SEAM (South Eastern Applied Materials) Research Centre is the lead partner on the E-BAMBI project along with the consortium comprising of DIT, Stryker, Schivo Medical and Graph Engineering
SEAM, a South East Technological University (WIT) applied research and leading Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway Centre, has received funding for research into 3D printing of biomedical implants from the Disruptive Technology Innovation Fund (DTIF) administered by Project Ireland 2040.
SEAM is the lead partner on the E-BAMBI (Enhanced Biocompatibility of Additively Manufactured Biomedical Implants for Improved Clinical Outcomes) project along with the consortium comprising of DIT, Stryker, Schivo Medical and Graph Engineering.
Highly competitive
SEAM Research Centre, based in South East Technological University, is an industry focused applied research centre, providing materials engineering solutions to companies from wide ranging sectors such as medical devices, pharmaceuticals, micro-electronics, precision engineering and energy sectors. SEAM supports research activities for industries throughout Ireland.
An Taoiseach, Leo Varadker, TD; and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphries, announced the details of the 27 projects projects funded under the DTIF on December 10, 2018. There were over 300 applications submitted for this call, making the process highly competitive.
This work has major implications for the medical device industry and ultimately for improving patient care with the proposed implants coated for drug elution, reducing the risk of infection for patients receiving the implants.
Leadership role
Dr Ramesh Raghavendra, Director of SEAM and lead partner of the DTIF E-BAMBI project said: “We are thrilled to be funded under the highly competitive DTIF call – the E-BAMBI Consortium has the capacity to disruptively innovate the medical device market. Our project has wide-reaching impact for patient care and critically, for the commercialisation of the technology we will create for global impact. Furthermore, this E-BAMBI project would meet the growing need for engineering and scientific competence for building an additive ecosystem in Ireland”.
WIT’s Vice President of Research, Innovation and Graduate Studies, Dr Mark White, added “SEAM’s role in securing this funding is testament to the leadership, quality, relevance and impact of research being undertaken in SETU. SETU is committed to research excellence in Ireland and leading impactful research in the South East region. The E-BAMBI project is a perfect example of the calibre of research underway in the Institute. Furthermore, the consortium for the E-BAMBI project, consisting of SETU, DIT and Industry partners, Schivo, Stryker and Graph Engineering, exemplifies the collaborative, engaging approach adopted by SETU. We pride ourselves on delivering applied research that has real-world value, not just in in the South East region or in Ireland, but globally.”
Global innovation leader
Minister of State for Training, Skills, Innovation, Research and Development, John Halligan TD, said: “With the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund, the Irish Government is supporting exactly the kind of fund that Ireland needs right now as we embrace the opportunities and challenges that disruptive technologies innovation bring to our workplaces and homes. These projects represent exciting collaborations happening between Ireland’s cutting-edge research base and our vibrant, dynamic enterprise and start-up community, reflecting the excellent skills we have here. I am delighted to support projects that will help to position Ireland as a Global Innovation Leader and lead the way in driving disruptive technologies innovation.”
For further information on SEAM and the E-BAMBI project, visit http://www.seam.ie/.