The university has joined the Irish Photonics Integrated Centre for a deep tech accelerator supported by Osram, IQE and the European Commission.

University College Cork (UCC) teamed up with Tyndall National Institute’s Irish Photonics Integrated Centre (IPIC) on Wednesday to launch a deep tech pre-accelerator called Tyndall Explorer. The accelerator is being convened in partnership with lighting product manufacturer Osram and semiconductor wafer producer IQE, in addition to the European Commission’s strategic development programme Important Projects of Common European Interest. Tyndall Explorer will initially support six early-stage photonics and microelectronics startups focused on hardware such as energy-efficient chips, sensors, advanced optical equipment and compound materials. No fees or equity will be taken however a €20,000 ($24,000) cash prize will be awarded to the champion in the accelerator’s closing showcase. Tyndall Explorer will prioritise ideas that benefit society and the environment, including through rural broadband, smart medical devices and efficient light sources. The initiative aims to pave the way for equity funding and grants, derisking each portfolio company and striking up industry connections to Europe-based partners. Participants will have remote access to specialised expertise as they work towards their targets and will also connect with government agencies and bounce ideas with peers on the programme. In addition to Ireland-based startups, Tyndall Explorer is also open to entries from anywhere in Europe. Entrants are required not to have raised investment previously and will ideally have a team in place already. Patrick Morrissey, lead for Tyndall Explorer and head of photonics operations and centre manager at IPIC, said: “We are looking to identify and support emerging startup ideas in the area of deep tech to stimulate new high-value ventures that will have economic value, impact and international reach. “There are huge opportunities for Ireland to lead the way in deep tech solutions.”

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