How Ireland has become the leading tech hub of Europe
Ireland has become synonymous with technology over recent years. With more than 20 years’ experience as a technology PR company, Comit has seen this sector explode in Ireland. Technology has been central to growing the Irish economy and bringing unemployment to a low of 5.4% – a figure that hasn’t been seen since before the recession.
As Christmas approaches and 2018 draws to a close, we’re looking back at some of the year’s highlights for technology in Ireland…
Making an impact
With the fastest-growing tech worker population in Europe since 2016, Ireland has undoubtedly become a global hub of the technology ecosystem. Ireland has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of tech leaders. We are fortunate to work with companies that are continuing to expand, with clients such as Novi investing in highly innovative new services to help businesses reinforce themselves against cyber threats and AMI being the only Irish company to be awarded with highest security quality standards for IT retirement. Our clients are helping to strengthen the Irish economy too, with Envisage Cloud, Logicalis, Paradyn and Diaceutics recently announcing 100 jobs between them.
Global technology leaders are also facilitating the expansion of a large network of technology workers in Ireland as more and more businesses choose Irish cities for their European headquarters. We’re delighted that some of our clients – including PayPal, Ricoh, Esri – have chosen to set up very significant bases on Irish shores. Colt Technology Services have also made a significant investment in Ireland, recently announcing the extension of its digital infrastructure in Dublin.
Start-up expansions
Start-ups and fledgling businesses are also benefitting from Ireland’s success as a thriving hub. Co-working and hot-desking spaces are on the rise with the Dublin Business Innovation Centre providing support for start-up companies, while the Halo Business Angel Network (HBAN) works with angel investors to facilitate investment for companies. Just recently, it was announced that HBAN’s Medtech syndicate has announced their part in a €1.1m funding round for medical device start-up, Ostoform, creating five new jobs, while the Guinness Enterprise Centre announced a €200,000 investment as part of their regional CoConnect launch.
An event filled year
A unique element of Ireland’s status as a thriving technological ecosystem is the calibre of events that are available for technology workers to attend. DataSolutions held the Secure Computing Forum which included speakers such as Lord Alan West and Graham Cluley on all things cyber-security. Comtrade Digital Services also held Quest for Quality – a fantastic two-day conference that brought attendees from all over the world to discuss quality assurance and artificial intelligence.
Technology companies and charities are also working together for local people in need in Ireland. PayPal recently held their annual 24-hour Opportunity Hack and Datapac was a sponsor for the recent Solas Walk & Run for Life. Each year, Comit attends the Techies 4 Temple Street which brings together a vast range of technology companies for a day of treasure hunting around Dublin! We also continued our pro-bono partnership with Young Social Innovators, attending the YSI Awards and an excellent Elevate session, which showcase impactful student-led social projects from across the country.
Overall, it’s been a great year for the Comit team and our clients. We’re really looking forward to seeing what 2019 will bring!
At Comit, we pride ourselves on our knowledge of the technology landscape in Ireland and our ability to deliver clear and consistent public relations for brands. If you have any questions about what it is that Comit does, be sure to contact us here
Al that remains is for us to wish you a very Merry Christmas.