AIM Centre hosts Skillnet Innovation Exchange North West Launch

We were delighted to host the official launch of the Skillnet Innovation Exchange North West at the AIM Centre in Sligo on Friday 18th October, bringing together businesses from across the region to mark this exciting new initiative.

Skillnet Innovation Exchange, the initiative that connects large businesses facing innovation challenges with SMEs that can fast track the solutions, has announced an expansion into the northwest region through its west regional partner, Platform94, as part of its continuing nationwide expansion.

The partnership will offer ambitious and innovative SMEs across Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim the opportunity to get connected with large businesses looking to access digital transformation solutions.

The launch event featured an inspiring lineup of speakers, including Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary, Chief Executive of Skillnet Ireland, Paul Healy, Skillnet Innovation Exchange Director Conor Carmody, Advancing Innovation in Manufacturing (AIM) Centre CEO Julie Dowling, and Marie Donnellan, CEO of Platform94.

Attendees also enjoyed an engaging fireside chat with Sinead O'Riordan from Skillnet Innovation Exchange and Linda Hegarty, Co-founder of Slick+, a homegrown start-up in the North West.

Attending the launch, Dara Calleary TD, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Skillnet Innovation Exchange to Sligo, Donegal and Leitrim and very pleased that the benefits offered by the initiative can now be easily accessed by SMEs in the northwest. Congratulations to Platform94 and Skillnet Innovation Exchange for making this happen and showing what can be achieved by positive collaboration.”

The nationwide expansion of the programme offers more SMEs access to a wide range of benefits, including access to a readymade sales pipeline, upskilling and collaboration opportunities with large corporations. To date, the Innovation Exchange has facilitated the delivery of 50 innovation challenges to its SME member base. Corporate members of the Innovation Exchange, which now number over 40, include some of Ireland’s leading companies including Ernst & Young, Hilton Foods, BWG, Coolmore Stud, ESB, Ryanair, An Post and many more.    

Paul Healy, Skillnet Ireland Chief Executive, said: “Skillnet Ireland is delighted to announce the latest expansion of Skillnet Innovation Exchange in the northwest region. This expansion into Sligo, Donegal and Leitrim will create vital opportunities for SMEs to widen their business horizons and engage with larger corporations on pressing innovation challanges. Through this collaboration, large domestic and multinational companies will benefit greatly from access to innovative homegrown SMEs”.

This launch marks an important milestone in the North West, opening new doors for businesses in the region to connect, innovate, and grow.

Find out what the Skillnet Innovation Exchange can offer your business here.