University of Ulster to aid investment in Omagh area

The University of Ulster and Omagh District Council are set to launch a partnership designed to increase investment, enterprise and technology transfer in the area.

It is expected that the Omagh-University Partnership, which also includes Omagh College and Omagh Enterprise Company, will strengthen links between business, the University and the FE sector – and so increase the support provided by education to Small to Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs).

The initiative will seek to increase expenditure on research and development, improve the competitiveness of businesses, and attract inward investment in high technology and knowledge-based areas.

And in the first step towards putting the partnership into practice, Omagh District Council have announced the recruitment of an Innovation Executive, who will act as a direct link between local businesses and the University. The new post will provide businesses with an accessible contact in the Omagh area through which they can establish how best to take their business forward.

Proposals are also at an advanced stage for a multi-million pound Technology Incubation Centre in the area, which will allow fledgling companies to develop in a secure and stable environment, with the expertise of University consultants to hand.

The centre aims to provide a creative culture where knowledge, contacts and problem-solving initiatives can be shared between start-up companies. In addition, new channels of opportunity to funding bodies will be provided through the Technology Centre’s highly experienced mangers and staff.

Speaking at the launch of the Omagh-University Partnership today, Vice-Chancellor Professor Gerry McKenna said: “The University of Ulster is committed to driving the development of the knowledge-based economy in Northern Ireland. We are determined to provide support for businesses to access the expertise, personnel and advanced research facilities available within the University.

“The Omagh-University Partnership marks the first step in making these valuable resources available. We hope it will be the beginning of a dynamic relationship that will generate a new culture of investment, development and enterprise in the Omagh area.”

Fabian Monds, Chairman of Invest Northern Ireland added: “The recently launched Centres of Excellence, along with the numerous programmes which we undertake in conjunction with universities, provide support to progressive companies seeking to unleash their innovation potential.

"Today’s launch of the Omagh University Partnership is a further excellent example business and education working together to accelerate economic development in Northern Ireland.”

(MB)