Minister Dara Calleary announces Skillnet Innovation Exchange Partnership with Údarás na Gaeltachta

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has announced the latest regional expansion of Skillnet Innovation Exchange into the Gaeltacht in partnership with Údarás na Gaeltachta.

Skillnet Innovation Exchange provides support to businesses both large and small by connecting mid and large sized companies facing innovation challenges with digital solution providers that can fast-track innovation. The partnership between Skillnet Innovation Exchange and Údarás na Gaeltachta will bolster the business community in Gaeltacht and regional areas.

Minister Dara Calleary said: “This partnership demonstrates the power of regional collaboration in driving national competitiveness, bringing together enterprise agencies, industry leaders, SMEs and innovation stakeholders to address real business challenges and unlock new commercial opportunities. By connecting innovative solution providers with larger organisations, Skillnet Innovation Exchange will help businesses in regional and Gaeltacht areas access new markets, build strategic partnerships and accelerate growth.”

Tomás Ó Síocháin, Chief Executive Officer, Údarás na Gaeltachta, added: “Údarás na Gaeltachta supports businesses in developing new markets, technologies, products and strategic alliances through research and development. Gaeltacht companies span a range of commercial sectors including – life sciences, ICT, tourism, fish processing and aquaculture, renewable energy, food, niche manufacturing, audio visual and digital media, arts and crafts. To this end, Skillnet Innovation Exchange is a perfect partner for us, as it supports our key focus which is creating new jobs, products and services in Gaeltacht and beyond.”

Ken Finnegan, Chief Strategy Officer, Skillnet Ireland, said: “This partnership of Skillnet Innovation Exchange and Údarás na Gaeltachta will deliver significant advantages for local businesses, extending access to a proven innovation model that enables solution providers to connect directly with larger corporations, develop new capabilities and unlock growth opportunities.”

The nationwide expansion of the national initiative offers more solution provider access to a wide range of benefits, including access to a readymade sales pipeline, upskilling and collaboration opportunities with large corporations. Since launching in 2022, Skillnet Innovation Exchange has delivered €5 million in SME deal flow, supported 80 corporate challenges resulting in more than 40 signed deals, and established a strong nationwide partner network that underpins a vibrant innovation ecosystem.

Conor Carmody, Director, Skillnet Innovation Exchange, said: “At Skillnet Innovation Exchange, we help organisations unlock growth through digital transformation, AI adoption, and sustainability innovation. We’re delighted to launch our partnership with Údarás na Gaeltachta to build new, impactful relationships with businesses in the region, while showcasing exceptional talent and supporting companies as they scale.”

To date, more than 2,100 scaling solution providers & corporates have engaged with Skillnet Innovation Exchange, demonstrating a significant appetite for the initiative. Since its formation, the national marketplace for innovation has responded to numerous innovation challenges from companies such as InterSport Elverys, Horse Sport Ireland, Ryanair, Glanbia and many more.

Since 2022, Skillnet Innovation Exchange has successfully partnered with regional hubs throughout the country, such as Platform 94 in Galway, Republic of Work in Cork City, The Ludgate Hub in Skibbereen Co Cork, The Mill, Drogheda, the RDI Hub in Kerry, and GreenTech HQ in Enniscorthy.