Over 400 gatherings took place over five days in five cities: Dublin, Waterford, Cork, Limerick and Galway – giving participants the opportunity to showcase their startups, connect to the supports they need and take part in networking opportunities...
Accelerating the growth of the Irish Startup community was the focus of over 400 events which took place all around the country during last week’s Startup Gathering in Ireland. The 2015 programme of events kicked off at the Google Foundry on Monday 5th October with the Dublin Startup Island 2020 Forum which included guest speakers from Startup Commons Global, Intel’s Internet of Things, Dell, Enterprise Ireland and Startup Gathering sponsor, Bank of Ireland.
The goal of the Startup Island 2020 Forum is to champion the growth of the startup sector in Ireland so that it becomes a leading global hub for startups in 2020. Keynote speakers and forum guests discussed their roles as change makers, innovators and job creators within the startup community and their vision for Ireland as a world class startup hub by the end of the decade.
The event was addressed by Irish Government Ministers; Richard Bruton TD, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, and Ged Nash TD, Minister for Business & Employment. Supported by Ireland’s Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and sponsored by the country’s largest bank, Bank of Ireland, the Startup Gathering 2015 was one of the biggest startup events in the world. The aim of Ireland’s Startup Gathering Week was to advance Ireland’s already world-class regional startup hubs as well as highlighting the country’s vibrant startup sector to global entrepreneurs, innovators and research and development teams.
Pictured are: Gene Murphy, Startup Gathering City Coordinator for Dublin, Lesley Tully, Bank of Ireland Innovation Manager and Eoin Costello, CEO of Startup Ireland (Conor McCabe Photography).
Eoin Costello, co-founder of Startup Ireland and national director for the Startup Gathering 2015 said: "Startup Gathering is about driving real change across the startup sector, creating better networks, connections and collaborations with all of the players across the entrepreneurship spectrum to work collectively to build on Ireland’s strengths, and work towards the shared goal of Ireland becoming a world class startup hub by 2020.”
Speaking at Startup Island 2020 Forum, Minister Richard Bruton TD, said: “As I have said before, we have great entrepreneurs in Ireland, we just don’t have enough of them. Two thirds of all new jobs across the economy are created by startups – that’s why it is so crucial that we get our policies on entrepreneurship right."
He added: "We have put in place a startup plan aiming to create almost 100,000 extra jobs from startups over the coming years, and we have created new mentoring supports, new incubation spaces and new tax measures."
Over 400 gatherings took place over five days in five cities – Dublin, Waterford, Cork, Limerick and Galway – giving participants the opportunity to showcase their startups, connect to the supports and services they need, take part in networking opportunities collaborate with other startups and established corporates.
To attract overseas entrepreneurs, Enterprise Ireland established a dedicated €500,000 startup fund in conjunction with the Startup Gathering for international startups to locate in Ireland. Selected applicants were invited to present a short investment pitch to the evaluation panel comprising external industry experts and representatives of Enterprise Ireland in Cork on Wednesday 7th October.
Julie Sinnamon, CEO of Enterprise Ireland, said the organisation is delighted to be part of the Startup Gathering initiative, “as it shines a spotlight on the vibrant Irish startup ecosystem and aims to promote Ireland’s offering to the diaspora and other international entrepreneurs”.
Accenture Ireland has launched its FinTech Innovation Lab in Dublin, a programme that aims to accelerate technology innovation in the financial services industry and bolster economic and employment growth in Ireland.
Kevin Sherry, Enterprise Ireland; Alastair Blair, country managing director, Accenture Ireland; Niamh Bushnell Dublin's commissioner for start-ups; and Andrew Desmond, Accenture Ireland.
Accenture Ireland has launched its FinTech Innovation Lab in Dublin, a programme that aims to accelerate technology innovation in the financial services industry and bolster economic and employment growth in Ireland.
FinTech Dublin, for the second year running, is open to young Irish companies that are developing cutting-edge technologies for the financial services sector.
The new 12-week programme offers early-stage companies the opportunity to develop their product or proposition while receiving mentorship from senior executives already well-established in the financial services and technology industries.
The programme is supported by Enterprise Ireland, and leading technology and financial services firms, such as AIB, Bank of Ireland, Citi, FEXCO, Google, PayPal, State Street, Realex Payments and Ulster Bank.
The programme offers six finalist the chance to attend two Investor Day presentations, one in Dublin and one in London, where they will pitch their product to an audience of venture capitalists and financial industry executives.
