AIB has announced a five year partnership with Galway City Innovation District (GCID), a new initiative supporting startups and business innovation in Galway City and the West of Ireland. The initiative brings together Galway Chamber of Commerce, Galway City Council, NUI Galway and GMIT to form the GCID.
Initially AIB is sponsoring the PorterShed, the first building to be opened as part of the GCID initiative, which is located close to Eyre Square. The PorterShed will house an accelerator program, high potential startups and entrepreneurs, as well as providing coworking space and an open area for workshops and seminars. It is expected to open early next year.
Additional buildings are due to open over time, and it is envisaged that this innovation district could eventually support up to 20,000 workers. The innovation district is expected to be similar to Dublin’s so-called ‘Silicon Docks’ area where companies such as Google and Facebook are based.
The PorterShed was once used as a Guinness storehouse, and is located on CIE land at the back of Ceannt Station. It will have capacity for 85 workers, and it is also hoped it will encourage more multinationals to establish a base in Galway.
Announcing this key partnership for AIB at the Venture West Conference, AIB CEO Bernard Byrne, said: “Developing an innovation district in the heart of Galway can serve as a catalyst for high growth companies, and is a model that worked in other cities such as Boston. This will help address the economic imbalance between the West of Ireland and the East coast.
“The Galway City Innovation District is the first part of an ambitious plan to support the growth and development of innovative companies across the West of Ireland. AIB is delighted to be involved in the development of this new innovation district for Galway and the West of Ireland.”
According to the President of Galway Chamber, Frank Greene, the Galway City Innovation District will be a driver of new enterprise and commercial activity in Galway City and ultimately in the county and region.
“This cluster of entrepreneurs, startups, accelerators and incubators will nurture collaboration and knowledge sharing. Galway Chamber, with our partners, is proud to be an initiator of the GCID which, by creating jobs, will also increase the need for services and in turn, further increase employment,” he said.
Maurice O’Gorman, council member of Galway Chamber and board member of the Galway City Innovation District said: “Commencement of work on the PorterShed is a significant milestone in the implementation of our vision for a downtown city innovation hub, which will attract young technology companies with strong growth potential, including many of our existing superstars.”
Dr John Breslin, senior lecturer at NUI Galway and also a board member of GCID added: “We also want to provide a place where incoming tech companies and investors visiting Galway can have a visitor’s seat and can network with some of the best companies that the West has to offer. This is an ideal location for attracting visiting companies and for giving them a feel for what it would be like to be based here: close to transport, cafés and restaurants, and everything else that downtown Galway has to offer.”
14:00 on 05/10/2015 in Bank of Ireland Workbench, Mainguard Street, Galway
Learn from Declan Droney, CEO of Kinvara Smoked Salmon on how to launch a startup. Advice on all aspects of setting up a business, helping the nascent, aspirational and seasoned entrepreneur to start, scale and succeed.
Organised by Bank of Ireland
Female Founders: East Side Story
07:45 on 06/10/2015 in Galway Technology Centre, Mervue Business Park, Wellpark Road, Galway
Leading female business leaders from Galway and surrounding areas share their business experiences, whilst also discussing the support they have received from various networks and structures (such as GTC) which have led to their business success.
Register with emer.fahy@boi.com
Organised by Bank of Ireland
Digital Marketing and Entrepreneurship
14:00 on 06/10/2015 in Bank of Ireland Workbench, Mainguard Street, Galway
Digital marketing and entrepreneurship session with Ashlee Chin, Events Manager for OMIG (Online Marketing in Galway).
Organised by Bank of Ireland
Speed Networking with Ibec
08:00 on 07/10/2015 in Bank of Ireland Workbench, Mainguard Street, Galway
This speed networking event provides a great opportunity to increase your network, forge new connections in your local area, and build awareness for your business.
19:00 on 07/10/2015 in Monroe’s Upstairs, 14 Dominick Street Upper, Galway
Featuring leading tech startups from Galway showcasing their products at the expo, “Ted Talk”-style speakers on thought-provoking topics, and an interactive technology awards night covering the West of Ireland.
