IMaR Technology Gateway

What IMaR Technology Gateway does

IMaR Technology Gateway is an applied research and technology-transfer centre operating as the business-facing arm of the IMaR Research Centre within Munster Technological University (MTU) at the Kerry Campus in Tralee, Ireland. Founded in 2008 and built around a team of 50+ researchers, engineers, postdocs and PhD candidates, it delivers close-to-market technology solutions to Irish industry in intelligent mechatronics, RFID, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), industrial automation, immersive reality and data analytics. Clients span multinational manufacturers (BorgWarner, Astellas Ireland, Dairymaster, Tricel) and SMEs/startups (Sula Health, Marksmanship Technology, Agri IoT/Moonsyst, Squadron Six Aerospace, AgriData Analytics) across automotive, pharmaceutical, AgriTech, telecommunications, manufacturing, aeronautical, defence, healthcare and emergency-services sectors.

The technology portfolio is organised around specialised equipment platforms that would be difficult for individual firms to replicate in-house: Mobile Robots with up to 100 kg autonomous payload capacity, a full RFID Test and Development Suite covering HF/LF/UHF/RAIN/NFC/UWB bands, a Wireless Communication Testbed spanning LoRa, LTE, Sigfox, GSM, Wi-Fi, ZigBee and BLE alongside Modbus/EthernetIP/EtherCAT industrial fieldbus, an Industrial Process Monitoring suite feeding predictive maintenance and digital-twin dashboards, a portable GPU-based Mobile Data Processing Rig for on-site deep-learning workloads, and an ACE Suite offering stereoscopic 3D VR/AR experiences together with drone-based aerial data capture. These platforms support collaborative R&D projects, prototyping, embedded firmware and FPGA/CPLD design, applied AI/ML work (vibration-based fault detection, livestock behaviour modelling), and immersive training content for both industrial and public-sector clients.

Revenue is generated almost entirely through publicly funded R&D programmes. Clients access IMaR's expertise via Enterprise Ireland Innovation Vouchers (up to €10,000 per voucher, plus one co-funded voucher up to €20,000 over a rolling five-year window), Innovation Partnership Feasibility Studies (100% funded, up to €9,000) and Innovation Partnership Programmes (up to 80% funding, capped at €200,000 per project). The Gateway itself is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU under the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-27, while the sister Advanced Research Unit draws on Science Foundation Ireland and EU Horizon Europe grants (€95.5B programme budget 2021-27). Cumulative funding awarded to the broader IMaR Research Centre stands at €20.6 million, with €7.1 million in cumulative industry project value, €2.2 million in industry contributions and 441+ completed projects. Distribution is national through the Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway Network of 17 specialised gateways; day-to-day operations are led by Technology Gateway Manager Tom Fitzmaurice, with Professor Joseph Walsh serving as Head of the IMaR Research Centre.

Name

IMaR Technology Gateway

Legal name

IMaR Research Centre

Website

https://imar.ie

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

IMaR Technology Gateway is an applied research centre at Munster Technological University in Ireland providing close-to-market solutions in intelligent mechatronics, RFID, IIoT, automation and data analytics to Irish industry through publicly funded Enterprise Ireland, ERDF and SFI collaborative R&D projects.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Applied Research and Technology Development Services

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Computer Systems Design Services (541512), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (3345)

SIC

Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825), Services-Computer Programming Services (7371)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial Edge Computing & Gateways (IMAIAMAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial Edge Control & IIoT Gateways (Edge PLCs, Data Acquisition, MQTT/OPC UA) (IMAGABAI), Enterprise Architecture & Technology Roadmapping (BPAEAAAC)

Keywords

• Industrial IoT research
• Intelligent mechatronics design
• RFID development services
• Process automation engineering
• Applied research services

Headquarters

HQ city

Tralee

HQ country

Ireland

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Research Funding (Enterprise Ireland): IMaR Technology Gateway is funded through Enterprise Ireland programmes including Innovation Vouchers (up to €10,000 per voucher), Innovation Partnership Feasibility Studies (up to €9,000 at 100% funding), and Innovation Partnership Programme (up to 80% funding, max €200,000). Companies redeem vouchers for research, development and innovation services.
2. Advanced Research Unit Funding (SFI/EU): Advanced Research Unit works with partners like Science Foundation Ireland and EU Horizon Europe funding streams. Research projects are typically 50% funded through these sources. Funding from Science Foundation Ireland and EU for solving complex engineering and computer science problems.
3. Government & EU Funding: The IMaR Research Centre receives co-funding from Government of Ireland and European Union through ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-27. Also funded through Higher Education Authority (HEA) Human Capital Initiative.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

IMaR Technology Gateway provides applied research, development, and innovation services to Irish industry through specialised platforms in intelligent mechatronics, RFID, Industrial IoT (IIoT), process automation, and data analytics. As part of the Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway Network, it offers companies open access to state-of-the-art test equipment (mobile robots, RFID test suites, wireless testbeds, process monitoring sensors, deep-learning GPU rigs) and a team of 50+ researchers and engineers to develop smarter processes and near-to-market product solutions.

