Skillnet Innovation Exchange and Sport Ireland invite digital companies to join the
marketplace for innovation to provide solutions for sports organisations across Ireland
Dublin, November 28th – Today Skillnet Innovation Exchange announced a collaboration with Sport Ireland to support the digital transformation of sport in Ireland. Through its Digital for Sport initiative, Skillnet Innovation Exchange will invite technology solutions providers to pitch to, and collaborate with, sports organisations across Ireland looking to harness the power of digital technology to increase efficiencies and performance.
The collaboration was announced at the inaugural Sport and Innovation Technology Summit held today at the Sport Ireland Campus where Skillnet Innovation Exchange called on digital solutions providers to explore how their solutions can be applied to the world of sports management and performance. The initiative is expected to achieve improved digital adoption across the Irish sports ecosystem, including streamlining administrative processes, optimising data management and communications and improving the understanding of participants performance and experience.
Skillnet Innovation Exchange is Ireland’s innovation marketplace, connecting organisations facing digital transformation challenges with technology companies that can fast-track the solutions. Since its inception two years ago, 30 challenges have been published by Skillnet Innovation Exchange for companies with a digital challenge and 10 deals have been done between companies facing a challenge and companies with the ability to solve them.
Skillnet Innovation Exchange is an initiative of Skillnet Ireland, the business support agency of Ireland that is responsible for advancing the competitiveness of businesses through providing skills programmes. Sport Ireland is the authority responsible for the development of sport in Ireland working with the 60 governing bodies of sport and a network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships.
Thomas Byrne TD, Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, commented: “Innovation and collaboration are core values of the Government’s National Sports Policy, so I am delighted to see this new partnership taking place between the Skillnet Innovation Exchange and Sport Ireland, which will support the digital transformation of the Irish sports sector. Technology has an impact on most aspects of our lives and so I want to commend all of the sports organisations, researchers and enterprises who came together today at the Sport Innovation and Technology Summit, to explore what role technology will play in shaping the future of sport in Ireland.”
Speaking at today’s launch, Conor Carmody, Programme Director at Skillnet Innovation Exchange, commented: “This new collaboration between Sport Ireland and Skillnet Innovation Exchange will offer many SMEs the opportunity to collaborate with sporting organisations across Ireland, bridging the innovation divide and strengthening the Irish sport ecosystem. With today’s announcement we are thrilled to expand our offering and look forward to seeing the challenges and solutions develop in the next few years”.
Benny Cullen, Director of Research and Innovation at Sport Ireland, said: “The recently launched Sport Ireland strategy aims to drive innovation through creative collaborations across the sports sector and the promotion of a digital first approach. This new partnership with Skillnet Innovation Exchange will help Irish sport to deliver on these ambitions. This initiative will provide tailored supports to the Irish sport sector and Irish enterprise to help foster new partnerships and develop innovative digital solutions in sport.”
Mark Jordan, Chief Strategy Officer, Skillnet Ireland, said: “Digital transformation is one of the most significant challenges facing organisations across all sectors. This collaboration between Skillnet Innovation Exchange and Sport Ireland gives sport bodies the opportunity to access the talent required to enjoy the benefits of digital technology.”
Skillnet Innovation Exchange has successfully partnered with regional innovation hubs such as The Ludgate Hub, the Galway Technology Centre, GreenTech HQ, The Mill Hub and the RDI Hub. The continuing expansion of the Skillnet Innovation Exchange, which currently has in excess of 600 participants, allows a growing number of SMEs to enjoy the programme’s benefits, including access to an instant sales pipeline, market intelligence and the capability to sell to large companies.
Corporate members get access to collaboration opportunities with Ireland’s most talented SMEs, accelerating their digital transformation. There are currently 34 corporate members of The Innovation Exchange, including Ryanair, Glanbia, ESB, Axa Insurance, Microsoft, IBM and IDA Ireland.
Skillnet Ireland has committed €5 million over four years to fund the Skillnet 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.
Skillnet Innovation Exchange invites digital solutions providers to join its marketplace for innovation at www.theinnovationexchange.ie.
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About Skillnet Innovation Exchange
Skillnet Innovation Exchange is where businesses facing digital transformation challenges are connected with innovative solutions providers with the talent to help them achieve their ambitions. Large corporations get access to Ireland’s most talented solutions providers, and to collaborate to accelerate digital transformation. Scaling technology companies get an instant sales pipeline as well as access to key decision makers, market intelligence and the capability to sell to large corporates.
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 24,700 businesses and more than 92,400 trainees annually, through its 70 Skillnet Business Networks 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
About Sport Ireland
Sport Ireland is the authority tasked with the development of sport in Ireland, including participation in sport, high-performance sport, anti-doping, coaching, and the development of the Sport Ireland Campus.
