Minister James Lawless announces Skillnet Innovation Exchange Expansion in Co Meath

Minister for Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, has announced the latest regional expansion of Skillnet Innovation Exchange in Co Meath through its regional partner, The Mill Enterprise Hub.   

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 The Mill Enterprise Hub will bolster the business community in Co Meath and the wider region, as a centre for innovation, technology, and business excellence.  

Minister James Lawless said: “Supporting innovation and strengthening regional economies are key priorities for Government. I’m delighted that Skillnet Innovation Exchange is extending its reach and influence into Co Meath and in doing so, helping businesses across the region to access new opportunities, innovate and build valuable commercial connections. By creating stronger links between SME solution providers and larger organisations, Skillnet Innovation Exchange is helping to accelerate business growth, enhance competitiveness and support sustainable economic development across Ireland.”   

Mark Jordan, Chief Executive, Skillnet Ireland, said: “The expansion of Skillnet Innovation Exchange in Co Meath 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. I encourage local SMEs and larger companies in the region to engage with the Skillnet Innovation Exchange and take advantage of the many benefits it offers.”  

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 continue our partnership with The Mill Enterprise Hub and to build new, impactful relationships with businesses across Co Meath, while showcasing exceptional talent and supporting companies as they scale.”   

Ronan Whitty, CEO, The Mill Enterprise Hub, added: “The ethos at The Mill Enterprise Hub is making connections for start-ups, scale-ups, SMEs, corporates and enterprises to create, digitalise, innovate and scale businesses. 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 Co Meath and beyond.”  

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 Republic of Work in Cork City, The Ludgate Hub in Skibbereen Co Cork, Platform 94 in Galway, The Mill, Drogheda, the RDI Hub in Kerry, and GreenTech HQ in Enniscorthy.  

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