Applicants are invited to apply to participate in the FinTech Innovation Lab at www.fintechinnovationlabdublin.ie. The application process will close on Friday 30th October 2015.
Find out about the highlights of the first year of the accelerator here.
The Innovation 4 Growth Programme 2016 is a unique programme specifically designed to meet the needs of ambitious and entrepreneurial Irish companies seeking to use innovation as a way to unlock opportunities in the marketplace.
Innovation 4 Growth has been specifically designed to support companies to leverage innovation as a key driver of company growth. Working with leaders in your management team the programme aims to fast-track your company through an end-to-end innovation learning and practice journey supporting delivery on one or more innovation initiatives.
In recognition of differing company needs, participation on Innovation 4 Growth is open to companies on a phased basis:
Phase one (innovation boost camp) is open to 50 companies and will be delivered as a short three month programme commencing in January 2016. The aim of this phase is to introduce participants to global best practices in innovation and support them to develop an innovation roadmap, centred on business growth.
Following phase one, the participants will have an opportunity to apply to compete for participation on phase two (innovation incubator) where you they will learn from global leaders in the innovation space and work closely with an adviser to develop and implement innovation opportunities within their businesses. Phase two starts in April 2016 and incorporates significant peer-to-peer and business coaching support.
Brian Ingarfield, CarTrawler who participated in the Innovation 4 Growth 2014 commented:
“The Innovation 4 Growth Programme is challenging our thinking around what innovation means in the context of a fast-growing business like Car Trawler. It is offering a wide array of ideas, frameworks and tools that are assisting edge towards an approach that is appropriate for us. The structure of the programme is excellent.”
Enterprise Ireland holds Innovation 4 Growth Breakfast Briefing on 16th October (8.30am to 10.30am) at the IMI, Sandyford Road, Dublin 16. You can register here.
The closing date for applications is Friday November 20th 2015. You can find out more on the Programme website:
The Fund is now open for applications from entrepreneurs and early-stage start-up companies in counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon, and will close at 3pm on Tuesday, 20 October 2015.
Margaret Charleton, Regional Development Executive, Enterprise Ireland; Tom Hayes, Head of Entrepreneurship & Regions, Enterprise Ireland; An Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, launched the new Enterprise Ireland €200,000 Competitive Feasibility Fund for the West Region. The fund, which can provide up to €25,000 per initiative, is aimed at stimulating innovative start-ups and creating jobs and growth in the region.
The Fund is now open for applications from entrepreneurs and early-stage start-up companies in counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon, and will close at 3pm on Tuesday, 20 October 2015.
The purpose of the Competitive Feasibility Fund is to enable the promoter to assess the viability and the market potential of their business idea. Through the fund, Enterprise Ireland is seeking to support business ideas that are likely to achieve significant growth within three to four years, with sales of €1 million+ per annum and employment of 10 or more.
The fund is open to individuals, early-stage companies or prospective businesses involved in manufacturing and internationally traded services, including sectors such as internet, games, apps, cloud computing, enterprise software, life sciences, food, beverages, consumer products, industrial products, engineering, medical devices and e-health.
Full details of the fund, including the application form, are available here.
swiftQueue will use this round of funding to drive growth in international markets and to fuel further investment in R&D. The Enterprise Ireland-supported company currently employs 10 people and is planning recruitment of key hires over the next twelve months to support these growth plans.
Pictured (L-R) are: William McNamara, Business Adviser, Bank of Ireland; Michael Moriarty, Manager of Financial & Enterprise Software HPSU, Enterprise Ireland; Dawn Walsh, Kernel Capital; and Brendan Casey, CEO swiftQueue
swiftQueue Technologies Limited (“swiftQueue”), a leading provider of healthcare appointment software in Ireland and the UK has raised €550,000 to expand into international markets and invest further in research and development.
The funding round comprises a €300,000 investment by Kernel Capital through the Bank of Ireland Seed and Early Stage Equity Fund, with the remainder provided by Enterprise Ireland.
swiftQueue has developed an innovative platform that enables patients of Hospitals and Clinics across the UK National Health Service (NHS) and Health Service Executive (HSE) in Ireland to book their appointments online, leading to significantly reduced waiting times and non-attendance rates.
swiftQueue will use this round of funding to drive growth in international markets and to fuel further investment in R&D. The Enterprise Ireland-supported company currently employs 10 people and is planning recruitment of key hires over the next twelve months to support these growth plans.
