In an effort to promote Cork as a hotbed for multimedia research, the Multimedia Innovation Network (MIN) launched yesterday evening with the keynote speech given by Technical Oscar-winning Trinity College Dublin lecturer, Dr Anil Kokaram.
Established by the Technology Transfer Initiative (TTI) and the computer science department at University College Cork, MIN aims to establish strong links between UCC and the Irish multimedia industry.
“As a prime source of knowledge, UCC has a significant role in the process of technology transfer to Irish industry,” said Miriam Collins, programme manager.
“Innovation can be an expensive and lengthy course of action. Many companies find it difficult to begin the process. Negotiating the minefield of funding agencies and bureaucracy often puts people off trying.”
Collins talked at the launch about how UCC can collaborate with the technology industry to encourage innovation for new companies, giving participants a better understanding of what she called “the minefield of funding agencies and bureaucracy” that puts people off.
Although the network is for multimedia across the board, Kokaram addressed the audience on his speciality research interest including the removal of picture degradation on film, a hot technology topic in Hollywood at the moment.
The TTI is a project co-funded by Enterprise Ireland, as well as the participating universities, UCC, NUI Galway, and the University of Limerick.
The project works in the four key areas of information and communications technology, engineering, biotechnology and food.
By Marie Boran