Product overview

IMaR Technology Gateway is a research center at Munster Technological University offering a portfolio of technology services organized around intelligent mechatronics, RFID/IIoT technologies, and immersive technologies. The core offering includes the Technology Gateway as the primary business-facing service, complemented by specialized technology platforms including Mobile Robots, RFID Test and Development Suite, Wireless Communication Testbed, Industrial Process Monitoring, and Mobile Data Processing Rig. Supporting infrastructure includes the ACE Suite for VR/AR experiences, Ideas Lab for collaborative ideation, and Innovation Lab for hands-on training. The broader IMaR ecosystem encompasses the Advanced Research Unit for fundamental research, REEdI for engineering education transformation, ACE (AgriTech Centre of Excellence) for agricultural technology innovation, and the AgriTech Ireland Cluster for industry collaboration. Together these services enable companies to develop new products, processes and services through access to specialist equipment, expertise, and national funding programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• IMaR Technology Gateway (Industry R&D Engagement Service) The primary business development arm of IMaR Research Centre that provides technology solutions tailored to industry needs and connects Irish companies with national R&D expertise and funding through the Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway Network, covering intelligent mechatronics, RFID, and IIoT.
• Mobile Robots Service Provides clients with access to mobile robots and an automatic conveyor test-bed to evaluate opportunities to free staff from low-value transport tasks; robots can autonomously transport up to 100 kg and may be customised with work-holding bins, racks, lifts, conveyors, collaborative robot arms, and sensors, deployed without facility changes.
• RFID Test and Development Service Provides RFID conformance verification and reader/tag/IC development support covering HF, LF, UHF, RAIN, NFC, and UWB technologies with associated antenna arrays/multiplexers and a large catalogue of RFID tags.
• Wireless Communication Testbed Service Provides industry clients with access to a wireless and industrial communication testbed for feasibility studies and IIoT deployment decisions, covering LoRa, LTE, Sigfox, GSM, WiFi, ZigBee, BLE alongside ModBus, EtherNet/IP and EtherCAT integration.
• Industrial Process Monitoring Service Provides sensing suite access and data management systems for predictive maintenance, operational dashboards, and process digital twins, measuring humidity, pressure, temperature, light, acoustics, voltage, current, vibration/acceleration, magnetometers, GPS, and gyroscopes.
• Mobile Data Processing Service (Deep-Learning Rig) Provides a portable deep-learning server in a flight-case for on-site sensitive big-data analytics, using multiple high-power GPUs in 4U rackmount units to process industry data without exposing it to the cloud.
• Immersive and Drone Technologies Service Provides VR/AR solutions for business training, marketing, and customer engagement, alongside drone technology for aerial data capture across agriculture, construction, and logistics, plus 3D scanning and digital twin creation.
• IMaR Advanced Research Unit Undertakes fundamental and applied research in complex engineering and computer science problems for industry and society via SFI and EU Horizon Europe funding, serving sectors including automotive, telecommunications, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, aeronautical, environmental, and agritech.
• AgriTech Centre of Excellence (ACE) Services Provides AgriTech companies with immersive reality technology, training services, learning management solutions, business process stream mapping, and University-accredited courses delivered through a public-private partnership model.
• AgriTech Ireland Cluster Collaboration Service Industry-led cluster that connects AgriTech companies across Ireland with researchers, educators, mentors, consultants, community groups, and government supports to enable access to skills, knowledge, funding, and technologies for sustainable growth.
• Kerry Science Festival and Outreach Programme Provides STEM outreach via the Kerry Science Festival and school visit programmes, delivering hands-on interactive educational experiences, lab tours, and presentations to inspire future innovators.

