Podcasts about Enterprise Ireland

In this bite-sized Mentor Moment from Episode 384, David Jelly, founder of Property Bridges, joins Gary Fox to dissect two of Ireland's biggest challenges: why people aren't investing — despite sitting on billions in cash — and why startups struggle to retain talent in a post-COVID world. From cultural mindsets to broken incentives, David gets honest about what needs to change. Whether you're a founder, investor, or just trying to make sense of Ireland's economic contradictions, this moment will provide some useful food for thought on investing in Ireland, and how to shape your team in our hybrid working world.  ------ Visit my partners:  Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland  Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE  Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostraee

In this inspiring episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Charlene Flanagan and Niamh Ryan—the powerhouse duo behind Ella & Jo, one of Ireland's fastest-growing beauty brands. From a single product and two simultaneous pregnancies to a global business stocked in Boots, Dunnes Stores and over 400 pharmacies, their story is anything but ordinary. Charlene and Niamh open up about how they built Ella & Jo from the West of Ireland, how they define success on their own terms, and why authenticity, connection, and community are at the heart of everything they do. Whether you're a solo founder, aspiring entrepreneur, or building a business while juggling parenthood—this episode will leave you fired up, grounded, and full of ideas. Show Notes: In this episode, we cover:

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with John Purdy, co-founder of Ergo and a seasoned leader who has helped shape the Irish tech landscape over the past three decades. From launching Ergo in 1993 with just a handful of people to scaling it into one of Ireland's top IT services companies, John shares the highs, the hard decisions, and the philosophies that guided him through it all. John shares a rare behind-the-scenes look at how he scaled Ergo without external investment and spun out an eventual unicorn, Fenergo, along the way. He opens up about the emotional and strategic decision to step away as CEO after 28 years, and what he's doing now to give back—both to founders and to causes close to his heart. If you're building a business or figuring out what comes after success, this is the playbook. Show Notes: In this episode, we cover:

Google, in partnership with Enterprise Ireland (EI) and the Local Enterprise Offices (LEO), has today announced Lahinch Surf Shop as the overall winner of this year's You're the Business competition. Situated on the picturesque prom in Lahinch Co Clare, the family-founded business was selected for its innovative use of digital tools to grow and evolve its operations. As the top winner, Lahinch Surf Shop will receive a truly unique prize: a custom AI-powered advertising campaign developed by Google AI in collaboration with a team of AI experts. You're the Business programme In addition to the overall winner, 23 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from across Ireland, spanning a range of industries from print studios and food producers to bespoke cabinet makers have been awarded an exclusive, money-can't-buy prize as part of the You're the Business campaign. Those selected will receive a digital support package from Google which includes a one-year Google Workspace Business subscription with access to AI-powered tools like Gemini Advanced and NotebookLM and a one-to-one consultation from Google experts on how to get the best out of Google Workspace. Winners will also receive a You're the Business trophy and digital assets and are invited to attend a dedicated Winners event in Google's EMEA HQ in Dublin. Speaking about the competition Eileesh Buckley, co-owner of Lahinch Surf Shop in Clare said: "It's an incredible honour to be recognised as part of the You're the Business campaign. At Lahinch Surf Shop, we've always believed in leveraging the power of digital tools to connect with our customers in meaningful ways. Being selected for this bespoke AI-powered advertising campaign is an exciting step forward, and we're really looking forward to working with Google's team to take our digital presence to the next level." Cera Ward, Managing Director, Large Customer Solutions, Google Ireland said: "SMEs comprise 90% of all enterprises in Ireland. Businesses like Lahinch Surf Shop and all those we are celebrating today are an integral part of the economy generating employment and providing services across the country. Through You're the Business we want to help founders leverage a range of digital tools, including AI, to help them reach their growth potential. We've been proud to partner with Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices in the delivery of the programme and I want to congratulate all the winners announced today." Delivered by Google in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Office, You're the Business is an online platform offering digital training and tools to businesses in Ireland free of charge. Now in its third year, the initiative has taken on a new AI-focus with the online platform offering new training modules where users can explore AI tools and learn how AI can help them prepare for the future. The competition element rewards businesses that have demonstrated a commitment to digital at different stages of their journey. Entrants were asked to submit a written entry telling their story around how they've utilised or enhanced digital skills in order to help their business grow or succeed online. Kieran Comerford, Chair of the Local Enterprise Offices, said; "The role of digital in the evolution and growth of any SME has never been so keenly felt than over the past number of years. Giving them access to Google's in-depth expertise through the You're the Business programme is a fantastic step to help these companies maximise their online presence. This programme along with the suite of online supports through the Local Enterprise Offices and Enterprise Ireland to help businesses digitise, is helping give them a competitive advantage both here and internationally. Congratulations to all the winners today and we look forward to continuing to support them as they grow over the coming years." For further information on the winners and the You're The Business initiative, please visit...

A student entrepreneur saving 1,000kg of e-waste every year building his own gaming PCs was the winner of the Student Enterprise of the Year winning the senior category at the awards that took place in Mullingar. Jack Cannon, a senior student at Clonkeen College in Dun Laoghaire, built his first PC at the age of 11 with the help of his brother. He set up Cannon PC at part of the Local Enterprise Offices' Student Enterprise Programme and so far, has achieved sales of almost €40,000. Cannon builds upcycled high speed gaming PCs from old PCs being disposed of in office clear outs and for general sale online. Upcycling project wins student enterprise award There were also top awards handed out in the Intermediate and Junior categories. Suet & Song, a business set up by Michael O'Keeffe from St. Kieran's College in Kilkenny, creates high-quality, nutrient rich suet cakes for birds during the colder months and it took home the top prize in the Intermediate Category. In the Junior category a device that helps hikers and farmers cross electric fencing easily won the top award. Bumblebees is a business set up by Antonia O'Looney, Sophie Gilard, Guiliana Keane and Katelyn Murtagh from Drumshanbo Vocational School in Leitrim. Their WASP (Wire Anti Shock Protector) product is a device that enables people to push down the electric fence without receiving a shock, enabling them to cross safely. The inaugural Student Enterprise Programme Alumni Award was presented to Fenu Health. Set up by sisters Kate and Annie Madden for the Student Enterprise Programme in 2016, the company creates supplements for equine health and their customers include five royal families. The 23rd Student Enterprise Programme National Finals saw 85 businesses from across the country shortlisted in three main categories. The Local Enterprise Office initiative, supported by Enterprise Ireland and local authorities, commenced last September in secondary schools nationwide with over 30,000 students taking part this year. The event was hosted by broadcasters Rick O'Shea and Louise Cantillon and they were joined during the ceremony by Peter Burke, T.D. Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment as they announced the winners across the three main categories on the day. The initiative, funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland and delivered by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities throughout the country, has seen over 450,000 take part in the programme since it began 23 years ago. Gareth Evans, Chair of the Local Enterprise Office's Enterprise Education Committee, said; "It's been another hugely successful year for the Student Enterprise Programme. Last year we had over 30,000 participants and we will hit that again this year. So, the appetite for student entrepreneurs is growing and that is no doubt down to seeing the amazing young entrepreneurs this country is producing. We've had some excellent winners here today and going on previous successes they will go on to do great things. A great example today was our Alumni Winner, Fenu Health, who are now an outstanding Irish business trading internationally. Today is just the start for these winners and finalists. The skills and lessons they have learned through the process will stand by them for life and we're excited to see where their businesses go from here and the new ones they start-up in the future." The National Final students, who competed across Junior, Intermediate and Senior categories were challenged with creating, setting up and running their own business, which must show sales of their service or product. The judging panel included business owners and representatives from enterprise agencies and associated bodies. The Student Enterprise Programme is open to students of all ages at secondary level, with three separate categories - Junior (1st year), Intermediate (2nd and 3rd year) and Senior (4th, 5th and 6th year, LVA, LCA and Youth Outreach). The Student Enterprise of the Y...

Patrick Cronin of University of Limerick spin-out Oscil, was presented with the Big Ideas Award at Enterprise Ireland's Start-Up Day 2025 in the Aviva Stadium. Oscil was one of six investor-ready potential spin-outs that had three minutes to pitch their new technology solutions to a 600 strong audience made up of representatives from the Irish Start-up ecosystem including VCs and other funders, State support agencies & professional and financial services. The award was presented to Patrick Cronin, for the outstanding pitch of the day. Oscil which is an Enterprise Ireland commercialisation funded project approaching spin-out, is an innovative deep tech technology operating at the intersection of Edge-AI and powder processing, initially targeting the pharmaceutical and dairy sectors. They haves developed a proprietary, ATEX-compliant sensor and edge-AI solution that enables real-time, in-line analysis of powder flow - addressing critical issues like sensor fouling, yield loss, and process downtime. As part of the Big Ideas award, Oscil will travel to the US to participate in UC Berkeley's Venture Connectivity Program. Tara Dalton of University of Limerick spin-out TANGO received the Big Ideas runner-up award on the day. Start-Up Day 2025 hosted the 'Class of 2024' High Potential Start-Up companies that Enterprise Ireland invested in during 2024. The event also played host to technology-based companies with origins deep rooted in groundbreaking research. In 2024, 34 companies were supported through the Enterprise Ireland Commercialisation Fund Programme with 25 companies spun out of third level institutions. Presenting the award, Michael Carey, Chairman, Enterprise Ireland said, "The Big Ideas pitching element and awards at Start-Up Day provides a platform to showcase Enterprise Ireland's commercialisation funded research approaching start-up status, with significant potential for success. The event also highlights the accomplishments of our national technology transfer system, the high calibre of research commercialisation activity within Ireland, and the significant impact these companies will have to help solve huge global challenges. I wish to congratulate both Oscil and TANGO on their achievements to date and wish them every success for the future." See more stories here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

Aidan McKenna of Enterprise Ireland joins Jess in Boston to discuss the reality of doing business in the era of tariffs and uncertainty. Plus she meets the team behind Ireland Gateway to Europe.

