Digital for Sport: Accelerating Digital Transformation in Irish Sport 

Blog, News

In late 2023, Sport Ireland and the Innovation Exchange launched Digital for Sport, our first national initiative aimed at supporting National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships in embracing digital transformation. This initiative is designed to help sporting organisations leverage technology to streamline operations, enhance communication, improve data management, and gain deeper insights into team and athlete performance.  How It Works  Digital for Sport follows the Innovation Exchange’s proven Six Step Challenge to Deal model. Before challenges are issued, Innovation Exchange advisors work closely with each sporting organisation to define and shape the challenge to ensure it accurately reflects the organisation’s needs and goals.  Where We Are Now  To date, several challenges have been published under the Digital for Sport initiative. These have addressed a wide range of needs, including:  So far, we’ve seen 75 submissions, multiple deals secured—with more currently in the pipeline.  Spotlight on Deals  The deals secured so far showcase the speed and impact of this initiative:  What’s Next  At the Innovation Exchange, our mission is to empower Irish innovation and help sports organisations future-proof their operations. We’re actively collaborating with more sporting bodies to launch new challenges that will bring exciting opportunities for Irish tech companies and accelerate digital transformation across the sports sector.  Stay tuned—there’s more to come. 

The Discovery Exchange Industry Engagement Session was a great success!

News

As part of our Discovery Exchange National Initiative, we aim to foster collaboration between industry leaders and researchers funded by the National Challenge Fund. Our goal is to develop a shared understanding of society’s most pressing challenges—and to drive innovation through collective expertise. Our second Discovery Exchange Pitch Event took place in Dublin city on June 17th, in collaboration with Research Ireland. We were proud to showcase ground-breaking innovators as they pitched their ideas to industry leaders. From sustainable power grid enhancements, cybersecurity, and rapid pathogen testing to potential solutions to ease the housing crisis, a diverse range of sectors and challenges were represented. A big thank you to our network partner, Vhi, for generously hosting the event at their Dublin HQ. 👏 Congratulations to all the innovators, and a huge thank you to our industry partners for joining us in shaping a better future!

Ready to Scale? Skillnet Innovation Exchange supporting Irish SMEs navigating U.S. expansion

News

Ireland has long had a deep and dynamic relationship with the United States — built on shared values, a common language, and a strong transatlantic bond that spans centuries. For generations, Irish businesses have looked to the U.S. as a land of immense opportunity, and this tradition of entrepreneurial ambition continues today with even greater momentum.  The U.S. remains one of the most attractive markets for Irish companies seeking to scale internationally. At the same time, Irish talent, innovation, and adaptability have not gone unnoticed by American investors. U.S. multinationals have consistently chosen Ireland as their European base, recognising the strength of our workforce, our business-friendly environment, and our position as a gateway to the European market. This mutual recognition has led to decades of collaboration — with U.S. FDI playing a vital role in the Irish economy, and Irish firms contributing significantly to U.S. growth stories.  However, in recent months, changing trade dynamics — including discussions around tariffs and regulatory adjustments — have made entering or expanding in the U.S. more complex for Irish firms. These developments demand strategic reconsideration, not hesitation.  Instead of retreating in the face of uncertainty, Skillnet Innovation Exchange has taken proactive steps. Working with regional and national partners, we launched a series of briefings and expert-led sessions designed to equip Irish businesses with the information and insights they need to succeed. These events provided the Irish business ecosystem with an open platform to voice concerns, ask questions, and receive direct answers from industry and market specialists.  We’ve covered key U.S. tech and innovation corridors — from Washington to Virginia, Ohio to Maryland and beyond — ensuring that no matter where opportunities lie, our community is prepared to explore them with confidence.  As part of this initiative, our team also attended the Select USA Investment Summit, one of the most important events for international business expansion into the U.S. Being on the ground enabled us to engage directly with U.S. decision-makers, identify actionable opportunities, and better understand the nuances that Irish companies need to navigate as they expand their footprint.  The result is a growing series of practical, well-informed sessions that not only provide access to expert advice but also foster meaningful connections and peer learning. Irish companies currently operating in the U.S. have shared their experiences, challenges, and the strategic choices that led to their success — offering valuable insights to others planning similar moves.  For any Irish company considering the U.S. as their next big step, these resources are invaluable. Whether you’re looking to establish a presence, scale an existing operation, or simply understand the evolving market landscape, stay tuned for more opportunities in Q3.  

Why digital transformation is a business goal, not a tech project

News

 “It’s about breaking down barriers between SMEs and established corporates.” Following an interview with our Programme Director, Conor Carmody, it’s great to see this feature in Silicon Republic, highlighting how Skillnet Innovation Exchange is helping Irish SMEs accelerate digital transformation through real, results-driven collaboration. Read the full interview: https://www.siliconrepublic.com/business/innovation-exchange-digital-transformation-smes

SelectUSA

Spotlight on SelectUSA 2025

News

Last week, The Innovation Exchange was proud to participate in the 2025 Select USA Investment Summit, held at the Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, Maryland. With a large delegation of  over 25 ambitious companies —  the themes  that stood out were  innovation, resilience and global ambition. Backed by the U.S. Embassy in Dublin, the delegation brought together firms from a wide range of sectors, including technology, professional services, and advanced manufacturing. Over the course of the summit, Irish companies engaged in vital discussions on market entry, growth opportunities, and the evolving demands of U.S. expansion. The event provided deep insight into transformative global trends — from infrastructure investments to the acceleration of the digital economy and international climate strategies. The U.S. continues to be an attractive market for global entrepreneurs, offering access to scale, a strong economy, and strategic advantages. SelectUSA was also a hub for forward-looking dialogue, with U.S. business leaders highlighting the critical role of AI, workforce development, and innovation ecosystems. The message was clear: international business is entering a new era — and Irish companies are well positioned to thrive in it. We left SelectUSA energized, informed, and more connected than ever. We’re proud to be part of this dynamic community and we’re excited for what’s ahead.

TechFest 2025 – Tech, AI & Humanity

News

TechFest 2025 – Tech, AI & Humanity: Shaping Our Future has just wrapped up and what an incredible day it’s been! We were delighted to be a sponsor of this year’s flagship event, which brought together tech and business leaders from across the South West to explore how innovation is reshaping our world. Keynote Highlights: We were thrilled to welcome Cormac O’Sullivan, CTO of Mbryonics, who delivered a fascinating keynote on: – Ireland’s expanding mission in space – The global race for advanced satellite communications – How Galway-based Mbryonics is leading the way in optical communications and space tech We were also honoured to hear from Dr. Hannah Critchlow, internationally renowned neuroscientist, broadcaster and author, who explored the profound connections between neuroscience, AI, and the future of humanity. The day was packed with thought-provoking panels and discussions, covering: – AI & Humanity – How artificial intelligence is reshaping society – The Future of Tech Talent – What skills will define tomorrow’s workforce – Space & the Future of Humanity – Innovation at the next frontier – Tech Innovators in the South West – A showcase of companies driving transformation – Networking opportunities with an inspiring community of tech professionals and changemakers Thank you to all the speakers, attendees, and organisers who made TechFest 2025 a huge success!

Sales Training with Dr. Maria Coakley 

News

We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with Dr. Maria Coakley for an exclusive series of Sales Training workshops continues into 2025. Delivered in collaboration with our partners, these sessions will take place across the country, providing a unique opportunity for business leaders to enhance their sales capabilities. Spaces are limited—secure your spot now!  What to Expect:  📍 Upcoming Training Dates & Locations: 

Design Thinking Webinar April 9th

News

In today’s fast-moving market, small businesses need smart, customer-focused innovation to stay ahead. Join us for Design Thinking for SMEs – Agile Innovation for Small Businesses. During this session led by Maria Cosgrove on behalf of Skillnet Innovation Exchange, we’ll explore:  Who should attend?  This session is perfect for SME owners/managers, startup founders and SME teams looking for cost-effective, rapid innovation strategies. Don’t miss out!  Not a member? Register here. 

TechFest 2025

News

We are excited to announce that we are proud sponsors of Tech Industry Alliance’s TechFest 2025: Tech, AI & Humanity – Shaping Our Future. Join us for TechFest 2025, the leading technology conference in the South West of Ireland, on May 15 at the Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork. This flagship event will bring together tech and business leaders to explore the evolving relationship between technology, artificial intelligence, and humanity – and how we can harness innovation to shape a better future. At TechFest 2025, industry pioneers, disruptors, and thought leaders will unite for an immersive experience featuring forward-thinking discussions and inspiring talks from both global visionaries and local trailblazers who are shaping the future of technology. To find out more and secure your ticket, click here.

Meet Us at DeeptechFest – Cork – March 26 & 27th

News

We look forward to attending DeeptechFest 2025 in Cork March 26/27. This innovative event is set to explore transformative topics including Femtech, ClimateTech, Deeptech Funding, and more, featuring industry-leading speakers from organizations such as Honda Innovations, LiNa Energy, Kernel Capital, Health Innovation Hub, Extantia Capital, and SOSV.  Everyone attending will have the opportunity to:  We’ll be there! If you’d like to schedule a meeting with us at DeeptechFest, simply email us at info@theinnovationexchange.ie. We look forward to seeing you there!