A new online platform which aims to allow companies on the island of Ireland collaborate on healthcare responses to the Covid-19 crisis has been launched.
The initiative is from InterTradeIreland and TechIreland.
It allows businesses to see quickly both in and beyond their area who they can work with to combat the several supply chain and manufacturing challenges generated by the pandemic and meet pressing public need.
Presented as an interactive map, the new website will initially focus on healthcare innovation supports, but it plans to expand to include broader economic and societal responses to coronavirus.
It will also contain links to public tenders.
Already over 100 businesses and supports are featured on the map and it highlights more than 10 key categories including PPE, contact tracing, ventilators, among others.
"Time is of the essence in the response to Covid-19, which is why we have worked swiftly with our partners TechIreland to develop this one-stop-shop for buyers and sellers.
"It gives firms involved in developing healthcare responses the ability, at a glance, to find other companies they can work with in terms of securing expertise or supply chain input," said Aidan Gough, InterTradeIreland's Designated Officer.
"Time is of the essence in the response to Covid-19, which is why we have worked swiftly with our partners TechIreland to develop this one-stop-shop for buyers and sellers. It gives firms involved in developing healthcare responses the ability, at a glance, to find other companies they can work with in terms of securing expertise or supply chain input," commented Aidan Gough, InterTradeIreland Designated Officer.
The map reflects ten different groups developing contact tracing apps, eight companies innovating infection control solutions, 20 firms and groups producing PPE and over 23 other financial and wider supports.
Aidan Gough said this is merely the beginning and as the database grows many more companies will come on to the platform.
TechIreland's chief executive John O'Dea said that one of the positive responses which will help see us through this crisis will be the solutions that come from products and innovations that are being developed by the business community.
"As a result of the avalanche of information around Covid-19, and because of social distancing, it's difficult for firms to know what other companies are doing, how they are innovating and if there are opportunities to co-operate.
"In a fast-moving crisis, finding a potential partner or a customer, or identifying grants and funds can be time-consuming – but critical. This platform has been developed to address those challenges," he stated.
