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Calls for Cork based businesses to join innovation marketplace

Written by Robert McHugh, on 5th May 2023. Edited on 4th May 2023 Posted in General

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Skillnet Ireland has announced the partnership of The Innovation Exchange, with The Ludgate Hub based in Skibbereen, Co. Cork. 

The Innovation Exchange is Ireland’s innovation marketplace connecting large companies facing digital transformation challenges with small to medium sized (SME) technology companies that can fast-track the solution.

The initiative will allow globally ambitious tech SMEs located in The Ludgate Hub and the wider Cork region the opportunity to pitch to, and collaborate with, large companies looking to access innovation as part of a diverse and curated community of startups and scale-ups. 

The Innovation Exchange

As part of this collaboration, The Ludgate Hub will bring both corporate entities and scale-up businesses situated in Cork together as members of The Innovation Exchange, expanding its growing community.

Ludgate, through its strategic partnerships with corporates, academia and investors, aims to help businesses grow through resources and support.

The aim of The Innovation Exchange is to establish a nationwide footprint by onboarding up to 10 regional channel partners throughout 2023.

Successful Projects

Earlier this year, The Innovation Exchange announced its partnership with the Galway Technology Centre, which supports innovative, global trading companies in the ICT sector. 

In March, The Innovation Exchange partnered with Kerry based RDI Hub to provide local SMEs with the opportunity to connect and collaborate with innovation seeking larger companies.  

Market Intelligence

The expansion of The Innovation Exchange, which currently has in excess of 350 participants, aims to offer even more SMEs access to the programme’s benefits, including an instant sales pipeline, market intelligence and the capability to sell to large companies. 

Skillnet Ireland has committed €5 million to fund The Innovation Exchange which is designed to address the barriers that exist for scaling companies when selling to large companies and multinationals. 

The programme will support over 1,000 companies between 2022-2025.

Scale-ups and corporates in the Cork region are being encouraged by The Innovation Exchange to sign up at www.theinnovationexchange.ie.

'Win Win Collaboration'

Speaking at the launch, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and TD for Cork South Central, Simon Coveney said, "It is fantastic to see the rollout of this collaborative programme in West Cork and across the South-West."

"This partnership between Skillnet Ireland, The Innovation Exchange and The Ludgate Hub is an exciting example of win-win collaboration and I would encourage all businesses to consider joining the programme."

'National Expansion'

Chief Executive at Skillnet Ireland, Paul Healy added, "As part of a national expansion of the programme, we are delighted to introduce The Innovation Exchange to Cork, in partnership with the Ludgate Hub and Furthr."

"We invite ambitious SMEs and larger companies in the Cork region to join the programme and take full advantage of the many benefits it offers.”

Source: www.businessworld.ie

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