Exporting, Innovation and Digital supports available for Gaeltacht companies
Údarás na Gaeltachta have announced a series of partnerships, with external organisations, on national and European programmes which will support the economic and digital development of Gaeltacht enterprises. Among these programmes, focused on sustainable innovation, international markets and competitiveness, are Téigh i mBun Easpórtála (Get Exporting), Borradh (Skillnet Innovation Exchange), Data2Sustain, and Cumasú.
Tomás Ó Síocháin, CEO of Údarás na Gaeltachta said “Údarás na Gaeltachta plays a key role in creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and client companies throughout the Gaeltacht. Through our partnerships with these national organisations and European projects, we are providing a wide range of supports for our clients, who operate across a multitude of sectors, to sustain their growth and aid them in addressing the challenges of today’s economic climate”
Teigh i mBun Easpórtála (Get Exporting)
The programme Teigh i mBun Easpórtála (Get Exporting) is designed to support companies at every stage in their exporting journey. The aim of this programme is to identify international markets, and to simplify the process for entrepreneurs. It helps companies develop the necessary confidence and strategy to achieve success in international markets.
Téigh i mBun Easpórtála is targeted towards manufacturing companies and internationally traded services in Ireland, seeking to succeed in international markets. Companies must have less than €10,000 in exports yearly (to Nothern Ireland or any other international market) in order to make an application.
Borradh (Skillnet Innovation Exchange)
Borradh is a joint initiative from Údarás na Gaeltachta and Skillnet Innovation Exchange created to accelerate innovation across the Gaeltacht. Businesses can access solutions to digital, operational and sustainability challenges, while innovative companies can engage with new customers and commercial opportunities.
Taking its name from the Irish word “borradh”, meaning growth, momentum and expansion, the initiative aims to help businesses innovate and compete in an increasingly digital economy.
Data2Sustain
In conjunction with ATU and other Irish partners, Údarás na Gaeltachta is involved in the project European Digital Innovation Hub for Data-based Innovation for Circular Economy, Operations & Sustainability (Data2Sustain).
Data2Sustain supports companies and organisations in their digital transition, to use technology effectively in their businesses, and ensure the Gaeltacht is up to date on the newest developments in ciber-safety, Artificial Intelligence and High Performance Computing. This programme builds on the digital competencies of the EU and complements the use of digital technologies in Ireland.
The development programme Data2Sustain provides expertise and innovative services, along with financial advice and training which are essential for digital transformation. This programme is funded by Enterprise Ireland under the European Union programme “European Digital Innovation Hub Programme”.
Cumasú
Focused on female entrepreneurs, the aim of the programme Cumasú is to increase business development opportunities for women in the Gaeltacht. CUMASÚ TÚS is targeted towards women who have a business idea and wish to develop it further. CÚMASÚ FÁS is designed for women who have been in business for 18 months or more, with plans to grow and upscale their business, based on peer-to-peer learning with other female founders.
The Cumasú programme is funded and developed by Údarás na Gaeltachta and held at the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Innovation Hubs and the Munster Technological University (MTU) Rubicon Centre. This is the first programme of its kind delivered across Ireland, focused specifically on Gaeltacht areas.
CUMASÚ TÚS applications are open now, for the course starting in mid-September. The closing date for applications is 5pm on the 4th of September 2026. The course will be held online over 12 weeks. Contact Michelle Lee michelle.lee@atu.ie / 091 742 851 to register.
Ultan Ó Fátharta, Microenterprise Development Executive at Údarás na Gaeltachta said “These programmes show Údarás na Gaeltachta’s commitment to supporting Gaeltacht companies at every stage of their development, from entrepreneurs starting out to companies trading in international markets. Through partnerships with national and European organisations such as these, we are providing tools, expertise and funding to enable our clients to grow sustainably and compete on the international stage’