Enterprise Ireland today unveiled a €2 million research programme for the biotechnology industry.
The BioIndustry-Led Research Programme aims to increase value in the Irish biotechnology sector through investment in research and development.
Enterprise Ireland, in collaboration with the Irish BioIndustry Association, invited business managers and scientists to identify key priority areas for research as part of the 18-month programme.
The R&D will be carried out, on behalf of the companies, by a team of leading academics from Irish universities with expertise in sensors, microfluidics, microelectronics, biodiagnostics and process engineering.
Minister for Enterprise Micheál Martin said: "Biotechnology is an area of global opportunity where Ireland has a strong research base . . . this targeted approach will contribute to the competitiveness of Irish biotech companies in global markets".