Skillnet Innovation Exchange expands its footprint to Limerick and the rest of region
Business group able to provide enhanced supports
A BUSINESS initiative which connects large businesses with small firms is expanding into Limerick.
One of the council’s business and innovation arms, Innovate Limerick is to bring the Skillnet Innovation Exchange to firms across the city and county.
The scheme will offer small firms the chance to get connected with larger companies on digital transformational solutions.
A launch event at Limerick’s Engine collaboration centre at Cecil Street in the city centre was attended by local TD and Minister Patrick O’Donovan.
He said: “I’m delighted that Skillnet Innovation Exchange is extending its reach and influence to Limerick and in doing so, is contributing to the competitiveness of companies in the region. Now, through Innovate Limerick, small firms in the southwest can avail of the very real benefits Skillnet Innovation Exchange has to offer including upskilling, networking and access to business opportunities.”
Nationally, there is now 40 corporate members of the Skillnet Innovation Exchange.
In this number are EY, Hilton Foods, BWG, Coolmore Stud, ESB, Ryanair and An Post.
Paul Healy, Skillnet Ireland chief executive, said: “The programme is offering much coveted opportunities for small companies to expand their business horizons and engage with larger corporations. The Skillnet Innovation Exchange is also delivering substantial commercial solutions to domestic and multinational corporations that are engaged with the programme, and benefiting greatly from the creativity and innovation of our home-grown small firms.”
Innovate Limerick chief executive Dennis Barry said: “Innovate Limerick is synonymous with expanding and furthering the local ecosystem through collaboration and partnerships in all sectors. We are looking forward to expanding the Skillnet Innovation Exchange programme to Limerick.”
Other Skillnet Innovation Exchange regional partners include the Ludgate Hub in Cork, The Mill in Drogheda, Platform 94 in Galway and GreenTech HQ in Enniscorthy.