Connect with Sport Ireland:
Website: www.sportireland.ie
Twitter: www.twitter.com/sportireland
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SportIreland
Instagram: www.instagram.com/sportireland
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/sport-ireland
YouTube: www.youtube.com/sportireland
For press enquiries & further information, please contact:
Andie Cooper Beachhut PR andie@beachhutpr.com +353 864453717 | Dylan Mellody-Kelly Beachhut PR +353874142366 |
For further details or to speak to a member of The Innovation Exchange please email at info@theinnovationexchange.ie
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We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Greentech HQ and to build new, impactful relationships with businesses in Co Waterford, while showcasing exceptional talent and supporting companies as they scale.” Ian Mernagh, CEO, Greentech HQ, said: “Welcoming the Skillnet Innovation Exchange expansion into Co Waterford is a strong vote of confidence in the region’s innovation potential. Through our partnership with Skillnet Innovation Exchange, we are creating a practical pathway for SMEs and larger companies to collaborate, adopt digital solutions faster and build real commercial outcomes. This initiative strengthens the South East as a connected hub for innovation, talent and sustainable growth, and we look forward to supporting ambitious businesses across Waterford and the wider region as they scale.” The Skillnet Innovation Exchange has more than 1,600 scaling solution providers members of the marketplace for innovation, demonstrating a significant appetite for the initiative. Since its formation, the national initiative has responded to numerous innovation challenges from companies such as InterSport Elverys, Horse Sport Ireland, Ryanair, Glanbia and many more. To date, 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 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 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 Greentech HQ GreenTechHQ Sustainability Innovation Hub helps companies develop and grow their business base. A dynamic and engaging set up with secure connectivity, hot desks, offices and event space available, from small to large groups, for those looking to work remotely but within a business habitat. GreenTechHQ connects businesses with investors, corporations, mentors, and provides training and a range of services aimed at heightening your business returns like marketing, legal & financial advice. Further information is available at www.greentechhq.com. 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 24,000 businesses and more than 90,000 trainees annually, through its 70 Skillnet Business Networks and five National Initiatives – Skillnet Climate Ready Academy, Skillnet Innovation Exchange, Skillnet MMC Accelerate, Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy and MentorsWork – 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
Process Automation Insights from Building an Innovation Marketplace
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2025 Wrapped
As we close out 2025, we are proud of the ambition, collaboration, and real-world impact demonstrated across the Skillnet Innovation Exchange network. From landmark deals and regional expansion to new industry-led initiatives, this year has shown what’s possible when industry, innovators, and researchers come together with purpose. Thank you to our members, partners, and collaborators for driving this momentum—we’re excited to build on it in 2026. Check out this 2025 Skillnet Innovation Exchange summary message from our Programme Director, Conor Carmody. None of this would be possible without the continued support of our regional partners—Platform94, RDI Hub, Ludgate Hub, Republic of Work, GreentechHQ, and The Mill Enterprise Hub Drogheda. Thank you for your collaboration and commitment throughout 2025. Deals Largest Deal to Date A major milestone: the signing of an €800,000 contract between two of our members: Nuálach Automation (Cavan) and The Nest Box Egg Company (Monaghan). Read more here. Regional Expansion Skillnet Innovation Exchange announces Southern expansion in Cork to Support Businesses. Read more here. Minister Niamh Smyth announces Skillnet Innovation Exchange Expansion in Co Cavan. Read more here. Industry Initiatives Launched in October 2025, Digital for Sustainability is already delivering results. Ballymaloe Foods published the first Digital for Sustainability challenge, and we’re delighted to share that less than six weeks later, a contract has been awarded. The winning solution came from Reverve, whose energy-monitoring solution perfectly met Ballymaloe’s needs. We were pleased to welcome Guaranteed Irish as our first Digital for Sustainability partner. As one of Ireland’s most trusted business organisations, representing over 2,000 Irish businesses, Guaranteed Irish brings a strong national network and a clear commitment to sustainable and responsible business growth. Delivered in partnership with Research Ireland under the National Challenge Fund, Discovery Exchange is designed to spark meaningful collaboration—creating a structured space for industry leaders and researchers to connect, share insights, and explore opportunities to co-develop solutions to Ireland’s most pressing societal challenges. This year, we completed three cohorts, engaging 84 participants across 28 National Challenge Fund research teams. Milestones Skillnet Innovation Exchange Facilitates €5 Million in Deals Done A major highlight of the year was the launch of the Skillnet Innovation Exchange Impact Report, showcasing the tangible progress achieved since inception. Read more here. We hosted our first Innovation Summit in Galway, welcoming almost 200 innovators and entrepreneurs. Watch Innovation Summit Summary here.
New Initiative Gives Irish Business a Competitive Edge on Sustainability
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