5 Steps To Creating a Marketing Asset and Networking
07:00 on 08/10/2015 in Unit 14, Ballybane Enterprise Centre, Galway
Providing entrepreneurs with a place and environment where they can take time out to think about their business, share ideas, learn from each other, build connections and grow. Also showing them how to use direct response marketing to get more customers.
13:00 on 08/10/2015 in StartX6, 16 Mary Street, Galway
Panel discussion and meetup with experienced information entrepreneurs and mentors to learn how to build your own support network to boost your personal entrepreneurial ecosystem.
13:00 on 08/10/2015 in Bank of Ireland Workbench, Mainguard Street, Galway
This workshop, run in a crowd format, is about solving and expanding your set of tools to succeed with your business and profession. Examples covered are BuzzSumo, import.io, OnePageCRM, Element Wave, Google Analytics, Google Search Console, Keyword Tool, Evernote, App Annie, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and more.
18:30 on 08/10/2015 in Innovation Hub, GMIT, Dublin Road, Galway
Join us for an evening of colourful startup stories from successful entrepreneurs based in GMIT’s Innovation Hub in Galway: Kevin McCaffrey, Founder of Tr3dent; Brendan McLaughlin, CEO of Capsos Medical. A networking opportunity to meet other GMIT Innovation Hub companies, staff, members of Galway Chamber will take place afterwards.
09:15 on 09/10/2015 in ILAS Building, North Campus, NUI Galway, Galway
This conference aims to bring mindfulness visionaries, higher education leaders and university students and staff together to share the evidence-based impact of mindfulness on performance, wellbeing, entrepreneurship and society. Keynote speakers include Alfert Tolle, Director of Google’s Nordics LCS in Dublin.
09:30 on 09/10/2015 in Bank of Ireland Workbench, Mainguard Street, Galway
“Going International” will feature 4-5 WestBIC startup companies who will share their experiences on establishing an international presence. There will also be a keynote from an established entrepreneur with success in international trading, sharing the highs and lows of breaking into international markets.
09:30 on 09/10/2015 in Clayton Hotel Galway, Ballybrit, Galway
A half day of social media training for small businesses who need to quickly learn how to use social media to grow their business. Featuring well-known journalist Conor Pope and Spark Digital owner Felicity McCarthy.
10:00 on 09/10/2015 in Rockmount Equestrian Centre, Rockmount, Claregalway
Horse Sense for Business People is a new, exciting and effective way to cut straight to the heart of any business issues and find real solution-focussed answers in the presence of a horse! Equine-facilitated learning is recognised globally as a powerful and experiential tool that very quickly breaks down barriers and changes behavioural patterns.
10:00 on 09/10/2015 in SCCUL Enterprise Centre, Ballybane, Galway
Featuring three previous SCCUL awards winners who have developed award-winning social enterprises based in Galway. Share in their success stories, engage in questions and answers, and network post event.
Student Entrepreneurship Structures on the Way for NUI Galway: MakerSpace, Blackstone LaunchPad, and More
13:00 on 09/10/2015 in Library, NUI Galway, University Road, Galway
This event previews and introduces student entrepreneurship structures on the way for NUI Galway. This event is only for staff and students of the University. You need a valid student or staff card to enter the venue. Introduction to student entrepreneurship in NUI Galway, the NUI Galway MakerSpace, Blackstone LaunchPad, demos and tour.
Design Your Future: From Young Researcher to Medical Device Entrepreneur
13:15 on 09/10/2015 in CÚRAM, Biosciences Research Building, NUI Galway
The purpose of the event is to promote entrepreneurship as a career path to researchers at different stages of their career, and is an opportunity to help young scientists in their career development and offer them an interdisciplinary discussion forum within an exclusive circle. Speakers include John Power, CEO of Aerogen, and Evelyn O’Toole, Founder of CLS.
Organised by CÚRAM Centre for Research in Medical Devices
Enterprise Ireland Supports for Startups in the West Region
13:15, 14:15, 15:15 on 09/10/2015 in Enterprise Ireland West Region Office, Mervue Business Park, Galway
Three briefings on Enterprise Ireland supports for startups in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. These briefings will be of particular value to people thinking of starting an innovation-led business in manufacturing or internationally traded services. Business professionals who want to appraise themselves of current supports are also welcome.
