Dedicated to supporting Irish enterprise, innovation and development, the Centre for Applied Bioscience Research, the research centre and technology gateway based in MTU, Tralee and TUS, Limerick, has announced that it has successfully secured nearly €1m in research funding from Enterprise Ireland and industry. 

Partnering with Pestle & Mortar in Kildare, Wicklow based Inis and VOYA established in Sligo, the centre takes an all-island approach to collaboration. This significant investment will enable the Centre to support Irish industries to advance their sustainable initiatives aimed at enhancing product efficacy.

Developing innovative natural ingredients

Allocated across three independent cutting-edge projects, research will focus on developing innovative natural ingredients, building green processing practices and generating new product results within the cosmetics industry. 

Dr Tim Yeomans, centre manager, said: "We are excited to embark on this journey with our partners Pestle & Mortar, Inis and VOYA. This funding not only underscores the importance of research and development in the cosmetics sector but also highlights the commitment of Irish companies to innovate and lead in sustainability.”

Marina Donohoe, Head of Research and Innovation, Enterprise Ireland said: “The Irish health and beauty sector is going from strength to strength and Ireland is increasingly recognised internationally as an incubator of innovative health and beauty companies offering sustainable products.

"Moving the dial even further through research and supporting companies to have a science backed approach gives these companies a competitive edge in a growing and competitive global market.

"Enterprise Ireland is delighted to support the Centre for Applied Bioscience Research and the innovative companies that are growing and developing their product lines for global consumption through collaboration with the centre.”

The collaborations, led by Dr Emma Murphy in TUS and Dr Joanna Tierney and Patrick Quille in MTU, are expected to yield significant advancements in product development and provide Irish cosmetics companies with the tools and knowledge necessary to meet the evolving demands of consumers.

The Centre for Applied Bioscience Research (CABR) is dedicated to supporting the growth of the industry and enhancing Ireland's reputation as a hub for cosmetic innovation. 

The CABR Technology Gateway is co-funded by the government and the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-27.