Firmwave launch new IoT Device Management Platform with help from NWRC BSC

By Aoife Curran

Dublin based Internet of Things (IoT) software company, Firmwave, have developed a new IoT management platform with help from North West Regional College (NWRC) Business Support Centre (BSC) and InterTradeIreland’s Fusion programme.

The cross-border collaborative project between Firmwave, InterTradeIreland Fusion graduate Paul McGarrigle, NWRC ICT & Software Technical Consultant, Dr Kevin Meehan and NWRC Electronic Engineering Lecturer, Dr Seamus Ward, saw the design and development of a cloud-based platform that manages multiple IoT devices in an ‘efficient and cost-effective manner.’

Dr Fergal Tuffy, Technology Innovation Manager at NWRC’s BSC said: ‘’We first spoke to Adrian and Ciaran Burns of Firmwave a few years ago to hear their ambitious plans and at that point we identified a gap in the market where they felt they could develop a unique solution and cement their place as market leaders in IoT device connectivity and security. We also engaged with Jim Fitzsimons, one of InterTradeIreland’s Fusion advisors, who covers the East of Ireland and we got the go ahead to begin an application for the Fusion programme.

‘’We could see the potential that Firmwave had based upon their high-calibre clients and cutting-edge expertise. After assisting them to write a successful Fusion project application, we recruited a high-calibre software graduate, Paul McGarrigle, to join the Firmwave team and deliver the project with the support of NWRC academics Dr Kevin Meehan and Dr Seamus Ward.

‘’It’s great for us to link up with SMEs to put our academic knowledge and skills to use on real world industry projects and be able to take this knowledge back into the classroom, thus enhancing the research and teaching that we are doing. It has been great to see the success of this project and the continued growth of Firmwave.”

Ciaran Burns, Co-Founder of Firmwave said: ‘’Innovation is at core of what we do here at Firmwave and being part of the Fusion programme allowed us to gain access to a high calibre graduate. This combined with the continuous support from InterTradeIreland and NWRC BSC allowed us to concentrate on continuous research and development. We very much appreciate the support from all concerned and we look forward to working with both parties in the future.’’

Jim Fitzsimons, Fusion Consultant at Helix Innovation Partnerships said: ‘’The Fusion programme is a great example of cross-border collaboration where technology and innovation is transferred between a company and a high calibre academic. It also helps companies maximise commercial impact and take advantage of the opportunities that are presented during these uncertain times. This collaboration is particularly important in the uncertain times that Brexit has created.’’

For more information about Firmwave visit, https://www.firmwave.com or if you are interested in the Fusion programme call 02871276170