Intel opens €12m IT innovation centre

Intel made its second significant research and development announcement in a month with the opening of a new IT innovation centre…

Intel made its second significant research and development announcement in a month with the opening of a new IT innovation centre in Leixlip yesterday.

The firm, which employs 3,200 staff at its Leixlip computer chip manufacturing operations, will invest €12 million in the project, which will develop and showcase a range of Intel technologies.

Initially 40 experienced IT R&D engineers will work at the innovation centre, which will work in collaboration with other global Intel operations and a range of academic institutions.

At the launch yesterday in Leixlip, Intel's director of IT innovation, Mr Martin Curley, said Trinity College Dublin had already purchased technology from the innovation centre.

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The new project will focus on software and systems that facilitate the connection and sharing of resources across a network. Researchers will also address the fields of mobile computing, hand-held and wearable devices and the development of education and learning technologies.

The Leixlip project is Intel's second major R&D investment this month in the Republic following the launch of an €18.6 million project in communications research in its Shannon facility.

IDA Ireland said yesterday that 15 companies had announced plans to invest €43 million in the first six months of the year.

IDA has committed €12 million to these projects and will provide grant aid to the new Intel centre.