Minister hails city’s growing status as €30m goes to new research projects

Galway is emerging as the country’s capital for disruptive technology and hi-tech innovation – according to the city’s only Government Minister.

Minister Hildegarde Naughton made her comments after more than €30 million in funding was allocated to ground-breaking research projects based in the county.

The allocation is part of a €95-million nationwide investment by the Government under the Disruptive Technologies Fund, almost one-third of which has been awarded to Galway-based projects.

‘Disruptive technology’ generally describes tech breakthroughs that are so significant, they displace well-established products or technology, thereby disrupting existing industries or markets.

Minister Naughton said that the massive investment in cutting-edge research and innovation in the county would enhance its reputation as the country’s capital for disruptive technology.

“This is a hugely significant intervention that supports not only the development of new technology that will lead to breakthroughs in areas such as healthcare, but also the commercialisation of that development,” she said.

“Innovation of this kind tends to lead to the emergence of new enterprise, and that means job creation and economic growth. There is enormous potential and both the social and economic benefit will be huge.”

The allocations for Galway-based projects include an investment of €7 million for a regenerative treatment for knee osteoarthritis, €2.17 million for a treatment to prevent hair loss caused by chemotherapy, and €2.68 million for research into a new treatment for lung cancer.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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