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:

Cavan, 19th August, 2025:Today, Skillnet Innovation Exchange is pleased to announce a significant milestone with the signing of a contract worth €800,000 between Nuálach Automation based in Cavan, and The Nestbox Egg Company in county Monaghan.   The Nestbox Egg company, which handles approximately five million eggs every week, was seeking to improve efficiencies to build, label, and pack cartons on its production line. Nuálach Automation pitched, and ultimately delivered, a customised solution, the Eggsact Robot Packer, which integrates seamlessly into the Nestbox infrastructure, reducing manual workload while increasing scalability.  Commenting on the achievement, Minister Niamh Smyth, said: “Today’s announcement is a powerful example of what can be achieved when innovative Irish SMEs are connected directly with larger companies through initiatives like Skillnet Innovation Exchange. Government supported initiatives like this play a vital role in driving productivity, supporting regional development, and strengthening Ireland’s position as a global leader in enterprise and innovation. I would like to commend The Nestbox Egg Company and Nuálach Automation for using this proven initiative to innovate and build competitiveness for their businesses.”  Skillnet Innovation Exchange connects large businesses facing innovation challenges with talented solution providers that fast-track innovation. To date the initiative facilitated the delivery of more than 70 innovation challenges experienced by larger corporates, to its SME member base. Corporate members of the Skillnet Innovation Exchange, which now number over 50, include some of Ireland’s leading companies, like InterSport Elverys, Horse Sport Ireland, Ryanair, Glanbia and many more.  Mark Jordan, Chief Executive, Skillnet Ireland, said: “This success highlights the real-world impact of the Skillnet Innovation Exchange in empowering SMEs to win high-value contracts while helping larger businesses solve strategic challenges. Supporting digital transformation is a key focus for Skillnet Ireland, through national initiatives like Skillnet Innovation Exchange and our 70 Skillnet Business Networks. Through collaborative partnerships, we are not only advancing digital transformation but also strengthening Ireland’s competitiveness across multiple sectors.”  The Skillnet Innovation Exchange model works by giving SME organisations the opportunity to respond to the challenge presented by the larger corporate company, with those successful in their initial submission selected to meet with the prospective buyer to pitch their solution. Since launching in February 2022, over 120 SMEs have had the opportunity to pitch directly to a corporate buyer. The programme offers SMEs not only a qualified sales pipeline but a valuable opportunity to engage with prospective customers on industry requirements – providing a clear benefit to solutions providers developing new products for market.  Conor Carmody, Director of Skillnet Innovation Exchange, said: “We are delighted that so many businesses are realising the benefits of Skillnet Innovation Exchange and one of these benefits is the sizeable deal announced today. The success of the programme is in large part down to the active engagement of our members – both our large corporate members, which include Ireland’s most ambitious and progressive companies, and our SME members which include some of Ireland’s most talented and innovative minds.  Evan Roarke, Co-founder of Nuálach Automation, said: “The challenge presented through Skillnet Innovation Exchange provided us with the opportunity to pitch for this exclusive contract in an efficient and seamless manner. We are proud to partner with The Nest Box Egg Company to deliver the Eggsact Robot Packer — a high-speed, high-volume precision robotic solution for egg packaging. By significantly reducing reliance on manual labour, the Eggsact Robot Packer will not only enhance operational efficiency and packaging precision but also support greater scalability and sustainability across their supply chain.”  Eoin McEvoy, CFO, The Nestbox Egg Company, added: “Through Skillnet Innovation Exchange, we have found a partner right here in our region. This automation investment will significantly boost our production capacity while supporting our long-term growth. Skillnet Innovation Exchange gave us access to a pool of talented solution providers and, through its structured process, helped us quickly identify and shortlist five strong contenders. The process is extremely comprehensive and effective, it gave each provider the opportunity to pitch directly to us, allowing for real engagement and helping us build the foundations for a long-term partnership.”  Skillnet Innovation Exchange is now welcoming new members. Whether you’re a scaling SME or a corporate seeking solutions, visit www.theinnovationexchange.ie to learn more.  ENDS  For media queries contact:  Valerie Kennedy Skillnet Innovation Exchange Guinness Enterprise Centre, Taylor’s Lane, The Liberties, Dublin D08 YPP9 Email: valerie@theinnovationexchange.ie Tel: 087 6777071 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 Nuálach Automation  Nuálach Automation is one of Ireland’s fastest growing independent full-service suppliers in the controls, robotics and special purpose automated precision machine building markets. Operating from our modern facility in Virginia, Nuálach Automation is a trusted automation partner for leading global manufacturers across the Food & Beverage, MedTech, Pharma, Automotive, & General Industries. With strong Irish roots and international reach Nuálach Automation specialise in delivering cutting-edge automation solutions that empower our customers to achieve greater efficiency, precision, and scalable growth. As a trusted partner in innovation, we seamlessly integrate advanced technology,