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Keilidh Cashell — one of Ireland's most recognisable beauty creators turned entrepreneur and founder of Kash Beauty. With over 2 million followers on TikTok and a loyal global audience, Keilidh opens up about what it really takes to build a brand in the public eye. From creating makeup looks in her bedroom to leading a business stocked internationally, Keilidh shares the highs, the challenges, and the moments where she questioned it all. She talks burnout, stepping back from content creation to become a better CEO, and learning how to lead a team while staying true to her creative core. This is an unfiltered look at the business behind the brand — and the mindset shift required to scale beyond just being the face of it. Whether you're a content creator dreaming of launching your own product or a founder navigating what growth actually feels like, this one is a must-listen. Show Notes: In this episode, we cover:

Enterprise Ireland, the government agency responsible for the development and growth of Irish companies in global markets, invested €27.6 million in Irish start-ups and supported a total of 157 start-up companies in 2024. Investment was provided through Enterprise Ireland's High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) and Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF) programmes. The results were announced at Enterprise Ireland's annual Start-Up Day Conference in Dublin with over 600 delegates in attendance to include the 'Class of 2024' Enterprise Ireland supported Start-Up companies and the wider Start-Up ecosystem including investors, state agencies and start-up accelerators. Start-ups supported by Enterprise Ireland in 2024 include: • 90 High Potential Start-Up's (HPSU) with high growth potential - start-up businesses with the potential to create 10 jobs and €1 million in sales within three years of starting up • 69 Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF) investments which inject critical early-stage funding into new businesses • 63 of the companies supported were based outside of Dublin • 45 women-led start-up companies were approved investment • 13 HPSUs emerged from academic research • 25 companies were spun out of third level institutions • 34 companies were supported through the Enterprise Ireland Commercialisation Fund Programme. 2024 marked the final year of Enterprise Ireland's three-year strategy 'Leading in a Changing World 2022 -2024' and in that period there were a total of 266 HPSUs and 213 Pre-Seed Start Fund approvals with half of the companies based outside of Dublin. During that time period over €78 million was invested in these start-up companies. Enterprise Ireland's Start-Up Day also includes a pitching element, featuring top university (pre) spin-out ventures emerging from Enterprise Ireland's Commercialisation Fund. These teams will pitch their visionary concepts, competing for an award and the prestigious opportunity to participate in UC Berkeley's Venture Connectivity Program. Opening Enterprise Ireland's Start-Up Day in Dublin today, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD, said: "Today is about celebrating the spirit of Irish entrepreneurship. The strong pipeline of innovative start-ups emerging over the last three years demonstrates the extraordinary resilience and business ambition of Irish-founded start-up teams, particularly against the backdrop of a challenging global economic period. This government, through Enterprise Ireland, will continue to provide funding, mentorship, market access and tailored programmes as the stepping stones for success. Start-ups are critical to our economic future, our global reputation and our societal progress and we remain fully committed to fostering an environment where innovation flourishes, and where every entrepreneur has the tools needed to thrive and succeed." Looking forward, enhancing the pipeline of innovative and scalable start-ups is a key objective of Enterprise Irelands new strategy, 'Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally, with a target set to support 1,000 new start-ups over the five-year period, from 2025 to 2029. Kevin Sherry, Interim CEO, Enterprise Ireland said, "Start-up Day 2025 is a celebration of Ireland's strong and dynamic start-up community and the Start-Up class of 2024 have and will continue to play a significant role in contributing to the vibrancy of Ireland's start-up ecosystem. A key objective in our new strategy is to Accelerate Sustainable Irish Business so that in time exporting Irish companies will become the primary driver of the Irish economy. "As part of our plan, Enterprise Ireland is undertaking a dedicated consultation process by engaging with the start-up ecosystem on the supports available for early-stage companies in Ireland. This aims to strengthen our pipeline of early-stage companies with the potential to scale internationally, furthering Ireland's position as a global leader in entrepreneurship and innovation." See more stories here.

From the professional rugby pitch to performance supplements — Jack Carty shares how his new venture, Cognitive Blends, is helping men optimise health, balance hormones, and thrive on and off the field. Scaling a business doesn't happen by accident — Eoghan O'Mahony shares the must-haves for growth ahead of his one-day masterclass for SME leaders. Turning research into real-world solutions — Enterprise Ireland's new funding stream could be the launchpad your idea needs. Discover how from Emma Callinan Senior Principal Scientific Officer - Spinouts & Research Commercialisation. As Laois continues to position itself as a hub for industry and innovation, Angela McEvoy from Laois County Council explains how strategic land development is attracting high-value employers to the county.

CyberQuest, a joint venture between Data Edge, REIM Training Solutions, and CJHNetwork, is pleased to announce a free, one-hour cybersecurity webinar for Irish SMEs. NIS2 & cybersecurity - What Irish SMEs need to know now This interactive online event is specifically designed for SME leaders, IT decision-makers, and business owners seeking to improve their cybersecurity posture while navigating the upcoming NIS2 directive. Why attend? Learn about real-life cyberattacks and vulnerabilities experienced by Irish SMEs. Get clarity on the NIS2 directive and whether it applies to your business. Discover how to access funding and Enterprise Ireland grants to support your cybersecurity initiatives. Explore free and affordable tools other SMEs are using to protect their networks. Ask your questions directly in an interactive session with experts. Speaker panel: Eimear Murphy, Founder & Director, REIM Training Solutions Sandra Richardson, Director of Training, REIM Training Solutions Colm Hyland, Owner, CJHNetwork Omer Mukhtar, Cybersecurity Specialist, Data Edge "Cybersecurity often gets sidelined in busy SMEs, especially when business owners wear multiple hats," says Eimear Murphy. "This session is about making cybersecurity manageable and showing that you don't need to be an expert to protect your business." Sandra Richardson adds: "We want to break NIS2 down into something understandable and actionable. It's about giving SMEs the tools, support, and confidence to act." Colm Hyland will share insights on aligning cybersecurity strategies with business goals while working within the real-world constraints of SME life. Omer Mukhtar offers an industry-wide perspective, drawing on his strong background in defensive security. Cybersecurity doesn't have to be complicated and in this session, Omer will share practical insights from recent cyber reviews using tools like CyberScope and Link-Live, offering actionable steps any business can take to reduce cyber risk using the right tools and methodology. Participants will also have the opportunity to book a no-cost cybersecurity review to identify risks in their infrastructure. Register now: https://reimtrainingsolutions.com/cyberquest-webinar/ See more stories here.

CeADAR, Ireland's Centre for AI, will visit Kerry next month to host an information and networking event for companies and public sector organisations aiming to transform their operations with Artificial Intelligence. The technology hub is offering the free event as part of its EDIH for AI Programme, an initiative to provide data science expertise and resources to support start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and public sector organisations, as they seek to digitalise their operations in pursuit of greater productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability. The event will take place at the RDI Hub in Killorglin, Co. Kerry, on Thursday, May 1, from 1pm until 2pm. Attendees will hear how organisations can access CeADAR's fully funded EDIH for AI services, including digital maturity assessments and advisory services, specialist training and upskilling, and prototype development and testing. Speakers will outline a range of case studies across sectors that illustrate outcomes from past collaborations, while the event will also provide an opportunity for attendees to meet with CeADAR's data science team to discuss their specific business needs and understand how AI can be used to respond to those challenges. The EDIH is a €700m European initiative comprising more than 150 tech hubs across 30 countries. CeADAR's selection as the EDIH for AI in Ireland came with an initial funding boost of €6 million over three years. The award is jointly supported by the EU and the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland. CeADAR CEO John Lonsdale will be attending the event along with EDIH Programme Manager Laura Plunkett and other EDIH staff. EDIH Programme Manager Laura Plunkett says: "We're delighted to collaborate with the RDI Hub in Killorglin on this event, and look forward to hosting start-ups, SMEs and PSOs for an afternoon of information sharing and networking. Events such as this are vital to our mission, to empower Irish organisations to explore and experiment with AI and drive digital transformation in Ireland." CeADAR CEO John Lonsdale says: "EDIH for AI events such as this hosted at the RDI Hub on May 1 provide Irish enterprise and public sector workers with the information and contacts necessary to transform their operations. While innovations in technology are making domestic and international business more competitive than ever before, they also provide significant opportunities for start-ups and SMEs to scale quickly, and for public sector organisations to streamline their processes to maximise their efficiency. CeADAR is delighted to be playing a central role in this mission, and we look forward to hosting more EDIH for AI events in the future." RDI Hub CEO Liam Cronin says: "We are proud to welcome CeADAR to the RDI Hub on Thursday May 1 and we are looking forward to the insights and case studies on how AI can enhance performance, strategy, and engagement. The RDI Hub has a strong connection with AI, fostering a collaborative environment where entrepreneurs and innovators can harness cutting-edge technology to drive progress in various sectors. Our mission is to position the South West of Ireland as a global leader in technology and innovation, and the collaboration with CeADAR is testament to that vision." See more stories here.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, today announced funding of €17 million for two additional projects under Call 7 of the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF). The announcement took place in the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT), Co. Dublin. NIBRT is a partner in the "Can-Vas" project which has been awarded €10.7m Support for innovative Cancer and neonatal treatments This first of its kind in-human study treats infants with a type of brain damage, as well as expanding the pipeline of cell and gene therapies for rare and seriously debilitating diseases. NIBRT are working with three other partners on this project - Deantusaiocht Slainte HiTech Teoranta, University College Cork, INFANT Research Centre and the lead partner, HAON Life Sciences. An additional project - LOTUS - has been awarded €6.4m which will develop a complete smart system to facilitate at-home anti-cancer treatment (SACT) with monitoring, enabling cancer patients to self-administer treatment in their own home. Representatives of the consortium comprised of Luminate Medical - the lead partner, Gentian Health, University of Galway and Trinity College Dublin were also in attendance at today's event. Announcing today's projects, the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke said: "I am delighted to announce awards of over €17 million to two exciting and hugely innovative projects under Call 7 of the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund. These two projects demonstrate the importance of the fund in leveraging emerging technologies for the well-being of our citizens. The technology in these projects will provide life-changing solutions for patients undergoing cancer treatment and for new and expectant parents where the safety and well-being of their unborn child is paramount. By funding these projects, the Government is maintaining its commitment to investing in cutting-edge technologies, with consequent benefits for the health care sector and other national research priority areas. Since the Fund launch in 2018, my Department has awarded over €393 million in funding to 107 collaborative DTIF projects. Importantly, the fund is giving enterprises and research institutions opportunities to engage and connect with some of the brightest minds in Ireland, to conceive ideas, build relationships and foster knowledge-sharing for the benefit of all." James Lawless, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science added: "It is great to see projects with a strong potential to deliver impactful health care solutions becoming recipients of the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund. We are now financing 404 project partners from our enterprise and research sectors which are bringing forward novel and innovative ideas that will not only benefit our health services but focus on tackling wider sectoral and economic challenges associated with demands emerging around developments with Artificial Intelligence, sustainability and digitalisation. What makes this Fund unique is its ability to foster collaborative research that builds strong relationships that will benefit our citizens, our economy and generating high quality jobs for our graduates." The projects announced today bring the total number awarded to 107. This is no small feat. It underscores the critical role of disruptive technologies, on a national scale, and recognises the Government's continued commitment to advancing and supporting the development of these transformative and lifechanging technologies." Kevin Sherry, interim CEO, Enterprise Ireland said: "Enterprise Ireland is proud to support the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund, which continues to drive impactful collaborations between Ireland's leading enterprises and research institutions. These newly funded projects exemplify the power of innovation ...

