Powering entrepreneurs in the west

Innovation Hubs at GMIT, funded by Enterprise Ireland, have been supporting development in the region for the past ten years

From left: Anne Walsh (chief executive, Allergy Lifestyle), Mary Carty (co-founder, Outbox Incubator), Evelyn O’Toole (chief executive, CLS and finalist in E&Y Entrepreneur of Year 2017), Chanelle McCoy (chief executive, Chanelle Medical and Dragon’s Den investor), Tracy Piggott (MC on evening), Breege O’Donoghue (ex-director of Primark, chair of Design and Craft Council of Ireland), Maria Staunton (Empower Programme Manager) and Hannah Kiely (chief executive, Galway 2020)

GMIT’s Innovation Hubs (iHubs) provide incubation space and a range of business development supports to start-up entrepreneurs. These iHubs, funded by Enterprise Ireland, have contributed significantly to the economic and social development of the region since their establishment in Galway and Mayo ten years ago.

Results from the iHubs are impressive. “Our iHubs support over 500 jobs and 30 high growth start-up companies,” said George McCourt, GMIT’s head of innovation and enterprise with ...