Commenting on the announcement, Brendan Casey, CEO, swiftQueue Technologies Limited said: “Increasing efforts to address the challenges in today’s healthcare systems have seen a greater emphasis on the use of technology to deliver integrated and efficient solutions that improve patient engagement. This investment from Kernel Capital and Enterprise Ireland will enable swiftQueue to expedite our growth plans and ensure our team deliver the solutions to meet and exceed these expectations.”
Enterprise Ireland’s Michael Moriarty, Manager of Financial & Enterprise Software High Potential Start-Ups, said: “It is fantastic to see the progress that swiftQueue has made through the creation and implementation of innovative technology. This investment will facilitate swiftQueue in further consolidating its presence in key export markets. swiftQueue is an excellent example of the progress that can be achieved when the ambitions and energy of a young company are harnessed and supported through our High Potential Start-Ups programme.”
CurrencyFair, which employs 100 people in Dublin and Australia, has released its new app, which is the world’s first ‘truly peer-to-peer’ currency exchange app. The app is available on both iOS and Android.
CurrencyFair, which employs 100 people in Dublin and Australia, has released its new app, which is the world’s first ‘truly peer-to-peer’ currency exchange app. The app is available on both iOS and Android.
CurrencyFair founder and CEO Brett Meyers
Speaking about the release, CurrencyFair founder and CEO Brett Meyers said: “We’ve spent considerable time building the world’s first truly peer-to-peer currency exchange marketplace so that we have critical mass to release our app. The app will maintain the usability and security of our desktop and mobile responsive site that has seen our users transfer over A$4 billion to date.”
Meyers continued: “We have spent a while concentrating on building our platform which is more attuned to the sharing economy than simply a polished up traditional brokerage model. As such, we are delighted to release the world’s first truly peer-to-peer app. It has a number of great features that we believe will make life easier for expats and foreign property owners that form our core user base.”
Those features include securely allowing users to take a photo of their identity documentation and upload it as part of their new account set-up if, like many people, they don’t have any existing soft copies of their identification on file. The app also allows for a quick transfer of currency. Once the money has been exchanged, users can then immediately send the money on its way to the desired destination by filling in the details of the destination account. This means that a profile can be created and money exchanged to a desired account in a safe fashion in a few minutes while on the go.
Unlike many other money transfer services, the CurrencyFair exchange calculator is completely transparent and peer-to-peer. The new app lets users see the live exchange rate for their chosen currencies, and they can also see the real exchange rate margin which most companies hide.
CurrencyFair users are able to exchange funds and transfer them overseas at a fraction of the cost of traditional banks or brokers, due to its unique and innovative ‘Money Matching’ model, which is the world’s only truly peer-to-peer currency marketplace. This marketplace allows individuals to cut out the ‘middle-man’ and get rates 90% cheaper than bank rates. The nature of this model also means that it enables its users to exchange currency below the interbank rate at times and CurrencyFair is the only currency exchange platform that has this capability.
CurrencyFair became the first platform in the world to break the US$1 billion barrier in money-matching transfers, cementing its position as the world’s leading peer-to-peer international transfer service. CurrencyFair’s average fee is currently 0.35%, compared to rates from 2% to 5% at PayPal, Stripe, Visa and larger banking institutions.
Earlier this year, CurrencyFair raised $16 million investment in a funding round led by Octopus Investments to open new “currency corridors” in Asia and the US.
Minister Bruton began today a two-day Trade and Investment Mission to Dundalk, Waterford, Cork and Galway organised by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland as part of a joint Global Sourcing initiative...
Networking and showcasing products on a trade and investment mission in Ireland in October 2015.
The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, began a two-day Trade and Investment Mission to Dundalk, Waterford, Cork and Galway organised by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland as part of a joint Global Sourcing initiative. The objective is to maximise sales opportunities for Irish companies with multinational companies based in Ireland, as well as large indigenous Irish companies.
The trade mission in Ireland is a new initiative first introduced last year: this year’s mission will build on the success of the first trade mission last year which covered the major cities in Ireland.
Over the course of the two days, more than 370 one-to-one meetings will take place between 126 indigenous Irish companies and 69 multinational companies. Panel discussions and networking events will take place at each venue, giving Irish companies the opportunity to engage directly with procurement teams from multinational companies across a wide range of sectors including ICT, Web 2.0, Pharma, Biotech, Medical Devices, Consumer, Security and Engineering.
This year, IDA will host a meeting desk at each venue to enable Irish companies discuss how their product or service offer can add value to an IDA sponsored company in Ireland.