Quantifiable outcome

• 441+ industry projects completed with €7.1 million industry projects value
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability6 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Enterprise IrelandcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Enterprise Ireland is the primary funding and support partner for the IMaR Technology Gateway. Through the Technology Gateway Programme, Enterprise Ireland provides Innovation Vouchers, Innovation Partnership Feasibility Studies, and Innovation Partnership Programme funding enabling Irish companies to access IMaR's research expertise and technology solutions for near-market innovation needs.
• EU Horizon EuropecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021EU Horizon Europe is a key funding stream for IMaR's Advanced Research Unit, with total budget of €95.5 billion running from 2021 until 2027. The programme promotes and facilitates collaboration between companies and research centres across Europe in areas including Health, Civil Security, Digital Industry and Space, Climate Energy and Mobility, and Food Bioeconomy.
• Science Foundation Ireland (SFI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerScience Foundation Ireland funds the Advanced Research Unit within IMaR Research Centre. IMaR researchers work as funded investigators and members of SFI research centres including Lero and Vistamilk. Research projects are typically 50% funded through SFI programmes.
• Munster Technological University (MTU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIMaR Research Centre is an integral part of Munster Technological University Kerry Campus. MTU provides institutional support, facilities, and access to broader academic expertise across six campuses serving 18,000 students.
• Applied IoT Technology Gateway Cluster PartnersmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIMaR hosts the Applied IoT Technology Gateway Cluster comprising six Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateways: IMaR, COMAND, ICS, Nimbus, WiSAR & Smarter Factory. The cluster specialises in applying state-of-the-art Internet of Things technologies to new and existing products, processes and services.
• Internet of Things European Research Cluster (IERC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIMaR's RFID and IIoT research group is affiliated with the Internet of Things European Research Cluster and the Future Internet Assembly, contributing to European research coordination in IoT technologies.
• RFID in Europe (formerly RACENetworkRFID)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIMaR serves as Irish representatives on the EU Thematic Network focused on RFID technology, now referred to as RFID in Europe. Dr. Pat Doody serves as Chair of the Management Board.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• TNO (Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research): Dutch applied research organisation with industry-focused programmes in smart industry, IoT, sensors, and embedded systems. Closely parallels IMaR's positioning as a publicly-funded applied research partner for national industry.
• SINTEF: Norway's largest independent applied research organisation, with strong industrial IoT, automation, and digital manufacturing programmes. Comparable mixed public-private funding model and industry-collaborative applied research delivery.
• CSIRO Data61: Australia's national science agency's digital innovation arm, working on IoT, sensing, data analytics, and Industry 4.0. Comparable scale of public funding, industry engagement, and applied research portfolio in IIoT and intelligent systems.
• Catapult Centres (High Value Manufacturing Catapult): UK network of technology and innovation centres bridging academia and industry. Closely comparable structure to Ireland's Technology Gateway Network that IMaR anchors, with similar industry-collaborative R&D focus and public co-funding model.
• Fraunhofer Institute (IAIS / IOSB / IZM divisions): Germany's largest applied research organisation with 76 institutes covering industrial automation, IIoT, AI, and smart manufacturing. Comparable applied research-for-industry model with much larger scale and global reach; relevant benchmark for IMaR's service offerings and operating model.
• VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland: Finland's national applied research organisation working across smart industry, IIoT, sensors, and digital manufacturing. Comparable model combining government funding with industry-contracted applied research and technology transfer.

Direct peers

• Tyndall National Institute: Ireland's national ICT research centre, also hosted at a University College Cork campus. Operates applied research in photonics, microelectronics, and IoT/sensor systems for industry, with similar Enterprise Ireland / SFI funding model and industry-collaboration focus.
• Nimbus Centre (CIT/Tyndall): Cork Institute of Technology's Nimbus Centre is a fellow Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway in the Applied IoT Cluster alongside IMaR. Directly comparable Irish applied IoT research centre with overlapping industry-collaboration mandate.
• WiSAR Lab (Atlantic Technological University): Wireless Sensor Applied Research Lab at Letterkenny ATU; another Applied IoT Technology Gateway Cluster partner alongside IMaR. Directly comparable Irish applied IoT research centre serving industry via Enterprise Ireland funding mechanisms.
• Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC): UK applied research centre focused on manufacturing innovation, automation, and digital industrial technologies. Closely matches IMaR's industry-collaboration model, public co-funding structure, and focus on near-to-market manufacturing solutions.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/imar_ie
• Facebookfacebook.com/imar.technology.gateway
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/imar-technology-gateway

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about IMaR Technology Gateway