National ARC Hub for ICT at TU Dublin Launched to Accelerate Research-to-Impact Pathway for Irish ICT and AI Innovation
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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.
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 businesses alike.”
The launch event brought together leaders from Government, higher education, research funding, industry, and European institutions, reflecting the initiative's national and international significance. Speakers included TU Dublin President Dr Deirdre Lillis, Sofia Alves, Director, DG Regional and Urban Policy, European Commission, and Dr Diarmuid O’Brien, CEO of Research Ireland, alongside other senior leaders from TU Dublin and the national research community. The programme also featured a keynote address by Niamh Bushnell, former Dublin Commissioner for Startups and founder of TechIreland.
TU Dublin’s leadership of the ARC Hub for ICT is underpinned by significant growth in research capacity and funding. Since 2020, the university has increased its research funding by 88 per cent, from approximately €14.5 million to €27.3 million in 2024, reflecting sustained investment in research excellence, innovation, and industry engagement.
Ireland has a strong, internationally recognised ICT research base, with expertise spanning artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, and digital technologies. However, many promising research outputs struggle to progress beyond the early stages of development. The ARC Hub for ICT responds to this challenge by equipping researchers with the skills, support, and connections needed to navigate the commercialisation process more effectively.
The launch also served as a call to action for ICT researchers across Ireland to engage with the ARC Hub for ICT and avail of its support to help bridge the gap between research and industry.