The funding was announced late last month and is expected to help provide more than 200 training courses and 3,000 engagements in the country.
Ireland has announced an additional €23m in funding for the country’s four European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH), as the programme enters its second phase this year.
Launched in 2023, the EDIH programme aims to improve competitiveness in businesses, particularly SMEs, and public sector organisations, through digital transformation tactics including with AI, cybersecurity and automation.
More than 450 of these hubs are strewn across Europe, acting as “one stop shops” for businesses by offering access to technical expertise, financing advice, training and skills development, and industry insights.
In Ireland, these hubs include CeADAR, Ireland’s Centre for AI based out of University College Dublin; FactoryxChange, led by the Irish Manufacturing Research technology centre in Mullingar; Entire, led by Tyndall National Institute in Cork; and Data2Sustain, led by Atlantic Technological University in Sligo.
In its second phase, running until 2029, Irish EDIHs are expected to deliver more than 3,000 engagements, 1,100 “Test Before Invest” projects and more than 200 training courses nationwide. The funding announcement was made late last month.
“Extending the European Digital Innovation Hub programme in Ireland into Phase 2 ensures that our SMEs will continue to access world-class digitalisation support,” commented Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke, TD.
“Our four Hubs have already delivered transformative results, helping businesses adopt AI, automation and sustainability practices. By maintaining this momentum, we are increasing Ireland’s competitiveness and enabling enterprises across Ireland to future-proof their operations.
This continued investment reflects our commitment to making advanced digital technologies accessible for every region and sector,” he added.
Enterprise Ireland CEO Jenny Melia said, “Enterprise Ireland is proud to support the continuation of Ireland’s European Digital Innovation Hubs into Phase 2 of the programme.
“By scaling up access to ‘Test Before Invest’ facilities, specialist expertise and targeted training nationwide, we are helping businesses accelerate productivity, build resilience and remain competitive in an increasingly digital global economy.”
Two of the hubs, FactoryXChange and CeADAR, have also been awarded the sought after STEP Seal by the European Commission which recognises top-rated innovation projects in the region. Meanwhile, the remaining two are currently undergoing the STEP seal evaluation process.
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