Bizstartup.ie - NewsNDRC seeks applicants for investment programme

Catalyser is an investment programme that supports collaborative innovation and bridges the gap between research lab technologies and investor-ready product prototypes.

Project proposals from applicants should be focused in one of four primary application areas: education; entertainment; healthcare or the environment.

NDRC will review applications and select projects to become part of its portfolio of collaborations with established academic and commercial partners. This call progresses NDRC’s second phase of investment in Catalyser, with successes from phase 1 including 'GameBrains' and 'LocalSocial' for instance. 

A framework for commercial development

Says Ben Hurley, CEO, NDRC: “The Catalyser programme offers an opportunity both for academics with strong intellectual property looking to translate to the marketplace, and for companies with market knowledge looking to exploit new technologies.

“NDRC provides the process framework, commercial development and execution expertise, a neutral location and smart investment for academics, companies and NDRC to work together and bridge the gap between ideas and income, while developing bolder attitudes towards invention and investment.”

The GameBrains project and Catalyser

GameBrains, which is currently progressing through the Catalyser programme, is a collaboration between NDRC, Neat Sciences, UCD and gaming industry veteran Les Edgar.

Hurley describes it as “an artificial intelligence toolkit for game developers which will help them to produce more sophisticated life-like AI characters, ultimately leading to a better playing experience.”

“This exciting project showcases how NDRC is uniquely positioned at the nexus of academia, industry and venture investment.

“Many excellent ideas fall by the wayside due to shortcomings in ability to execute and deliver – we take a bold approach to accelerate great ideas. NDRC’s positioning provides the necessary focus, expertise and support to allow viable ideas to become a commercial success in a relatively short period of time”.

The Catalyser programme is focusing on health, education, entertainment and the environment, and the deadline for submissions is 27 May 2010. To apply contact Amy Neale at amy.neale@ndrc.ie or visit the NDRC website.

Photo: Ben Hurley, CEO, NDRC 

Article courtesy of siliconrepublic.com