There was a fantastic turnout at the Thrive Centre of Business Excellence in Navan last week, where local business leaders, innovators, and partners came together to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping Irish enterprises on September 30th. Hosted in partnership with The Mill Enterprise Hub Drogheda, the event delivered a blend of practical advice, thought leadership, and real-world insights from entrepreneurs and industry experts. 💡 Key Challenges for SMEsIrish businesses continue to face familiar pressures:Rising costs across energy, labour, and operationsTalent retention in competitive marketsAccessing decision-makers to unlock growth opportunities These aren’t new—but disruption within Ireland’s own SME ecosystem is intensifying competition. The clear takeaway? Relationships matter. Building trust and forging partnerships is critical for resilience and growth. 👥 Expert VoicesThere were inspiring contributions from Skillnet Innovation Exchange members:– Evan Roarke, Co-founder of Nuálach Automation, on how automation is transforming operations– Linda Ennis, Hanley Energy, on the role of people development in scaling successfully 🔐 Spotlight on AI & CybersecurityA highlight was Kammil Mahajan, Managing Director of Advice Bytes, who warned of emerging AI-driven threats:– Sophisticated phishing emails– Deepfakes and voice cloning– Malware with evolving behavioursHis advice? To stay ahead, organisations must think like the bad guys. That means upskilling staff, insulating legacy systems, and ensuring security measures evolve alongside AI. Three practical steps every business should take today:1️⃣ Understand what data you hold2️⃣ Limit unnecessary access & privileges3️⃣ Keep defences flexible to adapt to evolving threats ✨ Moving ForwardThe event showcased the energy and ambition of Ireland’s business community. With the right mix of relationships, talent, resilience, and awareness of new risks like AI-driven cyber threats, Irish SMEs are positioned to thrive. A special thanks to Meath County Council and our fantastic speakers for sharing their insights and our own Sinead O’Riordan for hosting the event.

Skillnet Ireland launches Skillnet Innovation Exchange to support businesses in Co Cavan Press release, 13 June 2025: Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with special responsibility for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Transformation, Niamh Smyth TD, has announced the latest regional expansion of Skillnet Innovation Exchange in Co Cavan through its regional partner, The Mill Enterprise Hub. Skillnet Innovation Exchange provides support to businesses both large and small by connecting larger companies facing innovation challenges with SMEs that can fast-track solutions. The partnership between Skillnet Innovation Exchange and The Mill Enterprise Hub will bolster the business community in Co Cavan and the wider region, as a centre for innovation, technology, and business excellence. Minister Niamh Smyth said: “I’m delighted that Skillnet Innovation Exchange is extending its reach and influence into Co Cavan and in doing so, contributing to the competitiveness of ambitious SMEs in the region, as well as providing supports for larger companies with specific innovation challenges. Through initiatives like Skillnet Innovation Exchange, the Irish Government is supporting the digital transition across all sectors of the economy and ensuring businesses of all sizes have the skills, tools, and opportunities needed to thrive in a digital world.” Mark Jordan, Chief Executive, Skillnet Ireland, said: “The expansion of Skillnet Innovation Exchange in Co Cavan will deliver significant advantages for local businesses, providing much-coveted opportunities for SMEs to expand their commercial horizons and engage with larger corporations. 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 SMEs access to a wide range of benefits, including access to a readymade sales pipeline, upskilling and collaboration opportunities with large corporations. Conor Carmody, Director, Skillnet Innovation Exchange, said: “The regional expansion of Skillnet Innovation Exchange throughout Ireland has afforded many SMEs the unique opportunity to collaborate with large corporates, bridging the innovation divide and strengthening the Irish business ecosystem. We are excited to continue our collaboration with The Mill and to cultivate new, impactful relationships with businesses in Co Cavan. We especially look forward to highlighting the exceptional talent within companies and supporting their growth as they scale their businesses”. Ronan Whitty, CEO, The Mill Enterprise Hub, said: “The ethos at The Mill Enterprise Hub is about 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 the North East and now into Co Cavan and beyond.” The Skillnet Innovation Exchange has more than 1,300 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.     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 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 The 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, 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 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 Enterprise Hub 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 Enterprise Hub 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 Enterprise Hub 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 – 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