TU Dublin Innovation and Knowledge Transfer Office and Dr. Sean Bond, a leading researcher from TU Dublin, have been awarded a grant from Enterprise Ireland’s Commercialisation Fund valued at nearly €1 million, including €747,000 in direct funding and an additional €213,000 allocated for overhead costs.
The funding will bring Dr. Bond’s ‘SM:ART’ technology and spin-out to life, fundamentally changing how we protect and preserve our most critical infrastructure. SM:ART uses advanced sensors, machine learning, and automated treatment to prevent structural deterioration in reinforced concrete, before it even begins. By shifting from reactive fixes to proactive prevention, SM:ART is set to save billions globally, extending the lifespan of bridges an critical structures that support our world. This isn’t just maintenance, it’s the foundation for a smarter, more resilient future for the world’s infrastructure.
Dr. Sean Bond; Senior Postdoctoral Researcher at TU Dublin, expressed his excitement about the commercialisation funding ‘We are truly grateful for the support from Enterprise Ireland and TU Dublin Innovation. This funding marks a significant milestone in the development of SM:ART, allowing us to take years of hard work and turn it into real-world solutions that will make a lasting impact. We’re not just building a system; we’re building a legacy. Our goal is to ensure that the infrastructure supporting our world becomes stronger, smarter, and more resilient for generations to come. This is about creating something that will stand the test of time, something that will make a real impact and strengthen Ireland’s role in driving global innovation and technology.’
Enterprise Ireland’s Commercialisation Fund is designed to support researchers in third-level institutions to turn their pioneering and innovative research into commercially viable products, services and companies. The ‘SM:ART’ project represents the latest advancement in TU Dublin’s strategic focus on research and innovation collaboration, contributing to the university’s growing reputation as a hub for research excellence and impact.
Emma Callinan; Director of Commercialisation at Enterprise Ireland, said “Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting Irish innovators to start, grow and scale, including our dynamic researchers who are developing cutting edge and impactful solutions for global challenges. Dr Bond and his SM:ART project epitomises that, by harnessing technology to futureproof critical structures. Enterprise Ireland is delighted to support Dr Bond and the team on this spin-out project and wish them the best of luck in this chapter of their journey.”
David Gardiner; Knowledge Transfer Case Manager at TU Dublin Innovation highlighted the importance of support from the Innovation Office ‘I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Dr. Bond and his team to bring ‘SM:ART’ to this critical stage. The Enterprise Ireland Commercialisation Fund represents more than just progress; it lays the groundwork for strong industry partnerships and attracting visionary investors. I’m thrilled to support the continued development of this transformative technology as it edges closer to delivering meaningful impact in the construction and infrastructure sector.’
The confirmation of this funding is a significant milestone for TU Dublin’s Innovation and Knowledge Transfer Office, which has been instrumental in continually supporting research commercialisation and promoting university-industry collaborations. Dr. Paul Maguire; Head of Innovation and Knowledge Transfer at TU Dublin said ‘This award underlines the confidence in TU Dublin’s capabilities in driving innovation. We are committed to supporting projects like ‘SM:ART’ that have the potential to bring real benefits to society and industry. Our role is to help researchers like Sean navigate the journey from idea to market, and the Enterprise Ireland Commercialisation Fund is a key enabler in that process.’
With this substantial funding secured, the SM:ART team will focus on advancing research and development, refining the technology, and preparing for real-world deployment. Initial plans include piloting the system in key infrastructure sectors, where its potential to prevent structural deterioration can be demonstrated on a large scale. These pilots will provide valuable data to optimise the system for broader commercial use.
In parallel, the team is exploring opportunities for collaboration with investors and strategic partners to accelerate growth and scale the solution globally. By building strong partnerships, SM:ART aims to position itself as a leader in infrastructure innovation, extending its reach across international markets. These efforts will not only support the system’s global adoption but also pave the way for continuous advancements and new applications of the technology, ensuring long-term impact in safeguarding critical infrastructure worldwide.
