IRDG - Driving Irish Innovation

The recent announcement of U.S. tariffs on European goods is a stark reminder of how quickly the global trade landscape can shift. In these uncertain times, innovation isn’t optional; it’s essential. At IRDG, we’re working closely with our 300+ member companies to navigate disruption and turn uncertainty into opportunity. Whether it’s rising costs, supply chain shifts, or strategic pivots, innovation is your lever for resilience and growth. Here’s how we’re supporting our members: 🔹 A sounding board for strategic discussions 🔹 Expert guidance tailored to your unique challenges 🔹 Honest questions to challenge and expand your thinking 🔹 Access to a robust network of peers and experts We’re also continuing our advocacy work, training programmes, and tailored supports to help Irish businesses stay ahead, not just react, but lead. Please reach out to the IRDG team if you have any questions or need support. #innovation #tariffs #businesssupport

Thought for the day. This is a slide from a keynote I gave this morning on Innovation. It's a quote that I've used before and one I come back to. For me, these preferred situations are the ones where we consciously invest in and actively create knowledge for the benefit of society. They are the outcomes we strive for when we commit to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive society—an economy designed intentionally to support and enhance human flourishing. Innovation isn't merely about technology or discovery; it's fundamentally about the choices we make, the actions we take, and how we work together to shape a better world. Every day, in our personal and professional capacities, we have the opportunity to create meaningful change. Let’s embrace this responsibility with courage, optimism, and purposeful collaboration today more than ever.

Closing date to complete Ireland's Innovation Index is this Friday 4th April. Check out the link below 👇 #innovation #businessgrowth

This is a fantastic opportunity from Amazon Web Services and Learnovate Centre, Trinity College Dublin. Closing date is 4th of April. The winner will receive $100,000 USD of Amazon credits. Check out the information below 👇 Louise Keegan David Farrelly

At Grow Remote, we’re all about democratising access to jobs and helping companies find great people, no matter where they’re based in Ireland. That’s why we’re excited to share this fully remote role with IRDG - Driving Irish Innovation, Ireland’s leading Innovation Services Network. IRDG supports hundreds of companies engaged in research and innovation and now, they’re looking for someone to help them grow even further. They’re hiring a Growth and R&D Service Delivery Manager. If you have a STEM background and a passion for relationship-building, this could be your next big step. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/dZaxzvA8 #RemoteJobs #InnovationCareers #BetterTogether #GrowRemote #RDIreland #STEMLeadership

Members, join us tomorrow, 2nd April, at 9.30am for our Zoom Onboard session. You’ll hear from guest speaker and member Dr. Hugh Fay, Director of Henkel Technology Centre. Hugh will share how Henkel leveraged IRDG’s support to drive innovation and establish the Innovation and Interaction Centre for Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) in Tallaght, a major European hub! This webinar will help you unlock your full IRDG membership benefits, whether you are a new or existing member. Reach out to Mary Byrne for further info #memberbenefits #businessgrowth

Mick Guinee Bows Out as Ei Electronics CEO.   This week Mick Guinee formally stands down as CEO of Ei Electronics after 42 years at the helm. On Friday last Management and Staff of the 1,100 strong Shannon workforce hosted a reception to pay tribute to Mick for his vision, leadership, and support over the last 4 decades.   Amid applause and cheers from staff lining the corridors of the facility where General Electric established the original Ei Company in 1963, Mick made his way to a reception attended by management and staff. In his address Mick paid tribute to the generations who have played a role in the success of Ei down through the decades. He particularly noted the support of fellow Founders Jim Duignan and Dr. Mike Byrne, who along with him secured the management buyout of the EI Company from General Electric in 1988 – giving birth to Ei Electronics as we know it today.     Mick was presented with a Cast Bronze Replica of the iconic letter he wrote to the Ei Company Staff in 1988 formally advising them of the Management Buy Out from GE and his confidence that ’together the team could build a successful indigenous Irish-Owned Company, trading on International Markets’. This vision, during what was a very challenging period of recession and emigration in 1980s Ireland later proved prophetic. Today, Ei is an exemplar manufacturing and exporting Irish Company, a global leader in its field with turnover of €425 million in 2024. One of the largest employers in the Mid-West the Company continues to buck the trend on a world stage, and has built a reputation throughout the region for giving back to the communities and people who have contributed to making it the success it is today.     Today Mick formally hands over the reins to Leo Clancy, former CEO of Enterprise Ireland and Head of Technology with the IDA. Mick will still remain actively involved in the strategic future and direction of the business in his role as Board Chairman. 

🎯 April is packed with learning opportunities at IRDG! From UX design to AI, innovation funding, and scaling globally, we’ve got something for everyone. Check out our upcoming events: 📌 1st April | 9am | Online – Kick off our Human-Centred UX & Service Design programme with Gerry Scullion. This hands-on hybrid course wraps up with a full-day session in the Crowne Plaza, Blanchardstown, on 30th April. Ideal for individuals and teams! 📌 2nd April | 9.30am | Online – New to IRDG? Join Zoom Onboard with Mary Byrne and Dr. Hugh Fay (Henkel Technology Centre) to learn how to maximise your membership. 📌 7th April | 9am | Microsoft Garage – Join Jim Kelly (Microsoft Garage) and Peter Rose (TEKenable Ltd) for an Innovation Site Visit on AI and business scaling. 📌 9th April | 10am | Online – Our next #IMPACT session features Leo Mac Canna, CEO of Ocuco Limited. Hear how Ocuco scaled from an Irish startup to a global leader in eyecare software through R&D, innovation, and strategic investment. 📌 15th April | 9am | Radisson Blue Hotel & Spa, Cork – Need insights on R&D and Innovation Funding? Experts from EY, IDA Ireland, and Enterprise Ireland will share funding strategies, plus case studies from Qualcomm, Irish Manufacturing Research, and Curran Scientific. 🔗 Find event details in the comments. 👇 #innovation #funding #ai

IRDG: We help you remove the hurdles to scale and grow your business. Innovation is challenging enough without roadblocks like funding complexities, navigating R&D tax credits, or finding the right industry connections. That’s where IRDG comes in. We help you remove the hurdles so you can focus on what matters: growing, innovating, and making an impact. Our members gain a competitive edge with expert guidance, networking opportunities, and access to key supports. Ready to clear the path to success? Join the IRDG network today.   #innovation #collaboration #businessgrowth

We're #hiring a new Growth & Service Delivery Manager in Ireland. Apply today or share this post with your network.