Skillnet Ireland launches Skillnet Innovation Exchange to support businesses in Co Meath    Press release, 11th June 2026: Minister for Further and 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.      ENDS   For media queries contact:  Valerie@theinnovationexchange.ie Notes for Editors    About Skillnet Innovation Exchange     Skillnet Innovation Exchange is Ireland’s innovation marketplace, bringing together ambitious digital solution providers and corporates with real digital transformation challenges. The Innovation Exchange creates a trusted environment where solution providers can access a qualified sales pipeline, opportunities to pitch directly to decision-makers, and build lasting commercial relationships, supported by tailored training. Corporates such as Ryanair, VHI and Glanbia benefit from access to a diverse innovation ecosystem, fresh thinking & talent and proven collaboration partners who can support organisational change and growth. A nationwide partner network and national partners such as Sport Ireland and Research Ireland underpin collaboration, knowledge sharing and scalable, sustainable innovation.      About The Mill Enterprise Hub   The Mill Enterprise Hub is the leading innovation hub for startups and scaling companies in the North East of Ireland. Based in Drogheda, The Mill provides high-quality co-working spaces, mentoring, training programmes, and access to funding supports. It fosters a collaborative ecosystem that empowers entrepreneurs to grow sustainable businesses. As a key regional partner of the Skillnet Innovation Exchange, The Mill connects scaling companies with enterprise-ready solutions, expert guidance, and valuable networking opportunities across Louth, Meath, Cavan, Monaghan and Kildare. Through strategic partnerships and a strong community focus, The Mill plays a pivotal role in driving regional economic growth and innovation. Learn more at www.themilldrogheda.ie.  About Skillnet Ireland    Skillnet Ireland is the national talent development agency of the Government of Ireland, responsible for advancing the competitiveness, productivity, and innovation of Irish businesses through enterprise-led talent development. Skillnet Ireland partners with 57 industry bodies, supporting over 26,000 businesses and more than 97,000 trainees annually, through its 70 Skillnet Business Networks and five National Initiatives, across most sectors and all regions in Ireland. Skillnet Ireland is funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.       To learn more about Skillnet Ireland visit www.skillnetireland.ie           Skillnet Business Network search tool: https://www.skillnetireland.ie/our-networks/             Facebook: @SkillnetIreland          Twitter: @SkillnetIreland          LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/skillnetireland     

Our own Conor Carmody joined a fireside chat at the APEX FTE EMEA Ancillary & Retailing Startup Pitch Session, where he had the opportunity to hear from an impressive line-up of innovators including 22North by Phonon, AEROMOND Group, biztribution, Movmo, Passtination, Platform 195 and Skyfood Airport Delivery. Reflecting on the pitches and the wider aviation innovation landscape, several themes emerged: Looking at the wider Irish startup ecosystem, Conor highlighted the strength of the innovation infrastructure available to founders, from Enterprise Ireland supports to innovation hubs and accelerators across the country. With more than €1 billion raised by Irish startups and AI underpinning innovation across sectors, Ireland continues to produce ambitious companies with strong IP and global scaling potential. One thing remains constant in aviation: safety is paramount. The startups that can combine innovation, commercial value and operational reliability will be best positioned to succeed. Most importantly, there was no shortage of great ideas in the room. The challenge – and opportunity – is finding ways for startups and industry leaders to grow together.

A packed room at NovaUCD brought together aviation leaders, innovators and startups to explore how emerging technologies can solve real industry challenges. Prof. Brian Mac Namee set the tone with a refreshing reality check on AI. While AI systems can be incredibly powerful, they can also be unreliable. The future, he argued, lies not in “Agentic AI” hype, but in Interactive Machine Learning—where humans remain firmly in control and domain expertise continues to lead. Whether in radiology, aviation or any other sector, AI should augment human capability, not replace it. That practical, human-centred approach to innovation was evident throughout the startup pitch session, where seven high-potential companies showcased solutions designed to improve operational efficiency, workforce management, cyber assurance, sustainability and more. A huge congratulations to all participating founders, including four Skillnet Innovation Exchange member companies:• Recruitroo – Stephen MacCarthy, Co-Founder & CTO• Tisalabs Limited – Ainara Grajales,• Protostars – Kim McKayed, CEO & Co-Founder• EnergyElephant 🐘 – Joseph Borza, Founder & CEO They were joined by:• Binarii Labs – Aidan Finn, Co-Founder & CEO• Tao Climate – Gary J Byrnes, Co-Founder & CEO• Skippio – Daniel Coen, Founder & CEO Expertly moderated by Kevin Kleist of Southwest Airlines, the session generated the kind of open dialogue, challenge and feedback that helps accelerate promising technologies from concept to industry deployment. A big thank you to the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub, with whom we were delighted to partner on this event.