation ecosystem. The first webinar, in collaboration with the Local Enterprise Office Cork City, will explore opportunities for SMEs to engage with the recently established ENTIRE European Digital Innovation Hub.

Funded by the European Union and supported by Enterprise Ireland, the ENTIRE European Digital Innovation Hub is a one-stop-shop for businesses embarking on their digital transformation journey. Leveraging the expertise of the Nimbus Technology Gateway, University College Cork, the Tyndall National Institute and the Walton Institute, the hub offers businesses access to personalised training, workshops, mentorships, and cutting-edge technologies. These resources empower businesses to explore innovative solutions, upgrade their processes, and unlock new growth opportunities.

Local Innovation Driving Positive Change for Cork’s Residents and Businesses

At the heart of the CSG’s mission is the drive to create tangible benefits for the city and its residents. One recent project exemplifies this commitment: a collaboration to pilot a smart street initiative. The project involved deploying five Telraam S2 sensors across key streets in Cork – MacCurtain Street, Bridge Street, North Main Street and Oliver Plunkett Street. These sensors monitor and categorise all forms of street traffic, providing crucial data to help inform future planning.

In another initiative, the CSG and the Local Enterprise Office Cork City joined together to produce ‘Business Development in Cork: An Entrepreneurs Guide 2024’. This digital guide simplifies access to the wide range of supports available to SMEs across Cork.

The CSG is also developing future projects, including a collaboration with the University College Cork Green Campus Programme to deploy SODAQ mobile bicycle-mounted air quality sensors. The sensors will measure the air quality on UCC’s campus and along commuting routes and the use of active travel around UCC, providing valuable data to Cork Healthy Cities, UCC’s Centre for Research into Atmospheric Chemistry (CRAC), and Cork City Council’s Air Quality Unit.

Shaping the Future of Cork Through Innovation

The CSG is not just a platform for collaboration – it’s a catalyst for change, driving the city towards a future where technology and innovation create lasting benefits for businesses and residents alike. With an ambitious agenda and a commitment to fostering connections between research and real-world applications, the Gateway is setting the stage for Cork to become a beacon of smart city excellence. As new projects unfold and existing initiatives gain momentum, the CSG continues to build a thriving innovation ecosystem that will shape the future of Cork for generations.

Visit corksmartgateway.ie and follow the CSG on LinkedIn and X to keep up to date with the latest news and projects, and to hear about upcoming events.

Note: The Cork Smart Gateway is backed by a steering group consisting of Cork Chamber, the Tyndall National Institute, Nimbus Technology Gateway, Tech Industry Alliance and Energy Cork.