Medical Device Innovation: Entrepreneur and Intrapreneur Training
14:00 on 09/10/2015 in BioInnovate Ireland, Block E, NUI Galway
BioInnovate Ireland is a forum which combines resources to catalyse and lead medical innovation by delivering the next generation of specially trained fellows and skilled graduates to the medtech market place. This seminar will discuss the BioInnovate programme and outputs.
Organised by BioInnovate Ireland
HR Forum for Business
14:30 on 09/10/2015 in Meyrick Hotel, Eyre Square, Galway
“Startups: Critical Aspects of Employment Law” is for employers, business owners and HR professionals. This will encompass the key HR practices that startups need to be aware of as a new business. It is an opportunity to listen and learn from Ibec practitioners about the implications of legislation on an organisation.
Patents Workshop: Building a Business on Your Ideas
14:00 on 09/10/2015 in Harbour Hotel, New Dock Road, Galway
This seminar, aimed at small business-owners, entrepreneurs, inventors and startup companies, will provide an insight into what patents, trademarks and industrial designs are, how they should be managed, and how awareness of IP rights can assist in converting an idea into a business opportunity (while being mindful of due diligence considerations).
Organised by Galway Local Enterprise Office and Irish Patents Office
Presentation Skills and Elevator Pitch Seminar
14:00 on 09/10/2015 in Pillo Hotel, Headford Road, Galway
Session for participants to assess professional presentations, where TED presentations are viewed on screen, and an assessment draws out the principles of effective communication. The main points of an elevator pitch are discussed, with example pitches viewed and assessed.
Register with contact@itag.ie using the subject Startup Gathering 2015
Organised by ITAG
Social Bootcamp Galway (Afternoon)
14:00 on 09/10/2015 in Clayton Hotel Galway, Ballybrit, Galway
A half day of social media training for small businesses who need to quickly learn how to use social media to grow their business. Featuring well-known journalist Conor Pope and Spark Digital owner Felicity McCarthy.
14:00 on 09/10/2015 in Bank of Ireland Workbench, Mainguard Street, Galway
A Bank of Ireland representative will lead the discussion on how best to utilise digital platforms to maximise your business output, ensuring your business is digital savvy, and being prepared for ever changing buyer behaviour.
Organised by Bank of Ireland
An Afternoon for Startups at the Workbench for Startups
15:00 on 09/10/2015 in Bank of Ireland Workbench, Mainguard Street, Galway
Taking place in the customised, bespoke workspace that is Workbench Galway, a panel discussion featuring startups from a variety of sectors and industries providing real-life stories and insights on how they designed, delivered and built their businesses.
Organised by Bank of Ireland
ISA TechBrew
16:00 on 09/10/2015 in Electric Galway, Abbeygate Street Upper, Galway
ISA TechBrew is an informal gathering of software company management and technology leaders, getting together to chat over a bite and a beer. Under the topic “Startups: Three Customers is Not a Business: Pivot, Persevere or Pack-It-Up”, this event is for leaders, investors and advisors in tech companies. Mic FitzGerald from OnePageCRM will speak.
16:30 on 09/10/2015 in Bank of Ireland Workbench, Mainguard Street, Galway
Taking the mystery out of cloud computing, industry experts will discuss and explain cloud computing, and how it can benefit your business.
Organised by Bank of Ireland
Galway 2020
18:00 on 09/10/2015 in Bank of Workbench, Mainguard Street, Galway
Galway is bidding to become the European Capital of Culture 2020. This presentation will give you insights into the programme designed to achieve this vision, why Galway, and how you can get involved!
Organised by Bank of Ireland and Galway 2020
Data: Insight / Power Of The Big Data
19:00 on 09/10/2015 in Workbench, Mainguard Street, Galway
Olivier Van Parys, Head of Analytics at Bank of Ireland, provides advice on the importance of data to a company at different stages of their growth, and how it can to utilised to deliver bottom-line results to businesses of all shapes and sizes.
Organised by Bank of Ireland
GalwayBeta
20:00 on 09/10/2015 in a venue to be confirmed
A place for early stage startups to demo, showcase and pitch their companies to a friendly crowd and network with founders, developers, marketers and investors.
Technology Voice 