Speaking from Dundalk at the start of the mission Minister Bruton said: “The trade mission in Ireland is about one thing: Irish owned businesses generating more contacts, more sales and more jobs through their engagement with the multinationals based in Ireland. In my time as Minister, I have undertaken dozens of successful trade missions with Irish businesses to countries around the world, where we have opened doors for participating companies with large companies and Government organisations. The “Trade Mission in Ireland” initiative puts the same successful model to use here in Ireland where we have a thriving global multinational base. Over the course of the next two days, 370 one-to-one meetings will take place between Irish companies and multinationals based in Ireland as part of the Global Sourcing initiative being undertaken by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland.
Julie Sinnamon, CEO Enterprise Ireland, who is accompanying Minister Bruton on the trade and investment mission added: “The objective of this trade mission is simple – we want to help Irish companies win more business from foreign-owned multinationals based in Ireland. By leveraging off the existing, strong relationships that IDA Ireland has with these MNCs, the mission will open doors for Irish companies and give them the opportunity to meet key decision makers and buyers. Most of the Irish companies participating on this mission already have a successful track record of supplying multinational companies across the globe. We are now pushing hard to increase the number of Irish suppliers to the MNC base in Ireland - helping Irish companies grow and create more jobs in Ireland”.
Martin Shanahan, CEO, IDA Ireland who is accompanying Minister Bruton on the trade and investment mission added: “IDA is pleased to be involved in this initiative, introducing our clients to Irish-based suppliers to explore what opportunities may exist for them to work together to generate additional business. Multinational companies deliver substantial economic benefits to Ireland in terms of direct employment, capital spend and developing Ireland’s skills base but we believe there is further benefit to be developed through initiatives such as this trade and investment mission”.
36 Irish companies from all sectors accompanied Minister Richard Bruton TD on a five-day, four-city trade and investment mission to China in September...
Pictured (L-R) are: Barry Lunn, CEO Arralis; Wang XiaoKang, Chairman CECEP; Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD; Yongkun Wang, CEO Bluesky Aviation Technology; Ambassador of Ireland to the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Paul Kavanagh;
36 Irish companies recently accompanied the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD on a five-day, four-city trade and investment mission to China. Organised by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, the intensive programme of events involved 44 meetings and engagements in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzen and Hong Kong. Over 300 Enterprise Ireland clients are currently exporting to China and a number of Irish companies announced significant contracts during the mission:
•Cubic Telecom signed a deal worth €1 million with one of the biggest video streaming services in China, LeTV, to roll out a new mobile phone data service called ‘LeMobile’ for LeTV customers when they travel outside of China. LeTV has 400 million monthly users and more than 100 million people travelled out of China in 2014.
•Irish company MicroGen Biotech Ltd formed strategic alliances in the Chinese soil remediation market with CECEP DADI. As a result, MicroGen Biotech expects to increase its Irish workforce to 17 over the next three years with jobs in R & D, marketing, and customer support.
•Exertis formally opened its expanded offices in Shenzhen, China. Since first opening its Chinese office in 2006, it has established itself as a key enabler of Exertis’ technology customers’ supply chains, both into and out of the region.
•Irish Company Arralis signed €1.29 million in new contracts with Chinese companies, Beijing Bluesky Aviation Technology and Sino TekCo in China.
•Movidius, world leader in machine vision chips, announced that it will be opening a new office in Shanghai. The goal of this expansion is to support the increasing demand for machine vision capabilities in connected devices such as smart phones, drones and new IoT product categories.
Movidius opens a dedicated office in China
With a population of 1.4 billion, China is the largest and fastest growing market in Asia for Irish companies - trade between the two countries is worth €9 billion to the Irish economy. This was Minister Bruton’s fourth trade mission to China in four years reflecting the importance of the export market for Ireland – exports to China by Irish-owned companies were up by over 45% in 2014.
International Markets Week is Enterprise Ireland’s single largest client event. Over 400 Irish companies held more than 1,500 one-to-one meetings with representatives from Enterprise Ireland’s 32 overseas offices.
Pictured at International Markets Week are (L-R): Jolene Pereira, Enterprise Ireland New Delhi, Roisin White Barrett, Enterprise Ireland Dubai, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, Julie Sinnamon, CEO Enterprise Ireland and Eamon Sikafi, Enterprise Ireland Dubai.
Enterprise Ireland hosted its annual International Markets Week from the 21st-24th of September in the RDS. Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD attended International Markets Week to welcome Enterprise Ireland overseas teams and client companies.
International Markets Week is Enterprise Ireland’s single largest client event. Over 400 Irish companies held more than 1,500 one-to-one meetings with representatives from Enterprise Ireland’s 32 overseas offices. The key objective of International Markets Week is to help Irish companies increase global export sales, creating and sustaining jobs in Ireland.
This year, a group of 15 new graduates, who joined Enterprise Ireland’s International Graduate Programme in September, also participated in International Markets Week.
Every year Enterprise Ireland recruits a number of high-calibre graduates to participate on the Agency’s two-year International Graduate Programme. Graduates who secure a place on the Programme start their career in one of our many locations across Europe, the Americas or Asia Pacific. Engaged in market executive roles, our graduates quickly become an integral part of the team in our international locations and gain broad experience supporting Irish enterprises to grow and develop their businesses. Our 2015-2017 graduates have recently taken up their placements in Sydney, New York, Boston, California, Toronto, London, Dubai, Paris, Düsseldorf, Amsterdam and Milan.
Recruitment for Enterprise Ireland’s International Graduate Programme 2016-2018 is now underway as we are currently out and about meeting our future employees/colleagues via graduate fairs around the country. Following a phased recruitment and selection process over the coming months, our new recruits will take up their placements in September 2016 in a number of exciting international locations.
The second national Innovation Showcase will take place in the Convention Centre Dublin, on Tuesday, 8th December 2015. Make sure not to miss this fantastic event...
The strapline this year is “discover the supports to grow your business”. Following on from last year’s success, the aim is to deliver an event in 2015 that is even more relevant and impactful for industry.
Delegates will discover the wide range of supports available for collaboration with the research community
Keynote industry speakers will deliver engaging presentations describing how their use of supports for research and innovation has improved their business
12 spin-out companies from research will present their “big ideas” centre stage, illustrating the high quality of research happening in Ireland’s higher education institutions
A newly updated version of the directory of research centres and technology centres, detailing the range of supports available to facilitate collaboration with the research community, will be launched.
The ultimate goal of the showcase is to achieve significant economic impacts through increased engagement between the public research system and industry. If you are a business person, investor, or simply interested in hearing about new trends in innovation, then come to the Innovation Showcase where you will find everything you need to know on one day and all under one roof.
A new €20.6 million Eolas building at Maynooth University was officially opened by Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton TD this week...
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise, and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD and Maynooth University President, Professor Philip Nolan.
A new €20.6 million Eolas building at Maynooth University was officially opened by Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton TD this week. The state-of-the art facility will serve as a “research powerhouse” that will drive innovative teaching methods, foster collaboration with industry and deepen a culture of ‘spin-out’ companies, according to Maynooth University President, Professor Philip Nolan.
“As a hub for the fields of information and communication technology,” Prof Nolan said at the opening, “Eolas will break down the boundaries that too often exist between academia and enterprise — and between students and the world of work.”
Eolas houses two of the University’s world-renowned research institutes, the Hamilton Institute and the Innovation Value Institute. It is also home to the University’s new business incubator.
The building is the latest in a series of campus development projects at Maynooth University, and Prof Nolan called Eolas “the kind of smart development that will only continue to elevate the quality and impact of the research and teaching at Maynooth”.
“Whether it’s inspiring students who pass by conversations about the latest start-up on their way to class, or it’s a new company setting up shop near the students it hopes will one day fill their skills gap, Eolas is about facilitating connections and driving ICT innovation. This kind of magic only happens when people come together. From its functionality and design to the quality of the work going on under its roof, Eolas is becoming a natural hub not only for the University’s ICT academics and industry partners, but for the very robust ICT community within this region,” Prof Nolan said.
The launch of MaynoothWorks reflects the strong role the University’s Commercialisation Office plays as an engine of economic growth in Dublin and the Midlands region. Three recent Maynooth University spin-outs alone have raised more than €20 million in investment and created 50 jobs.
MaynoothWorks already has five client companies, including Verifly, the latest venture from Hailo co-founder Jay Bregman, which provides web and mobile applications for recreational drone users; Accuplex Diagnostics, an early-stage diagnostics company which is already selling product internationally aimed at treating both human and equine conditions; and Avectas, which develops technology in pursuit of in-vivo diagnostic and therapeutic applications with a current focus on oncology.
MaynoothWorks received €1.6 million in funding from Enterprise Ireland. Enterprise Ireland Research and Innovation Manager Gearoid Mooney said co-locating academia and industry is a proven recipe for success. “The sparks of creativity that come about when entrepreneurs have ready access to research talent and potential employees have been seen the world over. Enterprise Ireland is committed to developing campus-based incubation centres and MaynoothWorks has all the elements necessary to make a real impact,” he said.
Over 300 buyers from international medical technology companies are expected to attend Enterprise Ireland’s Med in Ireland 2015 exhibition and conference taking place at the Convention Centre, Dublin on 29 October 2015.
Pictured (L-R): Frances Mitchell, Dolmen; Cepta Duffy, Med in Ireland 2015 Project Manager, Enterprise Ireland; Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD.
Over 300 buyers from international medical technology companies are expected to attend Enterprise Ireland’s Med in Ireland 2015 exhibition and conference taking place at the Convention Centre, Dublin on 29 October 2015.
Med in Ireland 2015 is Enterprise Ireland’s largest medical technologies event and is a high-profile showcase for the entire spectrum of the Irish med-tech sector: medical devices, medical devices sub-supply, precision engineered components, diagnostics, connected health, healthcare providers, clinicians and research & development professionals.
2015 is the year of Irish Design and a key focus at Med in Ireland 2015 will be the impact of design in Ireland’s world-class med-tech sector. To highlight the influence of design in developing innovative medical technology, ID2015 commissioned design and innovation consultancy, Dolmen, to develop a showcase entitled ‘Irish Design + Medical Technology’.
The ‘Irish Design + Medical Technology’ showcase explores devices designed in Ireland from a variety of different companies, including Creganna, Vasorum, Cook Medical and Novaerus.
The Irish med-tech sector has grown strongly over the last 20 years, demonstrating sustained innovation and growth in international markets. Ireland hosts more than 350 medical technology companies, including 13 of the top 15 global med-tech companies, employing 25,000 people and exporting over €8 billion. Ireland is now the second-largest exporter of high-tech medical products in the EU, and is internationally recognised as a location of choice for development and manufacture of high-tech products.
The centre, which will serve Kerry’s global and regional customers in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, supports 800 research, product commercialisation, business development and business support jobs and will also accommodate a further 100 positions by the end of 2016.
The Centre was officially opened by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD in the presence of Minister Richard Bruton TD, Minister Simon Coveney TD and the Kerry Group board of directors.
Kerry Group officially opened a new €100m centre Global Technology and Innovation Centre located on a 28-acre site in the Millennium Business Park, Naas, Co. Kildare. The centre, which will serve Kerry’s global and regional customers in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, supports 800 research, product commercialisation, business development and business support jobs and will also accommodate a further 100 positions by the end of 2016.
The investment project was supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through Enterprise Ireland and is the largest single investment in food innovation ever by a company in Ireland.
Speaking at the Official Opening Ceremony, Stan McCarthy, Kerry Group Chief Executive said, “Our new Global Technology and Innovation Centre will serve as a focal point for Kerry’s customer engagement activities providing key customers with access to the Group’s complete breadth and depth of technologies, scientific research, innovation and applications expertise, across food, beverage and pharmaceutical markets. In addition, it will serve as the Group’s Global Centre of Excellence for Nutrition and will optimise product differentiation in the marketplace while providing unrivalled speed to market.”
Kerry Group today is a world leader in taste and nutrition serving the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries and a leading consumer foods processing and marketing organisation in selected EU markets. From the commissioning of its first manufacturing plant in Listowel, Ireland in 1972, the Kerry organisation has grown to become a highly successful public company, having achieved sustained profitable growth with current annualised sales in excess of €5.8 billion.
Launched as a public company in 1986, the market capitalisation of the group has grown to a current level of approximately €12 billion. Kerry Group now employs over 24,000 people throughout its worldwide activities and operations.
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Enterprise Ireland places huge focus on addressing talent gap (video) Leo McAdams, Divisional Manager for Software and International Services with Enterprise Ireland talks to Siliconrepublic.com at Career Zoo 10...
This year the Innovation Arena Awards at the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Co. Laois saw a total of 170 entries, more than double the number of entries submitted last year. Dairymaster’s Swiftflo Commander took the top gong - Congratulations!
Dairymaster’s Swiftflo Commander took the top gong at the Innovation Arena Awards at the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Co. Laois.
This year, the awards saw a total of 170 entries – more than double the number of entries submitted last year – with 54 shortlisted as 2015 finalists and invited to exhibit in the Innovation Arena.
Organised by Enterprise Ireland in cooperation with the National Ploughing Association and the Irish Farmers Journal, the Innovation Arena is the ideal place to showcase ground-breaking agri-related developments, whether they are backyard inventions or professional innovations, to the thousands of visitors the National Ploughing Championships attract each year.
The category award winners are:
• Cross Agricultural Engineering - Agri Engineering Award winner in established company category • Malone Engineering - Agri Engineering Special Merit Award winner in established company category • Acres Machinery - Agri Engineering Award winner in start-up company category • Reproinfo - Animal Health Award winner in established company category • Hydrasure - Animal Health Award winner in start-up company category • Remoquip - Safety Award winner in established company category • Inspect 4 Hoof Trimming - Safety Award winner in start-up company category • Dairymaster – Software Award winner in established company category • DIT Hothouse – Software Award Special Merit winner in established company category • True North Technologies - Software Award winner in start-up company category • AgManor - Software Award Special Merit winner in start-up company category.
The 2015 NPA Innovation Arena prize fund now totals over €65,000 in supports. The overall award winner received a top prize worth €15,000 from Enterprise Ireland and The Irish Farmers Journal which includes advertising and PR support, mentoring and a cash prize of €5,000. All finalists received €500 worth of www.toplink.ie advertising vouchers to promote their innovation through the Irish Farmers Journal.
Ian Bolger from Borris, Co. Carlow was announced as the Young Innovator by EU Agriculture & Rural Development Commissioner, Phil Hogan. Ian was recognised for his “Safe Attach”, a safety warning system for front-loader attachments on tractors. He was presented with the Young Innovator Travel Bursary to attend Agritechnica 2015 in Hanover, Germany.
Dr Edmond Harty, CEO of Dairymaster talks about Dairymaster’s Swiftflo Commander (video):
Eishtec, the Waterford based customer service solution provider, is continuing its growth with the creation of 200 jobs in its new custom built centre in Clonmel, County Tipperary.
Eishtec’s Director Heather Reynolds, Brendan Howlin TD Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to European Commission, Richard Bruton TD Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, and Alan Kelly Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government
Eishtec, the Waterford based customer service solution provider, is continuing its growth with the creation of 200 jobs in its new custom built centre in Clonmel, County Tipperary. The jobs will be created over the next six months but recruitment has already started.
Eishtec started trading in May 2011 with just 9 employees, and already employs 1300 people across its sites in Waterford, Wexford and Craigavon. Eishtec supports major UK brands such as EE, the largest and most advanced digital communications company in Britain, delivering mobile and fixed communications services to the UK market. The jobs created will provide customer service support for the UK market.
“Eishtec is a great model of what we are trying to achieve through our jobs plan” commented Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton.
“Here is an innovative Irish company, established less than 5 years ago, and now employs over 1000 people in the South East, an area of historically high unemployment. Today’s announcement that it is establishing a third operation in the South East, and bringing 200 jobs to Clonmel, a town with historical employment challenges, is another massive boost for the region.”
Colm Tracey, co-founding Director, said “Our company mission is to challenge the standards of service and our employees are trained to the highest standards to do just that. At Eishtec we have a particular approach to providing customer service that delivers a performance and experience that our clients value, and their customers appreciate. Our Clonmel based operation will be a continuation of that value driven business model.”
Eishtech’s announcement coincided with the launch of the Government’s South East Action Plan for Jobs, aimed at delivering 10-15% employment growth in the region over the coming years.
The Plan is the third of 8 regional jobs plans to be published over the coming months, as part of a new €250million regional jobs strategy led by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD.
The project to develop jobs plans for each of the 8 regions was in part born out of the success of the previous pioneering South East Plan process, established by Minister Bruton after the sudden job losses in Talk Talk in Waterford in 2011 and in response to the historic unemployment challenges in the South East region. Since 2012 the South East has had the fastest rate of jobs growth of any region in the country, with 25,300 extra jobs created in the region in 3 years, representing a 13.9% increase.
The new South East Plan builds on and expands this process, covering counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford. Key sectors targeted as part of the plan include agri-food, tourism, life sciences, manufacturing, retail and financial services/business services.
New state-of-the-art distillery, craft brewery and visitor centre will open in Drogheda in 2016. The artisan distillery will house the new Boyne Brewhouse craft brewery and bring over 80 new jobs to the local area.
Pat and Marie Cooney with their sons Peter, Patrick and James and daughter Sally-Anne pictured in the Boyne Brewhouse and Boann distillery.
The Boann Distillery and Visitor Centre, a state-of -the-art distillery soon to open in the heart of the Boyne Valley, will create over 80 new jobs as part of its ambitious plans to become one of Ireland’s leading independent distilleries and craft brewery initiatives.
The project is supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through Enterprise Ireland.
Opening in 2016, the stunning €20m Drogheda based facility will include a whiskey distillery, craft brewery and taproom, an architecturally designed visitor centre which will host distillery and brewery tours, a 120 seater restaurant, whiskey bar, private event space, and a gift shop.
The Boann Distillery and Boyne Brewhouse are the realisation of a long held ambition of the Cooney family who have a long tradition in the Irish drinks industry.
Speaking at the launch, Pat Cooney, CEO of the Boann Distillery and Visitor Centre, said: “I’ve been in the drinks industry for the past 40 years and it has been a nagging ambition to establish a Distillery of my own. To be able to realise this ambition, with the encouragement and participation of my wife and family, is a great bonus and to be able to establish this project in this super building in my home town is a multiple bonus.
"To add to the attraction of the location, we are also putting in a Craft Brewery. Marrying these two Pillars of the Industry with Cream Liqueur and Cider allows us to tick all the boxes of the drinks industry. The business will have a strong export focus without neglecting the domestic market.”
Drogheda was once home to eighteen local distilleries, which slowly declined to just one by 1822. This last distillery was owned by James Woolsey, later taken over by the Preston Brothers, it quickly grew to become one of Ireland’s principal Irish whiskey producers. However taxes, civil war and Prohibition took their toll and in 1968 the distillery closed and the last barrels of whiskey left Drogheda— a rich piece of local heritage was lost forever.
Today a revival has begun and Irish whiskey is now quickly becoming the fastest growing spirit in the world. In late 2015, spirit will flow from the Boann Distillery copper pot stills, the first to flow in Drogheda in nearly 50 years.
The company which specialises in IT-based transformation projects, is expanding its DevOps and Cloud Centre of Excellence in Ireland.
Minister Bruton TD speaking with Fred Jones, CEO of Ammeon
Ammeon, a leading Irish IT professional services company, is to create 100 new high-skilled jobs over the next twelve months.
The company which specialises in IT-based transformation projects, is expanding its DevOps and Cloud Centre of Excellence in Ireland.
Ammeon CEO Fred Jones commented: “This is another very significant expansion of Ammeon’s workforce and capabilities and follows the creation of 30 new jobs last November. On the back of continued strong growth in demand for our cutting-edge services, we are growing this DevOps and Cloud Centre of Excellence in Ireland. We are looking to add 100 talented engineers and IT professionals to help us make this happen.”
The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton TD commented: “I am delighted to be returning to Ammeon less than a year after I was here to announce the creation of 30 high-skilled jobs. After creating those additional jobs so far this year, I warmly welcome their plans to now grow their workforce by another 100.
“Technology is a key sector which we have targeted as part of our Action Plan for Jobs, and over the past four years we have seen an impressive jobs performance in this area. We need more ambitious Irish companies like Ammeon growing in this area, and that is why we have put in place a range of measures to support companies like this.”
Founded in 2003, the company has been growing rapidly in recent years, with turnover increasing by 25% year-on-year since 2009. Clients include global network equipment providers, communication service providers across EMEA, media, transportation and government organisations.
Ammeon is looking for both experienced engineers and graduates for a wide variety of high-value IT roles, with a focus on the latest cloud and DevOps skills. Of particular interest are candidates with experience in service delivery management, project management, cloud architectures and deployment.
I.T. Alliance, the Irish-owned IT outsourcing and cloud support group of companies, is expanding its project management operations and creating an additional 25 new jobs by the end of this year.
Dermot Hore, head of PMO, I.T. Alliance Group
I.T. Alliance, the Irish-owned IT outsourcing and cloud support group of companies, is expanding its project management operations and creating an additional 25 new jobs by the end of this year.
Revenues at I.T. Alliance Group from project management services alone are on course to reach €10 million this year. I.T. Alliance already employs 50 project management staff across its various divisions.
In May this year, I.T. Alliance sister company Auxilion announced an €800,000 investment in a new project support service designed to assist organisations deliver many of the more labour-intensive tasks associated with overall project delivery such as administration and support.
Dermot Hore, head of PMO, I.T. Alliance Group, said that the further expansion and additional 25 jobs were being driven by a number of market factors this year. “As confidence returns to the economy, many organisations are looking to dust down and rapidly implement ICT projects which had previously been shelved during the recession.
He said that I.T. Alliance’s business model allowed companies to hire in project managers and support staff at a lower cost and risk than recruiting contractors directly.
I.T. Alliance Group reports demand for project management personnel right across its divisions including its core outsourcing business which provides services to global IT companies; Auxilion which delivers support and transitioning to companies moving to the cloud; and its IT staff resourcing group.