The ENTIRE European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH), in collaboration with the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) within Enterprise Ireland (EI), recently held an Industry Network Day; an event to empower SMEs with digital transformation and data-driven decision-making strategies. The highly engaging and interactive event took place at Tyndall National Institute, based at UCC, and featured expert-led discussions on Artificial Intelligence (AI) by Prof Barry O'Sullivan (Insight & ENTIRE EDIH) and Stephen Lyons (Skillnet Ireland & ENTIRE EDIH) and from cybersecurity experts Dr Hazel Murray (MTU & ENTIRE EDIH) and Stephen O'Keeffe (PwC). The event offered insights from leading professionals, real-life case studies from SMEs that have benefited from EDIH support, and 1:1 consultations with experts, national agencies, and industry peers. Speaking about the event, Paul Galvin (ENTIRE EDIH) said "Digital transformation is not just an opportunity, but a necessity for enterprises to minimise operating costs, access new markets, and to ensure resilience and competitiveness. The ENTIRE European Digital Innovation Hub is part of a network of four Irish EDIHs, and over 200 EDIHs across Europe, that offer a broad range of fully discounted services to support enterprises and public sector organisations in their digital transformation journeys. The ENTIRE EDIH team works closely with regional, national and European agencies, to help advance the digital maturity of enterprises and support digital transformation roadmaps." The European Digital Innovation Hubs network is a pan-European initiative established by the European Union to accelerate digital transformation across industries. EDIHs provide essential support to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, mid-caps, and public service organisations (PSOs) in adopting cutting-edge digital and AI technologies. ENTIRE is one of four EDIHs in Ireland playing a crucial role in advancing the country's digital economy. ENTIRE EDIH's strategic mission is to offer the innovation expertise of Tyndall National Institute in IoT Smart Sensors, Walton Institute at South East Technological University in IoT Networks and HPC, Munster Technology University (MTU) in Cybersecurity, University College Cork (UCC) in Artificial Intelligence, and Skillnet Ireland in SME Digital Skills Onboarding. The Industry Network Day event was directed by Paul Galvin, Director of ENTIRE EDIH, and supported by representatives from EI, EEN and the other leading Irish EDIHs, including Laura Clifford, Senior Programme Manager of the EDIH Programme (EI), Stephen O'Reilly, National Representative for Horizon Europe Cluster 4 - Digital at Enterprise Ireland, Teri Smith, Manager of the LEO Centre of Excellence & Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), Laura Plunkett (CeADAR EDIH), and Mike Conroy (Data2Sustain EDIH). ENTIRE EDIH is funded by Enterprise Ireland and European Union Next Generation EU under the European Digital Innovation Hub programme. For more information about how to start your journey in digitalisation and how to avail of innovation services available in ENTIRE, please visit www.entire-edih.ie. See more stories here.

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Gareth Sheridan, the relentless founder and CEO of Nutriband Inc — a pharmaceutical company tackling one of the most controversial issues in modern medicine: opioid misuse. What started as a college thesis and a dining room stacked with questionable Chinese vitamin patches has since become a NASDAQ-listed company pioneering safer drug delivery systems.   Gareth walks us through his raw, rollercoaster journey — from painting houses to fund his dream, to being duped in a million-dollar pump-and-dump scheme, and how he clawed his way back to ring the NASDAQ bell on October 1st with $6.6 million in fresh funding.   If you're an entrepreneur with ambition (and a high pain tolerance), this episode will teach you about resilience, smart capital strategy, and how to build billion-dollar businesses the hard way — brick by brick, and patch by patch.  

The Rubicon Centre proudly announces the graduation of the 2024 Cork cohort of the New Frontiers Programme at Munster Technological University, marking the successful launch of 15 innovative businesses into the Irish economy. This milestone highlights the programme's vital role in fostering entrepreneurship, driving economic growth, and supporting Ireland's future business leaders. Taoiseach Micheál Martin and National New Frontiers Programme Manager Ciara Concannon joined the celebration, underlining the national significance of the programme. Speaking at the event, the Taoiseach said: "Innovation and entrepreneurship are key when it comes to Ireland's future economic success. The New Frontiers Programme plays a pivotal role in equipping business founders with the skills, knowledge, and support they need to thrive in today's competitive landscape" The New Frontiers Programme, Ireland's national entrepreneur development initiative, has been instrumental in fostering high-potential start-ups and businesses that contribute significantly to the local economy. The 2024 graduates have successfully launched diverse businesses spanning sectors such as sustainability, biotechnology, digital services, and consumer goods. Ciara Concannon emphasized the programme's impact, saying: "New Frontiers is a critical driver of Ireland's start-up ecosystem, offering entrepreneurs not just funding, but mentorship, training, and access to invaluable networks. The success of these 15 businesses demonstrates the programme's ability to turn vision into reality." This year's New Frontiers graduating businesses include: Triple Edge Energy Ltd - Diarmuid Duggan Genni - Marc O'Donovan-Wyatt Mindful Maker - Paul Murphy A.Chara Ltd - Reece Hogan The Natural Veterinary Co.- Sinead Mellet EcoRoots Ltd - Lavanya Bhandari Zhy Biotechnologies Ltd - Zuhri Ajibola Quartz.io Noonan's Control Method - Michael Noonan Kookease - Aoife Celia Goulding TowerWatch Ltd - Robin Thankachan RowTeic Ltd - Sam O'Neill AllYouKnead.ie - Lucy Lehane The Alternative Christmas Pudding - Sadhbh Cosgrove Boots2Base - Mairead Maher The collective potential of these new ventures is expected to generate employment, contribute to regional and national economies, and strengthen Ireland's reputation as a hub for innovation. The New Frontiers Programme at The Rubicon Centre continues to play a pivotal role in this success, providing entrepreneurs with the tools to bring their ideas to market. Expressions of Interest are now being accepted for the next Phase 2 programme starting at The Rubicon Centre in September 2025. For further information, please see www.newfrontiers.ie and www.therubiconcentre.ie. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

Kevin Sherry, Interim CEO of Enterprise Ireland, on the impact of Donald Trump's tariffs that have come into effect.

The government has set up a dedicated team to work through Enterprise Ireland to advise exporters how best to navigate these trade headwinds. That includes one to one advice. The Department of Enterprise says it's been preparing for this tariff war for a while. The Enterprise Minister Peter Burke discussed this further with Joe Lynam.

The government has set up a dedicated team to work through Enterprise Ireland to advise exporters how best to navigate these trade headwinds. That includes one to one advice. The Department of Enterprise says it's been preparing for this tariff war for a while. The Enterprise Minister Peter Burke discussed this further with Joe Lynam.

University College Dublin (UCD) and Teagasc have today announced that applications are now open for the second Food and Agriculture Sustainable Technology Innovation Programme (FAST-IP) which begins this September. FAST-IP, a specialist agrifood technology innovation programme, provides participants with the skills necessary to evaluate, select and validate ideas for new products and services in the agrifood sector and to accelerate the commercialisation pathway of these ideas. Aligned with Ireland's national agrifood strategy, Food Vision 2030, FAST-IP also aims to support establishing Ireland as a leader in sustainable food systems by balancing climate-smart agriculture, environmental and economic sustainability, and innovation. Participants on the inaugural programme, which ends in August, are currently developing business plans for new market ready innovations in areas ranging from soil health, food allergens, pest control and bioeconomy. Twelve (12) places are available on the full-time, 12-month, in-person programme aimed at mid-career professionals, which is delivered by the UCD School of Biosystems and Food Engineering in partnership with Teagasc at the AgTechUCD Innovation Centre at UCD Lyons Farm in Co. Kildare. FAST-IP provides participants with a €38,000 tax-free scholarship during the programme. Edel Mitchell, Programme Manager, FAST-IP, said, "We are delighted to open applications for our second FAST-IP programme. This is a wonderful opportunity for mid-career professionals to embrace their entrepreneurial ambitions and develop market led solutions to real problems experienced by the global agrifood sector. The practical needs led innovation process enables participants to deep dive and forensically understand pressing challenges for the agrifood sector and build innovative solutions. If you are interested in embarking on this journey and leveraging the unparallelled access to industry experts, mentorship and cross sectoral immersive opportunities I would encourage you to apply for the FAST-IP programme." FAST-IP uses design-thinking methodologies and has a practical focus. Through the programme participants, working in teams, learn how to conduct needs-led innovation to develop market validated solutions to unmet needs in the areas of agricultural technology and food sustainability sectors. Participants also spend 8-10 weeks immersed in agricultural environments including farms, food processing companies, and Teagasc locations throughout the 12-month programme. Dr Siobhán Jordan, Head of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation, Teagasc, said, "FAST-IP aims to position Ireland as a global innovator in AgTech and food systems by fostering the creation of high-potential start-ups, scalable businesses and sustainable solutions that address challenges in areas including, climate change, food security, productivity and economic diversification. We are now seeking applications from mid-career individuals who are interested in embarking on this cutting-edge, immersive programme to create innovative, sustainable agri-food solutions with expert mentorship and entrepreneurial training by UCD and Teagasc." FAST-IP is accredited by UCD at Level 9 on the National Qualifications Framework and participants who complete the programme will be awarded a Graduate Diploma in Agrifood, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Professor Nick Holden, Professor of Biosystems Engineering in the UCD School of Biosystems and Food Engineering is the Academic Director of the Graduate Diploma Programme. The FAST-IP programme, running until the end of 2029, forms part of Enterprise Ireland's Innovators' Initiative which is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. UCD and Teagasc have strong reputations for academic and research excellence in the areas of Sustainable Food Systems, Agriculture, and Food Science, and are utilising their extensive networks, connections, domain ...

Health Innovation Hub Ireland (HIHI), the HSE and the Irish College of GPs, announced the winners of HIHI GreenTech in Healthcare. The Health Innovation Hub Ireland (HIHI) is a joint government initiative of the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment and the Department of Health. Six innovative products and services have been identified, that promote environmental sustainability in both primary and secondary healthcare. The call was the first step in tackling the research and innovation gap in sustainable product pathways in the Irish health sector. Now, the winning products and services in green healthcare, will be trialled. This allows Irish health providers to pilot, refine and adapt sustainable solutions effectively, before wider implementation. GreenTech in Healthcare The HSE, Enterprise Ireland and Health Innovation Hub Ireland (HIHI), will lead collaborations across Irish healthcare sites to deliver trialling of the winners on the ground. Welcoming the announcement Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke said: "The Health Innovation Hub Ireland GreenTech initiative is a clear demonstration of how innovation can support our national climate goals while delivering practical benefits to the health service. Through Health Innovation Hub Ireland - a flagship collaboration between my Department and the Department of Health - we are driving forward sustainable innovation, supporting enterprise, and enabling real-world testing of green solutions in our health system." HIHI National Director Dr Tanya Mulcahy said: "Today marks a significant step toward integrating sustainable innovation into Irish healthcare. By identifying and trialling these six pioneering solutions, Health Innovation Hub Ireland, with the HSE and the Irish College of GPs, is fostering real-world impact in environmental sustainability. "The diversity of the selected products - from circular economy medical devices to eco-friendly ultrasound gels - demonstrates a broad commitment to tackling healthcare's environmental footprint. This initiative sets a strong precedent for future collaborations in green healthcare innovation." Dr Philip Crowley National Director HSE Climate and Global Health said: "We are delighted to be involved in this recent Greentech in healthcare call and initiative with Health Innovation Hub Ireland and the Irish College of GPs. In keeping with the HSE Climate Action Strategy and our work to create greener models of healthcare, it is a great opportunity to encourage and support innovative services and products that are environmentally sustainable for healthcare environments." Dr Andrée Rochfort, Director of Quality Improvement at the Irish College of GPs said: "Protecting the finite resources of healthcare and minimizing the environmental impact of healthcare is important. The innovations identified by the GreenTech Initiative have potential to improve healthcare sustainability in a practical way. We look forward to the reports on these green healthcare products after they are tested in primary and secondary care". Winners: Aerogen This HIHI GreenTech winner pitched a unique long term multi-disciplinary project developing sustainable medical devices, transitioning to a circular economy model and reducing the environmental footprint of Aerogen's Solo Nebuliser products.? There are several stages to this work and HIHI looks forward to beginning the first stage, supporting research and problem definition, throughout Irish healthcare sites. Vanguard AG This HIHI GreenTech winner pitched a proven solution for the remanufacturing of single-use medical devices.? HIHI looks forward to trialing this solution as part of a sustainability pilot in Irish healthcare. HaPPE This HIHI GreenTech winner pitched a full cycle bio-digestion system, creating a sustainable solution for healthcare waste, specifically compostable PPE and food waste. The solution leverages compostable materials, on-site bio-digestion and advanced decon...

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Pádraig Ó Céidigh, a name synonymous with Irish entrepreneurship and business leadership. Best known for founding and scaling Aer Arann, one of Ireland's leading regional airlines, Pádraig shares his journey from humble beginnings to building an airline—despite having no aviation experience.   He reveals the key moments that defined his career: remortgaging his house to buy an airline, negotiating with Aer Lingus, securing multimillion-dollar aircraft deals, and eventually selling his business. Beyond aviation, he opens up about the personal cost of success, his near-death experience, and the philosophy that guides his life today.   If you're an entrepreneur, this episode will change how you think about risk, vision, and what it really means to build a business with purpose.  

Dublin based aviation analytics solutions company Aerlytix has announced that it has secured a grant of €455,000 through Enterprise Ireland's Research, Development & Innovation (RD&I) fund. This will directly support the development of new products and services to optimise the airline industry's analytical capabilities around fleet planning and financing. The company, which was founded in 2020, has also announced that it plans to create 23 new jobs by 2027 focusing mainly on technical and software development roles. Eight of these new roles have already been filled in recent months. This R&D project aims to create analytics software, designed with airlines, that drives fleet optimisation and enables better financial risk management. This will support the sector to resolve technical challenges, increase employment in Irish aviation companies and drive international business growth. Speaking at the announcement at Aerlytix's Dublin HQ, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke T.D said, "I wish to commend the team at Aerlytix on its recent success. Aviation is a key driver of our economy, supporting both direct and indirect employment, and provides crucial connectivity for tourism and business. Ireland is a world leader in aviation leasing whereby more than 65% of the world's aircraft are leased here. "Aerlytix continues to make significant inroads into critical segments of the aircraft leasing industry. By providing tangible solutions through innovative analytics technologies, the company is helping to reduce inefficiencies for the sector and accelerate digital transformation across individual organisations. Aerlytix has significant growth plans to further enhance its offering and scale its talented team here in Dublin and I wish the company the very best." Commenting on the announcement, Aerlytix Finance Director, Órla Kearney said: 'The grant funding from Enterprise Ireland's RD&I Programme accelerates development and delivery of our next generation technology project for customers. This investment program is propelling Irish-based technology companies forward. We are excited to extend and scale our aviation technology solutions to a broader set of international clients." Speaking on the RD&I fund, Kevin Sherry, Interim CEO, Enterprise Ireland said: "Driving substantially increased investment in Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I) by Irish businesses is a key priority in Enterprise Ireland's new five-year strategy, 'Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally'. That increased investment in innovation is a key driver in the success of Enterprise Ireland's client base both in Ireland and in international markets. "Research shows that businesses that invest in innovation have 2.5 times higher turnover and 4.7 times greater exports than companies not investing in RD&I. Aerlytix has made great progress in a short space of time to develop innovative proprietary analytics solutions for the aviation sector, an area where Ireland leads the way globally in aircraft leasing. We are delighted to support Aerlytix growth plans with significant RD&I funding targeted at supporting the company to deliver accelerated growth across global markets, develop key R&D projects, and create highly skilled new jobs in Ireland." See more stories here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Richard Fitzgerald, the founder of Augustus Media, an award-winning modern media company in the UAE and KSA, publishers of Lovin Dubai, Lovin Saudi, and Smashi TV. With a background in media and advertising since 2006, Richard worked at agencies in Ireland, England, and the UAE before building a regional social media department at Mindshare MENA and later becoming Managing Director of a creative technology start-up. In 2015, he launched Augustus Media, a ‘new media' company that has since expanded across the Middle East, winning Best SME Company at the 2018 MENA EFFIE Awards. Today, Augustus operates Lovin brands in multiple cities, including Dubai, Saudi, Bahrain, Cairo, Riyadh, and Sharjah, and in 2019, they added ODEUM, a dedicated content studio, to their growing media empire. Richard reveals the strategies he used to scale his media brands, the challenges of monetising digital media, and why he believes traditional media is broken. If you're building a content brand or looking to scale your business in a competitive market, this is a must-listen!

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Greg Bradley, founder of BLK BOX, one of the leading gym equipment manufacturers in Europe. Greg shares his journey from bootstrapping a startup with no engineering background to building a business that supplies some of the world's top sports teams—including Irish Rugby and 75% of the Premier League clubs. Greg opens up about the challenges of scaling a manufacturing business, the rollercoaster ride of COVID-19, and why he stepped away from the CEO role to focus on his strengths. If you're an entrepreneur looking for insights on brand-building, international expansion, and leadership, this episode is packed with value. 

Here on the Irish Tech News podcast we love to promote new Irish startups. One such startup is AdLab, an app that aspires to bridge the gap between consumers and Irish fashion brands, , with the aim of creating collaborative and authentic marketing campaigns via User Generated Content (UGC). AdLab provides a cost effective means for brands to access new content. All content will be screened by the App, to ensure that it matches the brand's specific content requirements (set out by the brands themselves). I recently spoke to one of AdLab's  Co-Founder's Lorcan Melia.Lorcan talks about his background, What AdLab does, how AdLab started, Enterprise Ireland's New Frontiers (Phase 2) programme and more.More about AdLab: AdLab was born because the Co-Founders believe that marketing and advertising is rapidly heading towards 'authenticity' - customers react well to seeing real people. AdLab allows brands to access and showcase their own customers' content for their digital marketing purposes, creating a relationship between the brand and their customer. AdLab aims to give brands access to a wealth of affordable and authentic content.

The Bi-annual Prep4Seed 12-week Programme has started in Cork with a Masterclass on Market Planning and Business Validation organised by AxisBIC and Furthr. The programme, delivered by the four Irish Business Innovation Centres (BICs), in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland brings high growth start-up clients through the investor readiness process quickly and effectively. 11 companies were selected by Enterprise Ireland from a variety of industry sectors including Climate Tech, Life Sciences, FinTech, Digital Tech, Food and Sustainability. Carol Gibbons, Divisional Manager for Entrepreneurship, Start-Ups and Local Enterprise at Enterprise Ireland said: "Start-up companies are a driver of innovation and economic growth. At Enterprise Ireland, we are committed to helping founders start and scale their business internationally. The Prep4Seed programme, delivered in collaboration with the four BICs, is an effective platform from which to launch and nurture our future enterprise leaders and their businesses. I am pleased to see the wide regional spread of companies across a range of sectors engaging in this programme, and we look forward to supporting these high-growth start-ups on their investment journey." Opening the first Prep4Seed Masterclass in Cork, Larry O'Donoghue, CEO of AxisBIC, stated: "We are thrilled to welcome participants to Cork for the inaugural Masterclass of the 2025 Prep4Seed Programme. AxisBIC has been engaged along with the BICs and EI with Prep4Seed since its pilot phase and has witnessed numerous companies gain immense value, securing substantial investments. Programmes like Prep4Seed play a crucial role in ensuring startups are investor-ready and equipped for sustainable growth." The Prep4Seed programme includes five Masterclasses run by the Irish BICs and six one-to-one sessions concentrating on client-led bespoke activity with experienced BIC consultants. The one-to-ones ensure that content from the Masterclasses is applied in a relevant way to each company. The individual, tailored company focus, brings these start-up companies through the investor readiness process quickly and effectively. Participants are also brought through intensive investor pitch preparation sessions and trial pitches preparing them for Investor Pitch Day. The 12-week programme culminates with the Investor Pitch Day in May hosted by Enterprise Ireland. The participating companies are Blip Payments Limited, Chapter Technology Limited, Liltoda, Maximo Financial Planning, Nibbed Ltd, Shoden Limited, Somatech Limited, Tao Climate, Voltflo, Xtricate Medical Ltd and Zeitgeist Spirits.

Here on the Irish Tech News podcast we love to promote new Irish startups. One such startup is AdLab, an app that aspires to bridge the gap between consumers and Irish fashion brands, , with the aim of creating collaborative and authentic marketing campaigns via User Generated Content (UGC). AdLab provides a cost effective means for brands to access new content. All content will be screened by the App, to ensure that it matches the brand's specific content requirements (set out by the brands themselves). I recently spoke to one of AdLab's Co-Founder's Lorcan Melia. Lorcan talks about his background, What AdLab does, how AdLab started, Enterprise Ireland's New Frontiers (Phase 2) programme and more. More about AdLab: AdLab was born because the Co-Founders believe that marketing and advertising is rapidly heading towards 'authenticity' - customers react well to seeing real people. AdLab allows brands to access and showcase their own customers' content for their digital marketing purposes, creating a relationship between the brand and their customer. AdLab aims to give brands access to a wealth of affordable and authentic content. See more stories here.

The Entrepreneur Experiment Live Special with The Local Enterprise Offices: Lessons from Ireland's Top Founders. To celebrate Local Enterprise Week, we sit down with Tom Keogh of Keogh's Crisps and Noreen Hackett of Advanced Cosmetics to uncover the real stories behind building globally recognised brands from Ireland. Tom shares how his family farm transformed from market gardening to a premium snack brand sold in over 20 countries, including on international airlines. Noreen reveals how she went from chemist to CEO, creating an end-to-end cosmetics manufacturing powerhouse serving 37 brands worldwide.  If you're a founder or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with real-world insights on branding, scaling, and navigating sustainability and global expansion.

€250 million in capital flowed through the RDI Hub for startups and scaling companies in the southwest region. €1M Smart Regions AI Navigator Programme: Partnering with Enterprise Ireland, RDI Hub launched a €1 million programme to help SMEs adopt AI solutions. RDI Hub celebrates its five-year anniversary as €250 million in capital flows to its members. Photo credit Don McMonagle. L-R Minister Norma Foley, Bertie Murphy, Chief Strategy Officer Fexco, Anna Savage, Fexco Group CFO, Neil Hosty, Fexco Group CEO, Denis McCarthy, Chairman at Fexco and Liam Cronin CEO RDI Hub. RDI Hub celebrates its five-year anniversary Impact over 5 years In the five years since its inception, the RDI Hub has become a pivotal player in the evolving innovation landscape across Ireland. The RDI Hub has seen over €250m in capital flow through to be invested in its members to establish and grow their business. In addition, other key findings from the RDI Hub Impact Report include: 97 member companies have been supported through the RDI Hub since it opened in 2020 These companies have created and supported over 430 jobs 70 new products and services have been launched by RDI Hub companies Over 10,000 people have attended RDI Hub training programmes, including the AI Summer School, NDRC, and Skillnet Innovation Exchange Providing STEM education to over 500 female secondary school students in Munster in 2024. EI and RDI Hub announce a €1m Smart Regions AI Navigator Programme Partnering with Enterprise Ireland, RDI Hub announced the €1 million Smart Regions AI Navigator programme, which will enable SMEs to adopt and implement artificial intelligence solutions. The Smart Regions AI Navigator programme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027. Over the next three years, the programme will deliver AI masterclasses, strategic workshops, training days, and wraparound consultancy services to equip Irish businesses with the tools to thrive and engage in peer-learning in an AI-driven landscape. The programme is live and RDI hub, Portershed and Greentech HQ are delighted to announce that leading companies within the manufacturing and engineering sectors are currently taking part in the programme. Growing our network in a virtual world The RDI Hub Digital Community, launched in March 2024, offers global virtual mentorship and resources for tech startups. It connects mentors, entrepreneurs, and innovators with coaching and upskilling opportunities. This virtual community will expand across international markets, deepening relationships and opportunities across the global innovation ecosystem. The evolving Fexco and RDI Hub Partnership This impact report marks the fifth anniversary of the Hub's partnership with Fexco, highlighting ongoing investment and support. To date, Fexco has provided the 17,000 sq. ft. facility, mentorship programs, and financial backing for STEM education initiatives. The latest of which is the STEM Passport for Inclusion, run in association with the RDI Hub, Maynooth University, Microsoft and Munster Technological University, which provided 500 female post-primary students with access to STEM education in Munster in 2024. Marking the 5th Anniversary The RDI Hub's fifth anniversary was celebrated at an event at their offices in Killorglin, Co Kerry with stakeholders from the innovation ecosystem in attendance, including RDI Hub partners Fexco, Munster Technological University, and Kerry County Council. Minister Norma Foley will deliver the keynote address, highlighting the importance of AI in shaping Ireland's future. The event will also feature panel discussions with industry leaders, including Kevin Marshall (Microsoft), Bronagh Riordan (EY), Joseph Walsh (Munster Technological University), John Kelleher (ADAPT Research Centre), and Andreea Wade (Delta Partners), as well as examples of AI use cases from Irish businesses such as TLI, Energywise, O'Ca...

Small businesses and budding entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to sample 15 events aimed at helping them to start or grow their business as part of this year's Local Enterprise Week in Clare. The initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices, supported by Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities, takes place from the 3rd to the 7th of March across Ireland. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined in-studio by Head of Enterprise Local Enterprise Office, Padraic McElwee, and Ivan Tuohy, from Great Visitor Experiences. Photo (C): Clare FM

Dublin-based ATC Logistics has won the 2025 AWS Ireland Horizon Award in recognition of the company's outstanding contribution to employment, international service expansion, and for helping to elevate Ireland's reputation as a world-leading location for cloud infrastructure. Founded in 1979, ATC Logistics has transformed from a family business into a global leader in data centre operations management.Headquartered in Baldonnell, County Dublin, ATC Logistics provides comprehensive B2B solutions for data centre operations, including secure transport services, installation management, decommissioning expertise, and data centre relocation solutions. ATC Managing Director, Keith Young said: "The Horizon Award is tremendous recognition for the ATC team and their dedication to excellence in logistics and supply chain operations. Working closely with AWS has helped us transform from a local Irish business into an internationalplayer, while staying true to our core values of reliability and customer focus." Now in its third year, the award was presented by Neil Morris, AWS Ireland Country Lead, at an AWS Business Breakfast in Dublin. The event brought together a range of companies, service providers, and stakeholders to discuss Ireland's cloud infrastructure industry. The event featured insights from Barry Cowen MEP, Muireann Lynch, Senior Research Officer at Economic and Social Research Institute, and Jenny Melia, Executive Director of Enterprise Ireland. A highlight of the event was the panel discussion, "Irish Cloud Ecosystem Firms and the AI Infrastructure of the Future", which examined Ireland's evolving role in global data centre infrastructure as AI investments surge worldwide. Barry Cowen MEP, said: "Ireland has established itself as a European leader in data centre development, combining our natural advantages, such as climate, with strong technical expertise. What's particularly encouraging to see is how this sector has created a ripple effect throughout the Irish economy, supporting thousands of jobs not just in construction and operations, but across a whole ecosystem of Irish suppliers and service providers. We're seeing local companies develop world-class capabilities and export their expertise globally." Enterprise Ireland's Jenny Melia provided perspective on the broader impact of data centre investment in Ireland over the years, stating: "Over a short space of time, the data centre sector has become a significant part of Ireland's economy. Using the skills that they have developed on Irish projects, many of these data centre firms have gone on to expand their business internationally." Neil Morris, Country Lead for AWS in Ireland, emphasised the importance of firms like ATC Logistics: "Irish companies have shown themselves to be innovative and willing to adapt, take risks, and grow as the industry changes. The data centre suppliers, which we recognise through the Horizon Award, have been pivotal in helping to establish Ireland as a world-leading location for cloud infrastructure." In Ireland, AWS employs over 4,200 employees directly, and around 6,500 people in total across Amazon and AWS. According to Indecon International Economic Consultants, there are also more than 3,000 working for AWS suppliers and sub-contractors. These numbers reflect real opportunities for professionals in Ireland's growing tech sector. AWS investment has enabled over 500 homegrown suppliers to expand and grow in Ireland and abroad. This includes major constructioncontractors, mechanical and electrical suppliers, professional services and a wide range of logistics services provided by local businesses. By working with AWS, many companies have been able to develop specialist, world-leading expertise, meaning those Irish firms are now market leaders in providing materials and services to data centres globally. In 2023, contracts won by suppliers and subcontractors to AWS, for the development of cloud infrastructure overseas, increased to an...

AI-powered PR tech platform Everhaze has announced the launch of its new real-time radio and online media monitoring platform for Ireland and the United Kingdom. This latest addition marks the Irish company's entrance into the media monitoring market as it works towards the roll out of its AI-PR agent technology. Built by James McCann, the founder of PR agency ClearStory International, and Cormac Glynn, a former developer with Bank of America, Everhaze currently provides media database and CRM services across Ireland and the UK. To date, Everhaze has been focused on leveraging AI to bridge the sizeable gap between capabilities and insights for PR agencies and teams. Traditional processes have meant public relations professionals have experienced a high level of administration work between managing outbound PR campaigns and converting media monitoring results into actionable intelligence. Everhaze aims to complement existing public relations' professionals by mitigating arduous tasks and complementing existing teams. This latest new feature enables clients to react swiftly to breaking news and crisis scenarios by providing instant access to transcripts, audio, and synopsis within just 15 minutes of a mention across local and national media. Everhaze is also set to launch a 'narrative tracking' function, whereby brands can track localised or national sentiment trajectory in real-time or over extended periods. According to figures by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), 15 percent of all enterprises used Artificial Intelligence (AI) in 2024, compared with 8 percent in 2023. Among large enterprises, more than half (51 percent) used AI, with 30 percent using it for automated workflows or decision-making. A recent study by Statista also shows that 75 percent of global PRs already use genAI solutions in the workflow. This new media monitoring capability marks further progress on Everhaze's mission to develop the world's first AI-powered PR Executives. The overall goal is to assist under-resourced communications teams to both execute and monitor effective media relations campaigns effectively. Speaking about the launch of its new media monitor and its significance for PR agencies across Ireland and the UK, James McCann, CEO of Everhaze said: "There is an arms race happening at the moment in the ability to equip brands to analyse and react quickly to crisis and brand management issues. One area we have centred on is the provision of real-time narrative analysis. Knowing you're the subject of dozens or hundreds of mentions doesn't help you understand the significance of what is being said, especially when you are under-resourced on the comms side. Our solution provides that real-time intelligence in digestible format that can be actioned instantly." Everhaze has received support from Enterprise Ireland through its New Frontiers programme and is self-funded by its co-founders. The company's headquarters are located in the Media Cube at the Institute of Technology, Art and Design in Dublin, Ireland. See more stories here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

On February 13th Tech Powered Luxury brought together thought leaders and changemakets in Abu Dhabi to discuss the future of luxury fashion and beauty in Ireland and the Middle East. We gathered over 300 hundred people at the Ambassador's Residence in Abu Dhabi for an inspiring evening focused on showcasing Irish design in the Middle East. Hosted by HE Alison Milton, Irish Ambassador to the UAE, in partnership with Tech Powered Luxury, Enterprise Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Into Kildare, the event celebrated Irish creativity on a global stage, highlighting the synergy between Irish design and the Middle Eastern market through thought-provoking discussions and stunning fashion showcases. Meet Our Expert PanelAshley McDonnell moderated a live panel discussion with five leading voices in fashion and beauty who shared their insights, including: Akash Mehta – CEO & Co-Founder of Fable & Mane, Founder of The Fable Fund Dr. Shawana Vali – Founder of By Dr. Vali, skincare & beauty innovator Jamie Ray– Founder of Buttermilk Agency, the community-first creator agency Rosy Temple– CEO of Magee 1866, driving the future of heritage fashion Anneliese Duffy – Founder of Fashion ConnectIreland & Designer ofLinen Shirt CompanyThis diverse panel blended global brand strategy insights with Irish fashion expertise, perfectly complementing the event's mission to bridge design, innovation, and luxury across markets.Read more about the event and how we created this concept with a full creative team of Ireland's brightest talents and brandshere.

Tune in to Time for A Reset"The retailers that will win are the ones that get their audience proposition right." - Paul Stafford, Head of Retail Media at Superdrug.The latest episode of  Time for a Reset Marketing Podcast: Insights from Global Brand Marketers, brought to you by CvE Marketing Consultancy and hosted by Paul Frampton, Is live!Paul Frampton sits down with Paul Stafford, Head of Retail Media at Superdrug, to explore the evolution of retail media networks from bottom-funnel activities to a full-funnel strategy. Drawing from his experience at global brands like Pepsi and Virgin, Paul shares invaluable insights on building effective retail partnerships, the importance of first-party data, fostering collaborative retailer-brand partnerships, and balancing sales and marketing strategies. Paul highlights why the future of retail media lies in brand building rather than just conversion metrics. Here are some key talking points from the episode:A Retail Media ResetBeyond Conversion: Retail Media's Evolution as a Brand BuilderSuperdrug's Global Advantage: The AS Watson ConnectionFrom Brand Marketing to Retail Media: A Career JourneyThe Industry's Progress in Full-Funnel MarketingIn-House vs Agency: Building Retail Media CapabilitiesBuilding Better Brand PartnershipsAI's Role in Retail Media GrowthEssential Skills for Retail Media LeadersKey Takeaways: The Future of Retail MediPaul Stafford is a versatile marketing leader with a proven track record of building iconic brands and driving commercial success across FMCG, Beauty, Telco, and more. With expertise in digital marketing, integrated communications, and retail media, Paul has held senior roles at Superdrug, PepsiCo, and Virgin Media. Notably, he launched Superdrug's Retail Media network and established PepsiCo's first in-house creative agency. Passionate about creativity and innovation, Paul also advises Irish start-ups through Enterprise Ireland. Outside of work, he enjoys trail running and exploring the outdoors.Support the show

Funds invested into Irish technology SMEs reached a new high of €1.48 billion in 2024, or 9% up on the previous year, which itself was a record, according to the Irish Venture Capital Association (IVCA) VenturePulse report, published today in association with William Fry. The association, which marks its 40th anniversary this year, also reported a record fourth quarter in 2024 of €535m, 162% up on the same period the previous year. Mr Gerry Maguire, chairperson, Irish Venture Capital Association, commented: "Growth in the year and final quarter was driven by big investments which demonstrates that Ireland has the capacity to create and scale world class tech firms." However, he described the funding environment for firms looking to raise less than €5m as "choppy". "Deals right across all sizes below €5m fell during 2024 and in quarter four." Artificial Intelligence (AI) accounted for over €100m of the total VC investment into Irish firms last year. Mr Maguire said that the recent impact of Chinese operator DeepSeek is likely to increase, not decrease, appetite by VC investors in the sector. "The arrival of players such as DeepSeek has the potential to boost margins and decrease development costs for AI start-ups. We are potentially witnessing the democratisation and ease of participation by AI developers, in the same way that Software-as-a-Service or cloud computing transformed and disrupted the traditional software model." He pointed out that the DeepSeek-driven sell-off of Nasdaq stocks mostly affected big chip makers or AI platforms of Google, Microsoft and others, not areas in which most Irish AI firms compete. "There is massive potential in AI applications across healthcare, climate, education and other sectors, and this will be boosted by lower costs of development which represents a major opportunity for Ireland." Sarah-Jane Larkin, director general of IVCA, said that fourth quarter and annual data emphasised the potential for the new Government to support investment in early-stage companies. "AI company Nuritas, for example, raised €42m in quarter four, but its first round back in 2015 was just over €100,000. Co Louth-based company XOCEAN raised €115m in this quarter and is now a world leader in sea drone technology." She said that current global economic and political turbulence, largely driven by the new administration in the US, means that the Government's latest €250m Seed & Venture Capital Scheme 2025-2029 "couldn't come at a better time", with applications for the first call of up to €100m to be submitted to Enterprise Ireland by the end of this week (February 20). "This is very welcome as funding for deals below €5m fell sharply across the quarter and the year." Deals in the €3-€5m range fell by 37% to €82m for the year and by 56% to €17.6m for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to the same period the previous year. Funding in the €1-€3m category fell by 24% to €105m for the year and by 63% to €23.6m for the quarter. Investments below €1m declined by 4% to €28.9m for the year and by 19% to €7m for the quarter. Seed funding, or first rounds raised by SMEs, decreased by 4% annually to €127m and by 55% to €17.9m in the quarter. The top five deals in quarter four 2024 were: Dublin headquartered medical device company, Fire1 (€116m); Louth based sea drone developer, XOCEAN (€115m); Dublin headquartered travel software firm, Nuitée (€46m); Dublin headquartered AI company, Nuritas (€42m) and Dublin based fintech firm, NomuPay (€35.9m). Life sciences accounted for 37% (€552.9m) of the total raised in 2024, followed by Software: 13% (€185m); Envirotech: 11% (€161.7m); Fintech: 8% (€119m) and Data: 8% (€115m). 217 deals were completed in 2024, similar to the previous year (216). "In view of global headwinds, we should be ambitious and aiming to double this," added Sarah-Jane Larkin. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You ca...

Two of our all-time favourite guests return to the pod to announce their $36 million fundraising round! In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Dan Hobbs & Ciarán O'Mara, the co-founders of Protex AI, a startup using computer vision to prevent workplace accidents before they happen. They first appeared on the podcast in 2023 after raising $18M. One year later, per Gary's prediction about how their 2024 would go, they've just closed a $36M Series B, expanded from 4 to 22 countries, and are working with Fortune 500 giants like DHL. Show notes: In this episode we cover:

Enterprise Ireland Irish medtech client company Aerogen recently announced details of a €300 million transformational scaling and investment plan, which will result in the creation of 725 new jobs in Shannon and Galway over the next 10 years. This announcement was made in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland's End of Year Results for 2024, which confirms that total employment at companies supported by the agency increased to a record 234,454 last year, with 15,741 new jobs created. 64% of the new jobs created in these client companies were located outside the Dublin region, with all nine regions recording jobs growth. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Mid-West Regional Director from Enterprise Ireland, Dan Barry. Photo (C): Aerogen Facebook

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke T.D. has announced the successful applicants to the latest round of the Capital Equipment Call, administered by Enterprise Ireland (EI) through the Technology Gateway and EI/IDA Technology Centre Programmes. Ten successful projects from across the third-level sector have secured €12.1m in funding to improve the capabilities of the existing Technology Gateways and EI/IDA Technology Centres by investing at a scale that allows them to bridge the gap between their existing capabilities and the state of the art. With individual awards of up to €2 million available the equipment funded through this Call will become an engine of economic development for local companies, in particular Small and Medium Enterprises who could not afford to invest at this scale. The new equipment will particularly help companies develop new products and services in areas focusing on Sustainability and Manufacturing Productivity. Since 2019, the Capital Equipment Fund administered by Enterprise Ireland has funded over 200 equipment purchases with a total value of €55 million. Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD said: "I am delighted to announce that my Department, through Enterprise Ireland, is providing over €12.1 million to fund state of the art equipment for our Technology Gateways and Technology Centres. Innovation is essential for all companies to adapt and deliver novel products and services, making them more competitive in their respective markets. This funding will further add to our system of supports to our enterprise sector, with the new equipment being an important tool for companies on their growth and innovation journey. This announcement builds on my Department's ongoing investment in equipping our research and innovation system, bringing our total funding to €55 million. It will allow our research network to continue to provide cutting edge support to Irish enterprise across all sectors and all regions in Ireland, providing more quality jobs along the way." Marina Donohoe, Divisional Manager, Research & Innovation at Enterprise Ireland said: "The scale of this investment will have an extremely positive impact on companies in Ireland, in particular the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The cost of the equipment funded here is prohibitive to most SMEs so the provision of it in the Technology Gateways and Technology Centres means companies will have access to leading edge facilities that will in turn help to improve their technical capabilities and deliver world leading products and services. With an emphasis on sustainability, the new equipment will provide Irish companies with the means to dramatically improve their competitiveness whilst also positively contributing to Ireland's action on Climate Change." See more stories here.

The 11th annual I Wish Showcase, held today at the RDS in Dublin, saw 4,000 female students gather to be inspired to pursue a career in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Maths (STEM). Today's event - the largest I Wish Showcase to date - was officially opened by Taoiseach, Micheál Martin. Speaking ahead of the event, the Taoiseach said: "I'm delighted to attend today's event, with 4,000 brilliant young minds gathering under one roof, ready to reimagine the world through STEM. I Wish proves that with opportunity, role models and determination, there are no limits to what girls can achieve - breaking barriers, shattering stereotypes, and building a brighter, more inclusive future for all." With 45% of girls citing a lack of access to female role models as a barrier to STEM careers according to a recent I Wish survey, 46 speakers engaged directly with students at the all-island event, showcasing the power of visible role models in shaping aspirations and breaking barriers. Among them were Olympic sprint star Phil Healy; Olympic rower Zoe Hyde; Olympic relay star and Deloitte's Strategic Project Lead, Claire Dunne (née Bergin); and international rally driver Aoife Rafferty, who shared their journeys of perseverance, ambition and success. This year's event also features the largest-ever exhibition hall, with over 30 exhibitors from leading Irish and global companies and organisations showcasing exciting STEM career opportunities. Highlights included the Sport Innovation Hub in collaboration with Sport Ireland's HER Moves campaign, where students explored how technology is transforming sports through interactive activities like rowing machines, reaction boards and jersey design stations. The Food Science Hub, led by Carbery, Kerry Group and Dawn Meats, demonstrated STEM's impact on the food industry with machine learning tools, cheese-making tasks and problem-solving games. Engineering and construction activities range from a Giant Jenga game with Jones Engineering to mini-golf with Regeneron, alongside insights from companies such as Sisk, Crown and Dornan on the evolution of careers in construction. Students also discovered the role of STEM in business and innovation with IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. Adding to the excitement, the Podcast Hub, in collaboration with Virgin Media, allowed students to record live podcasts, with a select few invited to visit the studio post-event to record their own. I Wish co-founder Caroline O'Driscoll highlighted the significance of providing access to inspiring role models, stating: "The findings from our most recent annual survey report make it clear that while progress has been made, systemic barriers persist, preventing too many young girls from seeing STEM as a viable career path. Collectively, we must give real choices to girls and ensure that they have every opportunity to take their place in the economies of tomorrow. "At our Showcase, over 4,000 teenage girls get the opportunity to listen to the lived journeys of some amazing female trailblazers. This in turn allows them to see what a career in STEM is truly like, understand the variety of careers and pathways available and the positive impact that STEM has on our world." I Wish, a multi-award-winning programme showcasing the power of STEM to female students in Ireland and across the globe, has held its renowned annual Showcase since 2015, engaging with over 65,000 students in this time, hosting over 1,000 speakers, and partnering with over 130 industry leaders. I Wish co-founder, Gillian Keating extended her thanks to the leaders in STEM from pharmaceutical, technology, food, sports and engineering sectors taking part in the event: "Each year it is magical to watch the ambitions of young girls from across the country expanding in front of our very eyes as they take in all that they can be through careers in STEM. We're so grateful to our partners, both multinational and indigenous, who take part in the showcase demonstrating t...

Emma Meehan, is the founder of Galway-based tech startup Precision Sports Technology, a winner of the KPMG Global Tech Innovator competition in Ireland. Emma competed for the top spot at the recent global GTI contest which took place in Lisbon last November. I spoke to Emma after she came back from Lisbon. Emma talks about her background, what Precision Sports Technology does, Enterprise Ireland,, The KPMG Global Tech Innovator competition, Precision Sports Technology plans for the future and more. More about Precision Sports Technology: Precision Sports Technology is a tech start-up founded in 2021 by Emma who had been developing the technology for over four years. It involves deploying artificial intelligence technology and analysis to enhance sports training accuracy through a cutting-edge software platform which uses machine learning, AI and LiDAR to enhance athletic performance, support rehabilitation, and reduce the risk of injury through advanced exercise analysis. Emma herself is also a competitive weightlifter and personal trainer. 

Emma Meehan, is the founder of Galway-based tech startup Precision Sports Technology, a winner of the KPMG Global Tech Innovator competition in Ireland. Emma competed for the top spot at the recent global GTI contest which took place in Lisbon last November. I spoke to Emma after she came back from Lisbon. Emma talks about her background, what Precision Sports Technology does, Enterprise Ireland,, The KPMG Global Tech Innovator competition, Precision Sports Technology plans for the future and more. More about Precision Sports Technology: Precision Sports Technology is a tech start-up founded in 2021 by Emma who had been developing the technology for over four years. It involves deploying artificial intelligence technology and analysis to enhance sports training accuracy through a cutting-edge software platform which uses machine learning, AI and LiDAR to enhance athletic performance, support rehabilitation, and reduce the risk of injury through advanced exercise analysis. Emma herself is also a competitive weightlifter and personal trainer. See more podcasts here.

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke, T.D., has announced the annual results of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) for 2024, showing that companies supported by the Local Enterprise Office Fingal created 197 net new jobs in 2024. This marks an increase from the 178 jobs created in 2023. The net jobs created by Local Enterprise Office Fingal-supported clients in 2024 was 197, which takes into account companies that amalgamated, ceased trading, and those that transferred to Enterprise Ireland. The total national figures for the Local Enterprise Offices across the country were also announced, with the LEOs now financially supporting 39,541 jobs across 7,176 companies. This represents the highest number of jobs supported by the Local Enterprise Offices since their inception in 2014. In 2024, 7,104 new jobs were created by LEO client companies, with a net job creation figure of 2,459. This represents a 7% increase nationally compared to 2023. The LEOs also continue to provide substantial funded supports to thousands of other small businesses nationwide through programs such as the Energy Efficiency Grant, Lean for Business, Green for Business, along with training and mentoring. Minister Peter Burke, T.D., said: "The 31 Local Enterprise Offices continue to be the primary anchor for economic development in communities across the country. Our LEOs ensure that every small business, regardless of location, has a support system available to them, no matter what their concern. The continued broadening of the Local Enterprise Office remit highlights the value they add to our SME community. It has never been easier for a small business to access support through their Local Enterprise Office, including companies looking to digitalise their operations, take their first steps in sustainability, or identify new markets. These areas will be key pillars going forward to ensure our small businesses can continue to compete both at home and abroad. Government is firmly committed to supporting them all the way." The Local Enterprise Offices were at the forefront of supporting small businesses across the country in 2024, helping thousands secure funding, upskill, and avail of support to become more sustainable and competitive. New supports, such as the Grow Digital Voucher and Market Explorer Grant, were also introduced to help small businesses digitalise and explore new markets. Oisín Geoghegan, Head of Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Fingal, said: "The results announced today are a testament to Ireland's small business community. When faced with adversity, they have adapted, pivoted, upskilled, and did whatever it took to sustain themselves. The figures show that companies have seen the opportunities in the challenging trading conditions they have faced. The Local Enterprise Offices across the country have gone above and beyond in their support of small businesses, but there is renewed optimism. We are seeing new opportunities for Irish businesses, and as always, during tough economic periods, we see new ideas and companies emerge and flourish. This year will be no different, and as we continue to work closely with Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities to ensure our small businesses get the best possible support, there are certainly green shoots emerging across the country." Carol Gibbons, Head of Entrepreneurship, Regions and Local Enterprise at Enterprise Ireland, said: "2024 was a challenging year for business, and these very positive employment results are a testament to the dedication and commitment of the LEO network across the country and the ambitious businesses it supports. Key to the success of the LEO network is the close relationship it fosters with both start-up and scaling businesses across communities. It is particularly encouraging to see the breadth of new jobs created across the country and showing that if you want to start and scale a company, the supports are there to do it from anywhere in Ir...

In this episode, we sit down with Colin Harmon, a visionary entrepreneur who transformed Ireland's coffee culture. From starting as a barista to building 3fe, one of Ireland's most respected coffee brands, Colin shares his journey of entrepreneurship, branding, and the shifting landscape of social spaces. We explore: Why traditional social spaces like banks, pubs, and churches are declining The power of community in business How Colin built 3fe from a single café to an industry leader The business lessons he learned through scaling and adapting The future of coffee culture and entrepreneurship If you're an aspiring founder or someone fascinated by how businesses shape culture, this episode is a must-listen! -- Visit my partners Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE  Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostraee   -- Show Notes: Guest: Colin Harmon, Founder of 3fe Coffee Topics Covered: The Evolution of Social Spaces Why traditional meeting points are disappearing How coffee shops have replaced banks and pubs as social hubs Colin's Entrepreneurial Journey How he transitioned from a finance job to coffee The early struggles of starting a coffee business Scaling from one café to a respected brand The Business of Coffee The challenges of running a specialty coffee company How branding and storytelling played a key role in growth Why community-driven businesses thrive Lessons in Leadership & Growth The mindset shifts needed to scale a business Why customer experience is the most valuable asset Future trends in coffee and hospitality Resources Mentioned: 3fe Coffee Website Colin Harmon's Book: What I Know About Running Coffee Shops Follow Colin on Instagram

Output Sports, an Irish sports technology company focused on making elite-level sports science simple and scalable, has announced that it has closed a $4.8 million (€4.61 million) pre-A funding round. The investment round brings in new support from, athlete-led, Apex Capital, European deep tech investor Uni.Fund, and Dopamine Sports. The financing also included existing investors Elkstone, Atlantic Bridge and Enterprise Ireland. The financing also features a number of angel investors, including Jim Kelliher (Drift, LogMeIn). Output Sports, a spin out company from UCD, was co-founded in 2020 by Dr Martin O'Reilly, Dr Darragh Whelan, Julian Eberle and Professor Brian Caulfield, and currently provides more than 800 sports organizations, including over half of all English Premier League clubs, with the insights needed to make more informed, data-backed decisions to improve athletic performance. The company's technology enables strength and conditioning coaches, sport scientists and rehab professionals to capture and analyse athletic data using a single wearable sensor system. It can be, and is, used across multiple sports including both amateur and professional football, swimming, basketball and golf for velocity-based training, reactive strength, and power development to optimize athletes' performance on the local and global stage. In 2024, Output Sport's technology captured 30M measurements from athletes around the globe, and it also played a pivotal role in multiple medal-winning performances at the 2024 Olympic Games including Daniel Wiffen's record-breaking gold in swimming for Ireland and China's Zheng Qinwen's historic tennis gold. Output Sports has worked with multiple championship-winning teams across the US major sports leagues and the national teams in soccer and rugby sevens. "Output Sports is committed to developing data-driven insights that support coaches and athletes," said Dr Martin O'Reilly, Co-founder and CEO of Output Sports. "Our team has worked hard to build a platform that meets the needs of some of the world's leading sports teams such as New Zealand's All Blacks, England's national soccer team and the Colorado Buffaloes and delivers meaningful value through data. This investment will help us support our growth in the US, deepen our technology capabilities, and grow our team to support our increasing customer base." The sport technology industry is worth €13.1BN and is expected to grow 20.5% by 2030 driven by Increased demand for biometric tracking and analysis tools, virtual and augmented reality, and AI integration. In an effort to serve this growing demand, Output Sports recently opened a US office based in Boston. The company currently works with professional US sports leagues such as the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS and the WNBA, and aims to support even more organisations from professional leagues to high school and college sports programs. Speaking about Output Sport, award-winning performance coach Spencer Tatum, who works with leading professional golfer Jon Rahm, said: "In sports performance, only a handful of companies truly excel in addressing issues. Output Sports is among these select few. With their cutting-edge technology, they have successfully translated the science of sports into practical applications for the field." This new capital will be used to accelerate US expansion and hiring across sales, marketing, product development, data science, and customer support. "At Apex, we invest in the future of sport," said Koen Bosma, Head of Venture Capital at Apex Capital. "Off-field measurement and driving competition in the gym are key to success for sports organisations and Output Sports is best in class in this crucial part of the sports tech stack." Speaking on the announcement Dora Trachana, Partner at Uni.Fund. "Rooted in cutting-edge research, Output Sports is redefining performance analytics in sports and fitness. Their innovative approach to simplifying and enhancing athletic training al...

With 400 episodes under my belt, I'm turning the mic on myself to share the origins of this passion project that started as a side experiment and grew into a full-fledged business. This is an AMA (Ask Me Anything) episode where I answer all the questions you sent in over the last few weeks. How does the pod make money? What do I look for in a guest?  Discover the pivot from property management to podcasting and the invaluable lessons learned along this unpredictable entrepreneurial path. From the nuances of guest selection to cultivating a unique storytelling approach, I share my blueprint for creating compelling content that resonates with audiences. Chapter Timestamps (00:01) - Gary Fox Celebrates 400 Episodes (10:25) - Podcast Sponsorship and Business Strategies (22:40) - Gary Fox's Guest Selection Process (28:00) - Podcasting, Investing, and Self-Reflection (35:41) - Podcast Preparation and Mindset Development (47:28) - Entrepreneurial Success and Life Lessons (56:40) - Family Business and Time Management -- Visit my partners Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE  Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostraee

Autocoupler, based in Co. Kilkenny, was today announced as the winner of the 2025 AgTechUCD One to Watch Award at the completion of University College Dublin's (UCD) fourth AgTechUCD Agccelerator Programme at UCD Lyons Farm. The patented Autocoupler system allows a loader to attach to any agricultural implement, automatically coupling the loader's hydraulic circuit to the implement and then locking the implement in place with the loader's locking system. The novel Autocoupler system makes changing implements quick and easy, with no delays or time loss in comparison to existing manual and time-consuming systems. In addition, the Autocoupler system has safety advantages over conventional systems as the operator does not have to leave the cab of the machine when attaching or disconnecting any attachment or implement. The 12-week AgTechUCD Agccelerator Programme, tailored to address the needs and challenges facing AgTech and Agrifood start-ups, was focused on fast tracking the business development and leadership skills of participants and on providing them with the support and guidance needed to accelerate the growth and development of their start-ups. Gary Ryan, Director, AgTechUCD, said, "I would like to congratulate Autocoupler, on being named the overall winner of our fourth AgTechUCD Agccelerator Programme. This programme supports the commercial development of the participating start-ups by helping them to further develop their innovative solutions, enhance their marketplace visibility, attract new customers and investors and build new partnerships at home and further afield. I wish Autocoupler every success for the future as they continue their entrepreneurial journey." Seamus Kenny, founder, Autocoupler, said, "It is a great honour for me to accept the 2025 AgTechUCD One to Watch Award following the completion of the latest AgTechUCD Agccelerator Programme. Our next step is to target the agricultural and construction implement manufacture market with our novel system which allows loader operators to change an implement without leaving their seat, in 4 seconds, at the touch of a button." He added, "I would like to thank AgTechUCD and Enterprise Ireland for their ongoing support and also to thank Noreside Engineering Group, who have supported the physical engineering and prototype phase of developing the Autocoupler system, and acknowledge the financial support and advice received from the Kilkenny Local Enterprise Office." Thirty-four (34) start-ups have now completed the four AgTechUCD Agccelerator Programme delivered to date. Start-ups which have completed the programmes include; Cotter AgriTech, Moonsyst, MyGug, OptaHaul, Pitseal, Proveye, Silicate, and TrojanTrack. AgTechUCD, which is part of NovaUCD, is focused on promoting and accelerating the launch and scaling of start-ups and SMEs, in Ireland and internationally, with disruptive innovations in the agtech, agri-food and vettech sectors, as they build their innovative businesses into leading job creating companies on the global stage. AgTechUCD, funded through the Regional Enterprise Development Fund administered by Enterprise Ireland, supports founding entrepreneurs as they build their innovative businesses into leading enterprises, through the AgTechUCD Agccelerator Programme, and by providing access to incubation offices and labs and preferred access to on-farm testing for new products and services at UCD Lyons Farm. The AgTechUCD Agccelerator Programme included dedicated business development workshops and investor readiness training, mentoring from industry experts and business advisors, guest speakers and facilitated introductions to AgTechUCD's venture capital and business angel networks. Autocoupler was named winner of the Award following a final pitching event, held at the AgTechUCD Innovation Centre at UCD Lyons Farm in Co. Kildare. The members of the judging panel were; James Maloney, Enterprise Ireland, Faye Walsh Drouillard, WakeUp Capital and David Bow...

Join Gary as we sit down with Mary Sadlier, the powerhouse behind Coole Swan, the premium Irish cream brand taking the world by storm. From navigating challenges to owning 3% of the U.S. market, Mary shares her journey of resilience, innovation, and growth. In this episode, you'll discover: How Mary overcame setbacks to scale Coole Swan globally. The art of balancing quality and profitability in a competitive market. The entrepreneurial mindset that turns challenges into opportunities. Lessons in leadership and staying true to your brand ethos. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned founder, Mary's insights will inspire and challenge you to think bigger.   -- Visit my partners Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE  Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostraee

Enterprise Ireland Irish medtech client company Aerogen today announces details of a €300 million transformational scaling and investment plan, which will result in the creation of 725 new jobs in Ireland over the next 10 years. Aerogen is Ireland's largest indigenous medtech company and Enterprise Ireland's largest client company in the sector having firmly established itself as the world leader in acute care aerosol drug delivery. This announcement was made in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland's End of Year Results for 2024, which confirms that total employment at companies supported by the agency increased to a record 234,454 last year, with 15,741 new jobs created. 64% of the new jobs created in these client companies were located outside the Dublin region, with all nine regions recording job growth. Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke was on site in Galway to preside over Aerogen's growth announcement and deliver Enterprise Ireland's results. "The government, through Enterprise Ireland, is targeting ambitious scaling of Irish multinationals that will help drive the Irish economy and our competitive advantage forward. Aerogen's announcement today is evidence of that Irish multinational ambition in action, and we are delighted to support them on their patient-focused mission. Commenting on the positive employment growth figures recorded by companies supported by Enterprise Ireland, Minister Burke said, "It is hugely positive to see Enterprise Ireland-supported companies recording job growth for the fourth year in a row. 2024 was a challenging year for some sectors of exporting Irish businesses with high interest rates and international instability impacting business performance, so to record significant employment growth is even more impressive. Today's announcement that Aerogen will implement an ambitious scaling plan, creating high-quality jobs here in the west of Ireland, is very welcome and demonstrates the continued success of Irish companies' performance in export markets. The government stands firm in our commitment to Irish companies competing and growing on a global scale." Aerogen - Transformational Scaling Plan With over 25 years of experience, 300 international patents and over 200 clinical papers, Aerogen technology has been used to treat over 25 million patients in emergency departments, adult and paediatric ICUs, general wards and ambulance services in 75 countries worldwide. Aerogen offers a safe and powerful drug delivery device for the treatment of critical respiratory illness and other non-respiratory illnesses and is the leading manufacturer of high-performance, single-use respiratory nebulisers in the world. The Aerogen Group is headquartered in Dangan, Galway, and the new Irish jobs will be across R&D, manufacturing, science and engineering and located there and at its two manufacturing sites in Parkmore, Galway and in Shannon. The implementation of the transformational scaling plan will enable Aerogen to create up to 725 highly skilled jobs in the West by 2035, increasing its global workforce to over 2,000, of which over 1,100 will be based in Ireland. As part of the ten-year scaling and investment plan, Aerogen aims to accelerate its existing device technology through new product innovation and leveraging of global opportunities. Simultaneously, it will build its emerging biopharmaceutics business with a major breakthrough in treating premature newborns with Infant Respiratory Stress Syndrome. High-quality R&D is crucial to its goal to become a global leader in pulmonary medicine and biopharmaceutical delivery, combined with a true commitment to improving patient care through cutting-edge technologies. Aerogen has been growing at over 20% per annum for the last decade, with annual revenues now over €150 million, and has contributed €130 million to local Irish businesses in that time. Over the next five years Aerogen expects to contribute a further €250 million in income and...

In this brain special of The Entrepreneur Experiment, we dive deep into the world of mental mastery with renowned brain hacker Keith Barry. Known for his groundbreaking work in hacking the human mind, Keith helps individuals and corporations achieve sustainable, meaningful change at a neurological level. In this episode, Keith shares: The art and science of hacking your own brain to unlock peak mental performance. Strategies to overcome mental barriers and build resilience. The surprising ways the brain influences decision-making in business and life. Practical tips for cultivating a sharp, focused, and creative mind. Whether you're looking to sharpen your mental edge or understand the secrets of the mind, this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped to think like a true founder. -- Visit my partners Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE  Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostraee