The report “Bridging the Innovation Divide” presents insights into the importance and performance of innovation within Irish businesses.
Ireland’s innovation ecosystem is evolving to enable open innovation between businesses of different sizes and at different stages of development. The Innovation Exchange is a unique initiative in Ireland bringing together large businesses with innovation needs and small businesses and start-ups with innovative solutions.
The research summarised in this report should encourage us to be ambitious as well as confident about the potential for collaborative innovation and the willingness of large Irish businesses and growing Irish SMEs to work together to unlock the true potential that innovation can play in business development.
For further details or to speak to a member of The Innovation Exchange please email at info@theinnovationexchange.ie
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Process Automation Insights from Building an Innovation Marketplace
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Process Automation Insights from Building an Innovation Marketplace
Through the experience of building Skillnet Innovation Exchange as an innovation marketplace, we have worked closely with corporates navigating increasing operational complexity. As organisations scale, manual, fragmented processes quickly become a constraint—limiting efficiency, visibility and, ultimately, experience. What we consistently see is that corporates are no longer seeking isolated tools or surface-level digitisation. They are looking for workflow process automation that simplifies operations, integrates seamlessly with existing systems, and delivers real-time insights across the organisation. What Corporates Are Asking For Across sectors, the core needs are remarkably consistent: clarity, consistency, and control. Corporates and SMEs alike want a centralised approach to data management that removes duplication and creates a single source of truth. They need streamlined, end-to-end workflows that reduce administrative overhead while improving transparency and accountability across teams and partners. Integration is critical. Automation solutions must work with existing platforms, repositories and legacy systems, without disrupting business-as-usual operations. At the same time, ease of use is non-negotiable. Corporates expect intuitive, mobile-first platforms that support secure access, robust data and validation, and role-based permissions. These features reduce errors, increase adoption and ensure governance at scale. Equally important is insight. Strong reporting, KPIs and real-time analytics are now essential to support informed decision-making and continuous performance improvement. The Cost of Manual and Fragmented Processes Many Challenge partners we engage with are operating with manual workflows, duplicated data entry, or siloed systems. This can result in fragmented stakeholder communication, inconsistent data validation, and/or reporting that lacks insight to support informed decision-making. Since the launch of Skillnet Innovation Exchange, we’ve observed a consistent pattern: organisations across sectors are seeking solutions — from unified data platforms and digital infrastructure to compliance management, bespoke software solutions and more. These real-world challenges have given us deep insight into how intelligent workflows are quietly reshaping the operating model. How Automation is Reshaping the Operating Model Workflow automation replaces fragmented processes with structured, intelligent workflows. Routine tasks are automated, validation is embedded at every stage, and repetitive administrative work is removed. Notifications, task tracking and self-service updates ensure work flows efficiently while keeping stakeholders engaged and informed. We have also seen the impact of AI-powered processing of scanned and digital documents, accelerating operations, improving accessibility and enabling faster, more confident decision-making. Seamless system integration ensures continuity, while migrating data from legacy environments to secure, scalable cloud platforms lays the foundation for long-term transformation. Driving Experience, Insight and Agility For many corporates, modern workflow platforms have become more than operational tools—they act as engagement and insight engines. By unifying communication channels and integrating data across systems, organisations gain real-time visibility into performance. This supports more personalised experiences, dynamic planning and greater organisational agility. Crucially, automation removes error-prone manual handling and data harvesting, allowing teams to focus on higher-value, strategic and customer-facing activities. A Platform for Sustainable Growth A future-proof workflow automation platform must scale with the organisation, adapt to system changes and maintain rigorous standards of security and compliance. The outcome is a more efficient, transparent and resilient operating model—one that enhances experience for employees, partners and customers alike. From our perspective as an innovation marketplace, workflow process automation is no longer simply about efficiency. It is a strategic capability—one that enables insight, resilience and sustainable growth in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
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
Skillnet Innovation Exchange, Ireland’s marketplace for innovation, has launched Digital for Sustainability — an industry-led initiative designed to help Irish businesses meet the growing demand from large customers and procurement teams for reliable sustainability data. As sustainability reporting becomes a critical factor in winning contracts and maintaining competitiveness, Digital for Sustainability leverages Skillnet Innovation Exchange’s proven challenge framework to connect organisations with innovative digital solutions — including automation and analytics tools — that make sustainability reporting faster, more reliable and more cost-effective. The launch follows the publication of a new report from Skillnet Innovation Exchange showing that the initiative has generated over €5 million in SME deal flow since its launch three years ago. The national platform supports both large and small businesses by connecting corporates facing innovation challenges with SMEs that can deliver fast-track solutions. To date, 70 innovation challenges have been published and 30 deals completed, with that figure expected to grow significantly by year-end. Digital for Sustainability has already achieved its first success, with Intersport Elverys publishing a challenge to source a sustainability dashboard to manage energy, water, and waste data. Innovation Exchange member Energy Elephant pitched for and won the contract. More recently, Ballymaloe Foods published a sustainability challenge on the platform, with the process expected to conclude in the coming weeks. Recent deals facilitated by the marketplace for innovation include: · The Nestbox Egg Company & Nualach Automation — the largest deal to date, valued at €800,000 · Cycling Ireland & Fit2Trade — a partnership signed within ten days of the initial pitch · Cork County Council & Driver Focus — a product solution meeting internal compliance requirements These join a growing list of successful partnerships that demonstrate the Exchange’s ability to turn innovation challenges into commercial opportunities, including: · Intersport Elverys & Energy Elephant — first Digital for Sustainability deal · Astellas & Pro-Reliability Solutions — a unique partnership delivering compliance services · Horsesport Ireland & Miagen — a Digital for Sport collaboration The Innovation Exchange is now open to help businesses of all sizes turn their sustainability data management challenges into a competitive advantage. · For business with a sustainability data challenge: Email oonagh@theinnovationexchange.ie to explore the benefits of joining Ireland’s marketplace for innovation. · For solution providers: Join the marketplace at www.theinnovationexchange.ie ENDS For media queries contact: Oonagh Fox, Skillnet Innovation Exchange Tel: 087 8554406 Email: oonagh@theinnovationexchange.ie About Skillnet Innovation Exchange Skillnet Innovation Exchange is an Irish innovation platform that brings together large corporations undergoing digital transformation with scaling SMEs that offer innovative solutions. Launched in 2022 in partnership with Furthr, the programme bridges the gap between the demand for new technologies and the supply of agile, homegrown tech capabilities. Corporates, present real-world transformation challenges. In turn, scaling Irish SMEs—referred to as “solution providers”—pitch solutions, fostering practical and impactful collaborations. The programme operates nationally, supported by regional hubs such as Republic of Work in Cork, The Mill in Drogheda, GreenTechHQ in Wexford, Platform94 in Galway, RDI in Kerry and the Ludgate Hub in Skibbereen. This ensures SMEs from across Ireland have the chance to engage with corporates and scale their businesses. Since its launch, in excess of 70 innovation challenges have been issued, resulting in successful commercial partnerships. By facilitating direct engagement between corporate leaders and tech innovators, The Innovation
Skillnet Innovation Exchange Facilitates €5 Million in Deals Done
Press release, Dublin, 23 October 2025: A new report from Skillnet Innovation Exchange has revealed that the national initiative, which provides support to businesses both large and small by connecting larger companies facing innovation challenges with SMEs that can fast-track solutions, has generated over €5 million in SME deal flow since it was launched in February 2022. The findings of the independent impact assessment, authored by KHSK Economic Consultants, shows that Skillnet Innovation Exchange has delivered 6,000 training days and established a nationwide footprint through a regional partner network, forming the basis of a vibrant innovation ecosystem. Skillnet Innovation Exchange is Ireland’s marketplace for innovation connecting companies facing digital transformation challenges with innovative SMEs. The findings were unveiled at The Innovation Summit, Skillnet Innovation Exchange’s national gathering held in Galway, where more than 200 members of Ireland’s innovation community met to explore collaborative innovation, competitiveness and digital transformation. Speaking at the event, Ken Finnegan, Chief Strategy Officer, Skillnet Ireland, said: “Skillnet Innovation Exchange is playing a vital role in strengthening Ireland’s competitiveness by equipping SMEs with the skills, capabilities, and connections they need to innovate and grow. By bridging the gap between enterprise and innovation, this initiative enables larger corporates to address their digital and sustainability challenges while creating tangible growth opportunities for smaller firms. The impact highlighted in this report demonstrates how this model is driving real economic value, fostering collaboration, and helping to future-proof Ireland’s innovation ecosystem.” Conor Carmody, Director of Skillnet Innovation Exchange, said: “We are delighted to release this Impact Report at such a pivotal point for our initiative. Skillnet Innovation Exchange has shown that it can make a meaningful contribution to Ireland’s competitiveness by supporting innovation development and accelerating its adoption. With a strong foundation, a proven model and a track record of delivery, Skillnet Innovation Exchange is very well positioned to build on momentum achieved to date.” According to the assessment, Skillnet Innovation Exchange provides SMEs with access to significant growth opportunities and exposure to prospective customers, while enabling larger organisations to discover and adopt cutting-edge solutions more efficiently. The report concludes that Skillnet Innovation Exchange is well positioned to scale further, driving national competitiveness and ensuring that more innovation and employment are created and retained in Ireland. To date, 30 deals have been completed through Skillnet Innovation Exchange, with that number expected to grow substantially by year-end. The total value of these collaborations stands at approximately €5 million, with further follow-on agreements already under discussion. Three new deals were facilitated by the marketplace for innovation in this quarter: These join a growing list of successful partnerships that demonstrate the Exchange’s ability to turn innovation challenges into commercial opportunities, including: Launch of ‘Digital for Sustainability’ With it becoming increasingly clear that reporting of sustainability data is now a critical factor in winning contracts and staying competitive, Skillnet Innovation Exchange launched Digital for Sustainability, a new industry-led initiative designed to help Irish businesses to meet growing demands for ESG data from supply chains, procurement teams, investors and regulators. Digital for Sustainability applies Skillnet Innovation Exchange’s proven challenge framework to connect organisations with innovative digital solutions, including automation and analytics, that make sustainability reporting faster, smarter and more cost-effective. Expanding Regional Network According to the KHSK Economic Consultants Impact Report, Skillnet Innovation Exchange is playing an important role in implementing regional policy and it strengthens the existing regional economic developing organisations. Skillnet Innovation Exchange has a strong national footprint and expanding regional network, currently involving six innovation hubs – 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 – which allows it to roll out over 50 national and regional events per annum, facilitating training and networking for members. It has strategic partnerships with Sport Ireland (Digital for Sport) and Research Ireland (Discovery Exchange). The outcomes outlined in the Impact Report reflect strong alignment with national priorities in competitiveness, digital transformation, sustainability, talent development entrepreneurship as well as regional growth. 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: Oonagh Fox, Skillnet Innovation Exchange Tel: 087 8554406 Email: oonagh@theinnovationexchange.ie About Skillnet Innovation Exchange Skillnet Innovation Exchange is an Irish innovation platform that brings together large corporations undergoing digital transformation with scaling SMEs that offer innovative solutions. Launched in 2022 in partnership with Furthr, the programme bridges the gap between the demand for new technologies and the supply of agile, homegrown tech capabilities. Corporates, present real-world transformation challenges. In turn, scaling Irish SMEs—referred to as “solution providers”—pitch solutions, fostering practical and impactful collaborations. The programme operates nationally, supported by regional hubs such as Republic of Work in Cork, The Mill in Drogheda, GreenTechHQ in Wexford, Platform94 in Galway, RDI in Kerry and the Ludgate Hub in Skibbereen. This ensures SMEs from across Ireland have the chance to engage with corporates and scale their businesses. Since its launch, in excess of 70 innovation challenges have been issued, resulting in successful commercial partnerships. By facilitating direct engagement between corporate leaders and tech innovators, The Innovation Exchange drives mutual value: corporates access new digital capabilities quickly, while SMEs gain critical exposure, market insight, and commercial traction. It’s a win-win initiative supporting the evolution of Ireland’s digital economy and fostering a collaborative innovation ecosystem. 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:
