Terms and Conditions

1. Introduction and Scope

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the website located at nbpp.ie (the "Website") and all services offered by the National Bioeconomy Pilot Plant ("NBPP", "we", "our", or "us"), operated from the National Bioeconomy Campus, Lisheen, Co. Tipperary, Ireland.

By using this Website or engaging with any NBPP service — including but not limited to pilot-scale processing, equipment access, contracted projects, confidential pilots, hybrid projects, or research collaborations — you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms.

If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you must discontinue use of the Website and refrain from engaging our services.

2. Definitions

• "Client" means any individual, company, or institution that enters into a service agreement with NBPP.
• "Services" means any pilot-scale processing, equipment access, research support, consultancy, technical reporting, or related activities provided by NBPP.
• "Site" means the National Bioeconomy Campus, Lisheen, Co. Tipperary, Ireland.
• "Project" means any contracted, confidential, or hybrid engagement agreed between NBPP and a Client.
• "Intellectual Property" means all patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, know-how, and any other proprietary rights.

3. Use of the Website

You agree to use this Website only for lawful purposes and in a manner that does not infringe the rights of others or restrict their use of the Website. Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to:

• Transmitting any unsolicited or unauthorised advertising or promotional material.
• Attempting to gain unauthorised access to any part of the Website, server, or associated database.
• Engaging in any conduct that could damage, disable, or impair the Website.
• Uploading or transmitting any material that contains viruses, trojans, or other malicious code.
• Reproducing, duplicating, or reselling any part of this Website without our express written consent.

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate access to the Website at our sole discretion, without notice, for any breach of these Terms.

4. Services and Engagement

4.1 Service Agreements

All NBPP services are provided under a formal Service-Level Agreement (SLA) executed between NBPP and the Client prior to commencement. These Terms apply in addition to, and do not replace, the specific terms outlined in any SLA or project contract.

4.2 Contracted Projects

For Contracted Projects, NBPP provides full use of its equipment, operators, and infrastructure. The Client is responsible for providing accurate specifications, timelines, and any materials required for the project. NBPP will carry out activities as agreed in the relevant SLA.

4.3 Confidential Pilots

Clients operating within NBPP's secure pilot zones are responsible for their own systems and processes. NBPP provides utilities, safety oversight, and operational support. Clients must demonstrate a minimum expected level of competency or training prior to access, as determined by NBPP.

4.4 Hybrid Projects

Hybrid Projects involve shared technical teams and co-developed protocols. Both NBPP and the Client contribute expertise and resources. Responsibilities, IP ownership, and deliverables will be defined in the project agreement.

4.5 Modifications to Services

NBPP reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any service at any time with reasonable notice. We will not be liable to any Client for any modification, suspension, or discontinuation of services where such action is beyond our reasonable control.

5. Payment Terms

Where fees apply, payment terms will be outlined in the applicable SLA or invoice. Unless otherwise agreed in writing:

• Invoices are due within 30 days of the invoice date.
• Late payments may incur interest in accordance with applicable Irish legislation.
• NBPP reserves the right to suspend services in the event of non-payment.
• All fees are quoted exclusive of VAT unless otherwise stated.

6. Intellectual Property

6.1 NBPP Intellectual Property

All content on this Website — including text, graphics, logos, images, and software — is the property of NBPP or its licensors and is protected under applicable intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our prior written consent.

6.2 Client Intellectual Property

Any Intellectual Property owned by the Client prior to engagement with NBPP ("Background IP") remains the exclusive property of the Client. NBPP will not claim rights over Client Background IP.

6.3 Project IP

Ownership of Intellectual Property arising from a project ("Foreground IP") will be determined in the applicable project agreement. Where not specified, any jointly developed IP will be subject to separate negotiation between the parties.

7. Confidentiality

NBPP treats all Client information, project data, formulations, processes, and results as strictly confidential. We will not disclose any Client confidential information to third parties without the Client's prior written consent, except where required by law or regulation.

Clients likewise agree to treat as confidential any NBPP proprietary methods, processes, pricing, and operational information to which they may have access during the course of a project.

Confidentiality obligations survive the termination of any service agreement for a period of five (5) years, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

8. Health, Safety, and Site Access

All persons accessing the National Bioeconomy Campus, Lisheen, Co. Tipperary must comply with NBPP's Health & Safety policies, site induction requirements, and all applicable Irish and EU health and safety legislation.

• Site access is granted only to authorised personnel who have completed the required induction.
• Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times in designated areas.
• Any incident, near-miss, or unsafe condition must be reported to NBPP site management immediately.
• NBPP reserves the right to remove any individual from the site who fails to comply with safety requirements.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, NBPP shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages arising out of or related to your use of our Website or services, including but not limited to loss of revenue, loss of profits, loss of data, or business interruption.

NBPP's total liability to any Client in connection with services provided shall not exceed the total fees paid by the Client to NBPP in the twelve (12) months preceding the event giving rise to the claim.

Nothing in these Terms limits or excludes our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, or for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless NBPP, its directors, employees, agents, and partners from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of or in connection with:

• Your use of the Website or NBPP services in breach of these Terms.
• Any misrepresentation made by you in connection with a project or service agreement.
• Your infringement of any third-party rights, including intellectual property rights.

11. Third-Party Links

This Website may contain links to third-party websites. These links are provided for your convenience only. NBPP has no control over the content of those websites and accepts no responsibility for them or for any loss or damage that may arise from your use of them.

12. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Ireland. Any disputes arising under or in connection with these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Ireland.

13. Changes to These Terms

NBPP reserves the right to update or amend these Terms at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. Your continued use of the Website or services after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms. We encourage you to review these Terms periodically.

14. Contact

If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact us: