Very few businesses are upbeat about 2009; however this is certainly not the case at Innovation Centre, IT Sligo. The Head of Innovation, Niall McEvoy, is delighted with progress during the year. “We are now home to 22 businesses employing 60 people with sales in excess of €2.4 Million”, commented Mr McEvoy reviewing progress in 2009.
“Like all businesses we examined our offering and decided to rebrand and reposition ourselves. This review has certainly paid dividends, as we now provide a one stop shop for all entrepreneurs, start-ups and existing businesses who wish to develop and expand.”
He continued, “Our highlights of the year include attracting Equinoxe AIS who announced their intention to set-up in the Innovation Centre bringing much needed high value jobs to Sligo. This new operation is a provider of administration services to the hedge fund industry, and is establishing a new asset servicing operation in Sligo. Equinoxe AIS will employ over 50 people over three years, with the potential for further growth as the operation develops. In addition the Innovation Centre has encouraged two significant regional businesses to establish R&D Centres here.”
Looking forward to 2010 the Innovation Centre is hosting a regional Enterprise & Innovation Week in February to promote entrepreneurial skills and encourage regional businesses to expand into international markets.
The major theme in the Innovation Centre for 2010 is ‘Going Global’. “We need to encourage our businesses to expand beyond Ireland and to offer products and services internationally”, says Janette Gillen, Business Development Manager at the Innovation Centre. Our Enterprise Platform Programme, now in its sixth year is upgrading to an international programme where regional entrepreneurs will study in Ireland, North America, India and China.
IT Sligo was one of the first Institutes of Technology to establish an Innovation Centre and now boasts one of the largest in the sector. “Our plan is to add additional incubation space in 2010 as we are bursting at the seams” added Niall McEvoy. “The downturn in the economy has certainly increased interest in start-ups. Not only are we seeing greater numbers of start-ups but more importantly the quality of these new business plans is exceptional.”
Professor Terri Scott, President of IT Sligo is very supportive of developments, “The Innovation Centre is the hub for regional development in the North West. We use the expertise in IT Sligo to create a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship that is easily accessible”.