FactoryXChange 2.0 (FXC 2.0), through lead partner Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) is proud to support University of Limerick’s ULAS HiPR team in the development of the first additively manufactured liquid rocket engine in the Republic of Ireland
The rocket project, Lúin of Celtchar, represents a significant step forward for student-led aerospace innovation in Ireland and highlights the role of advanced manufacturing in enabling next-generation propulsion systems. The engine is currently being produced at IMR’s Advanced Manufacturing Lab in Mullingar, leveraging metal additive manufacturing technologies to deliver complex, high-performance components.
This collaboration reflects IMR’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Ireland’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem through applied research and industry-academic partnerships. By FXC 2.0 supporting ULAS HiPR, a rapidly growing multidisciplinary student team, the programme is helping to translate ambitious engineering concepts into tangible hardware. The use of additive manufacturing enables intricate internal geometries, including integrated cooling channels, which would be difficult to achieve through conventional methods, while also supporting rapid design iteration and performance optimisation.
The project has gained further momentum with ULAS HiPR’s acceptance into the 2026 Race2Space International Propulsion Competition. This milestone provides a valuable platform for showcasing Irish engineering capability on an international stage and reinforces the importance of hands-on, real-world experience in developing future engineering talent. Supporting Irish participation in initiatives such as Race2Space reflects FXC 2.0’s broader mission to future‑proof Ireland’s manufacturing ecosystem. By inspiring and empowering the next generation of digital, green, and AI‑literate talent, FXC 2.0 helps ensure a sustainable pipeline of innovators who will drive Ireland’s industrial transformation and competitiveness.
Commenting on the collaboration, IMR’s Design for Manufacturing Senior Technologist, Mark Hartnett, emphasised the importance of supporting ambitious, student-led initiatives: “At IMR, supporting teams like ULAS HiPR reflects our commitment to enabling the next generation of aerospace innovators. This project demonstrates how advanced manufacturing technologies can rapidly move from concept to high-performance application, while also building critical skills and capability within Ireland’s engineering community.”
For more information, visit IMR
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