Seprex Technologies collaborated with Queens University Belfast and University of Limerick through the Enterprise Europe Network to further develop and commercialize their pyrolysis technology for recycling tires. A graduate student helped characterize the system and outputs through testing. Additional analysis of gas outputs aided progress towards manufacturing. The Network also assisted with intellectual property matters, developing a technology roadmap, and connecting the company with universities to bring the product closer to market and create new jobs.

1. Enterprise Europe Network Ireland – Success Story
SME & University collaboration in technology transfer & new product development
Seprex Technologies Ltd located in Silvermines Business Park, Co. Tipperary,
Ireland & under a memorandum of understanding agreement with Mid West
Steel Ltd utilises pyrolysis in a batch type of tyre recycling technology. A
prototype was designed and built in Japan, provisionally patented & shipped to
Ireland for further testing. An improvement program was set out to further
characterise the system & outputs – e.g. carbons, oils, Gas, etc.
With the assistance of the Enterprise Europe Network both in Southern Ireland
and Northern Ireland a partnership with Queens University Belfast was
established and a graduate with expertise in pyrolysis & engineering background
was employed to carry out the programme and bring the prototype closer to
productization. The collaborative programme of work between Queens and the
company was developed into an Inter-Trade-Ireland FUSION project.
Also, under the Innovation Voucher scheme the University of Limerick was
employed to analysis the gas outputs associated with the pyrolysis system. All
this collaboration with the company has enabled it to progress to manufacturing
of the system.
Enterprise Europe Network Ireland supported the firms in providing collaboration
possibilities with the 3rd level Universities with support on IP matters and due-diligence.
They also assisted with developing a road map for the technology and
program to further develop the technology and bring it closer to the market.
Seprex Technologies said;
“Enterprise Europe Network participation was paramount in the company
strategy development and guidance towards the commercialisation of this unique
waste tire processing machine utilising Pyrolysis. This will create up to 10 jobs
immediately once the manufacturing commences. Already orders have been
received from UK & Ireland. The assistance from Enterprise Europe Network
personnel was also invaluable establishing market entry”
www.een-ireland.ie