Dundalk IT researchers join Ulster University’s €9.1M PEACEPLUS HealthTech project

Dundalk IT researchers part of Ulster University initiative which has secured €9.1 million PEACEPLUS Funding for HealthTech Innovation

Dundalk Institute of Technology researchers have been announced as part of the Ulster University initiative which has been awarded €9.1 million in funding supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme supported by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) to drive forward research and innovation in digital health and MedTech.

The funding will support the development of the Health Frontiers Technology Innovation Centre (HF-TIC), a multidisciplinary initiative focused on advancing MedTech and digital health solutions.

As part of the Belfast Region City Deal’s Centre for Digital Healthcare Technology (CDHT), it unites over 20 partners from Northern Ireland, Ireland and Scotland to drive innovation in medical devices, healthcare digital transformation and AI-driven health solutions, strengthening collaboration between academia, industry, and clinical partners.

Led by Ulster University, which has over 40 years of experience in health technology innovation, HF-TIC will build upon a 20-year partnership strengthened by the INTERREGVA Eastern Corridor Medical Engineering Centre (ECME).

The initiative will bring together leading research organisations, including Ulster University, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Dublin City University, University College Dublin and Atlantic Technological University in Ireland and the Digital Health and Care Innovation Centre and the University of the Highlands and Islands in Scotland.

NetwellCASALA and the Regulated Software Research Centre at DkIT will collaborate with digital health and med-tech SMEs, including members of DkIT’s Connected Health and Wellbeing Cluster, to develop and implement a range of innovative technologies. These initiatives will leverage expertise in human-computer interaction, user experience, accessibility, technology adoption, artificial intelligence (AI), and developing frameworks to ensure that innovative healthcare solutions containing AI algorithms can be developed using transparent and trustworthy software development practices that assist with achieving regulatory compliance. By combining cutting-edge research with practical applications, this project aims to enhance health outcomes and support the growth of digital health and med-tech innovation. The project is set to commence in July 2025.

Welcoming the funding announcement, Dr. Julie Doyle, Director, NetwellCASALA DkIT said:

“We are delighted to be part of such an innovative project as HF-TIC, building on our successful collaboration with Ulster University and other partners from the INTERREG VA funded ECME (Eastern Corridor Medical Engineering) Project. This new funding will enable both NetwellCASALA and the Regulated Software Research Centre to engage with digital health and med-tech SMEs, to design, develop and deliver cutting-edge and impactful technologies that meet real-world needs.”

Dr Tim Mc Cormac, Head of Research and Graduate Studies at DkIT commented:

“We are delighted to secure this envelope of funding through the PeacePlus Innovation Challenge Fund in collaboration with our project partners. This further enhances our strategic alliances and focus upon digital health through two of our top performing research centres, Netwell/Casala within the School of Health and Science and the Regulated Software Research Centre within the School of Informatics and Creative Arts. It will help the teams solve real world problems facing healthcare with societal impact within both our region and beyond."

Clinical expertise will be provided by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and Northern Health and Social Care Trust.

The project will also work in collaboration with 25 MedTech SMEs from across the Programme area, including the Health Innovation Research Alliance Northern Ireland – HIRANI, each contributing to bespoke cross-border R&I projects. Through co-design and knowledge transfer, HF-TIC aims to:

• Provide local SMEs with a competitive advantage in the global marketplace by fostering the development of new products and increasing profitability.
• Strengthen the MedTech ecosystem by enhancing innovation, co-ideation and skills development, contributing to sustained economic growth.
• Improve patient care pathways, leading to better health outcomes for local populations.

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Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Ulster University James McLaughlin welcomed the funding award, saying:

“We are delighted to secure this significant funding for the Health Frontiers Technology Innovation Centre, which will play a pivotal role in transforming MedTech and digital health innovation. By bringing together leading researchers, industry experts, and clinical partners across Northern Ireland, Ireland, and Scotland, HF-TIC will accelerate the development of next-generation healthcare solutions that have the potential to improve lives and drive economic regeneration.”

Gina McIntyre, Chief Executive of SEUPB, commented:

“By investing in collaborative innovation through projects like HF-TIC, we are creating strong, entrepreneurial ecosystems that drive sustainable growth, increased productivity, and competitive advantage. We look forward to supporting the research organisations, enterprises, and SMEs involved in this project as they work towards delivering cutting-edge solutions in healthcare technology.”

Ulster University’s leadership in the HF-TIC project underscores its commitment to pioneering research that addresses societal challenges, supports local economies, and enhances cross-border cooperation in the rapidly evolving MedTech sector.