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,

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    

At The Innovation Exchange, we understand that upskilling is essential—especially for scaling businesses. That’s why we’ve created a powerful suite of supports designed to help ambitious technology companies scale faster and smarter. The Innovation Exchange connects scaling solution providers with large corporates seeking digital transformation. But it’s much more than just a deal-making platform. For our members, it’s also a launchpad for growth—with a ready-made sales pipeline, direct access to decision-makers, and a dedicated Impact Selling Upskilling Platform. In today’s competitive marketplace, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must move beyond ad-hoc selling and embrace structured, customer-focused strategies. One of the standout elements of our upskilling offer is our highly interactive and practical workshops led by Dr. Maria Coakley, designed to equip Innovation Exchange Member SMEs—leaders and sales professionals alike—with the tools, processes, and mindset needed to drive B2B sales success. Dr. Coakley is a respected academic and practitioner, who blends research and hands-on industry engagement. She brings a wealth of experience in both teaching and consulting, with a particular focus on helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) scale through structured sales processes and strategic market development. Dr. Coakley’s upskilling series has become a key part of our offering, with workshops like: “How Do We Get, Keep and Grow Our Customers?”, “B2B Lead Generation for SMEs”, and “Perfecting Your B2B Customer Pitch.” These workshops offer our members a fresh, action-based learning approach. Whether it’s consultative selling, sales strategy, or pipeline management, each session is crafted to help participants not only understand the concepts but practice them in an energised environment. Across all sessions, Dr. Coakley emphasizes active learning, peer-to-peer collaboration, and real-world application. Participants are not passive listeners—they’re engaged problem-solvers. Each session is designed to create a dynamic, energised space where professionals from various industries share experiences, challenge assumptions, and refine their sales capabilities through role plays, group discussions, and reflective exercises. “I’d love to do it again and bring some of my team!” “I have been looking for this kind of workshop for ages. Honestly, most valuable workshop I’ve ever attended—and I don’t say that lightly.” “It’s been an eye-opener to what I’m doing wrong and right.” The Innovation Exchange Upskilling Platform is just one part of the support we offer members. In addition to Dr. Coakley’s workshops, we strive to bring members live webinars on the most relevant and up-to-date topics, including The AI Security Challenge: Safeguarding Your Business in an AI-Driven World, Fundamentals of Brand Marketing Communications, and Design Thinking for SMEs – Agile Innovation for Small Businesses. Our Members’ Hub offers on-demand access to training recordings, templates, expert interviews, pitch guides, and a Members’ Directory to help companies connect and collaborate. We also provide 1:1 Pitch Preparation & Feedback sessions with experienced industry mentors to help solution providers tailor and refine their offer for corporate buyers. The fully subsidised ESI programme, launched last year, has already seen five members earn their globally recognised, university credit-rated Professional Diploma in Entrepreneurial Sales. Looking to access these supports or take part in Dr. Coakley’s upcoming Upskilling Roadshow? Join Ireland’s Marketplace for Innovation today! I want to become a member.

Skillnet Ireland launches Skillnet Innovation Exchange in the Munster region as part of its continuing nationwide expansion   Press release, May 23rd, 2025: The Taoiseach, Micheál Martin has announced a new partnership between Skillnet Innovation Exchange and the Republic of Work to further bolster Cork as a centre for innovation, technology, and business excellence.  Speaking at the event, the Taoiseach said, “The Government is committed to supporting Irish companies throughout the digital transformation. I’m delighted to launch this expansion of Skillnet Innovation Exchange in Cork, along with their partnership with Republic of Work. This welcome initiative connects our homegrown SMEs with larger companies so they can collaborate and work together on exciting, innovative projects.” Mark Jordan, Skillnet Ireland Chief Executive, said, “I’d like to thank the Taoiseach for joining us here today. Skillnet Ireland collaborates with industry partners to create national initiatives like Skillnet Innovation Exchange, which in turn provide supports for Irish businesses, specifically in this case, in the digital and tech sector. Skillnet Ireland supported more than 3,500 businesses in Cork through upskilling programmes last year through a few of our 70 Skillnet Business Networks, and with this new partnership with the Republic of Work, we hope to not just continue, but grow those supports for businesses across Munster to forge a pipeline of talent with the strategic skills to make deals, create corporate growth, and prosper.”  Skillnet Innovation Exchange is Ireland’s innovation marketplace, connecting large companies facing digital transformation challenges, with technology solution providers that can fast-track their solutions. This partnership reinforces the mission of Republic of Work to further establish Cork City as a centre of innovation, technology and business excellence. The partnership will allow globally ambitious solution providers within the Southern region to pitch to, and engage with, large companies seeking innovative solutions.   Conor Carmody, Programme Director, Skillnet Innovation Exchange, said: “Over the past year, the Skillnet Innovation Exchange’s regional expansion across Ireland has provided numerous SMEs with a unique opportunity to collaborate with large corporates, helping to bridge the innovation gap and strengthen Ireland’s business ecosystem. With today’s announcement, we are excited to extend this initiative with the Republic of Work. Innovation is an increasingly important focus, and we are committed to driving initiatives that contribute to a more sustainable and successful future for Ireland.”   Frank Brennan, CEO, Republic of Work, said, “Over the past number of years, the Skillnet Innovation Exchange’s regional expansion across Ireland has provided SMEs with a unique opportunity to collaborate with bigger companies, helping to bridge the innovation gap and strengthen Ireland’s commercial ecosystem. Designed by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, Republic of Work serves as a thriving community for almost 200 companies and is already a cornerstone of the Southeast’s business ecosystem. We are excited to partner with Skillnet Innovation Exchange, which has proven itself to be an agile and ambitious organisation bringing practical business support to companies through its unique model. We look forward to driving initiatives that will contribute to greater business competitiveness throughout Cork and the southern region.”  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 The Ludgate Hub in Skibbereen Cork, Platform 94 in Galway, The Mill, Drogheda, the RDI Hub in Kerry, and GreenTech HQ in Enniscorthy. The nationwide expansion of the initiative offers solution providers access to a wide range of benefits, including a sales pipeline, upskilling, and market insights, as well as collaboration opportunities with large corporations.   Scale-ups and corporates in the region are being encouraged by Skillnet Innovation Exchange to sign up at www.theinnovationexchange.ie.   Ends_______________________  Notes for Editors  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. The Skillnet Innovation Exchange is operated by Furthr (formerly Dublin BIC), which specialises in providing start-ups and scale-ups access to funding via its venture capital arm; and Skillnet Ireland, a business support agency of the Government of Ireland with a mandate to advance the competitiveness, productivity, and innovation of Irish businesses through enterprise-led workforce development.   About Republic of Work  Republic of Work is a leading innovation hub and coworking space in the heart of Cork City. Designed by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, it serves as a thriving community for over 170 companies and more than 360 members, making it a cornerstone of the Southeast’s business ecosystem. Founded with the support of visionary leaders like Voxpro founders Dan and Linda Kiely and shipping entrepreneur Dave Ronayne, Republic of Work is dedicated to fostering collaboration, creativity, and growth. It provides a dynamic environment where individuals and teams can work, connect, and innovate, contributing to the success of startups, SMEs, and established businesses. Our network reaches both nationally and internationally through our diverse membership base and partners like SOSV, Grant Thornton, VHI, Future Planet, Nespresso, VTSL Cloud Communication, Brown & Brown to name a few. 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