The Northern Ireland Connected Health Innovation Centre (CHIC) addresses the needs of industry to answer research questions, work collaboratively with other businesses and health stakeholders, and develop skills and knowledge at the leading edge of technology.
CHIC is industry-led, providing an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers to deliver collaborative research solutions through an extensive array of capabilities including rapid prototyping, platforms and systems development, artificial intelligence (AI), 3d printing, app development and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.
With a current membership of 30 companies the mission of CHIC is to aid economic development in Northern Ireland through the development of capabilities and solutions in the area of health. Research activities are 75% funded by Invest Northern Ireland through the Competence Centre model. Annual membership of CHIC is from £500 for companies and is free for health providers.
The CHIC team comprises a pool of post-doctoral researchers, led by Centre Director David Branagh and key academics Prof Jim McLaughlin and Prof Chris Nugent.
As a University based centre CHIC draws on the extensive Intellectual Property identification and protection services of the university simplifying this sometimes-complex activity for the benefit of member companies. Intellectual capital is fully exploitable by CHIC member companies.
In addition to the formal projects of which some examples are presented in later sections, CHIC provides industry workshops and limited casual access to CHIC resources and capabilities. CHIC is also a source of reference for the latest funding opportunities and sector developments.
With demand-driven growth in the healthcare industry and ever decreasing product development timelines CHIC provides a longer term growth opportunity through which to explore future product direction and solutions for your company.