Calling all Entrepreneurs, Dreamers and Future Technology Disruptors to Ireland’s Mid-West Region.

Up to €25,000 funding vouchers available from Local Enterprise Offices Clare & Limerick for developers of ‘Industry 4.0’ related solutions.

Industry 4.0 …The 4th Industrial Revolution

Ennis and Limerick, Ireland, 30th September 2020 – Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) Clare and Limerick today announce the launch of Tech Disrupt 4.0, an exciting pilot project where participants can secure up to €25,000 in funding vouchers to help create and launch solutions that align with the principles of Industry 4.0. 

The Tech Disrupt 4.0 pilot project aims to encourage cutting edge technology, innovation and software development in counties Clare and Limerick. Managed by the LEOs of Clare and Limerick, the project through a competitive structure, will support individuals and businesses that develop solutions that will deliver automation and smarter decision-making tools to manufacturers and associated industries. The project is open to individuals and businesses who are located or domiciled in counties Clare and Limerick.

After a series of online events and ideation workshops, interested parties will be encouraged to make a presentation of their proposed Industry 4.0 aligned solution. 6 entries will be chosen to receive up to €25,000 of funding vouchers to help create and develop a viable business solution.

Solutions aligned to Industry 4.0 include, but are not limited to:

• Big Data and Data Analysis
• 3D Printing
• Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML)
• Blockchain
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Robotics and Automation
• FinTech
• Life Sciences
• Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR & AR)

The Mayor of Clare, Cllr Mary Howard, said: “Innovation has never been more important than it is at the present time, so I am pleased to see supports such as this that encourage and facilitate great ideas to flourish. Our businesses and communities have a track record of tremendous adaptability, and I have no doubt we will see exciting technological developments in response to the challenges of the future.” 

Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Clare adds, “Ireland’s Mid-West region has always been an innovator and disruptor, from Shannon Airport and Shannon Free Zone to inventing Duty Free Shopping and Irish Coffee. The region is home to some of the world’s leading technology, automotive and med-tech companies such as Dell, Intel, General Motors, Jaguar Land Rover, Edward Lifesciences, Stryker, EI Electronics, Uber, Analog Devices and Johnson & Johnson. The Tech Disrupt 4.0 pilot project aims to encourage technological innovation and development in the region by providing the funding and supports necessary to bring an entrepreneurs dream to a reality.”

Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr Michael Collins said: “Innovation is the key to success. We cannot stand still when it comes to business and enterprise. We need to be focused on the next steps and how best we can innovate to succeed. This joint project will place Limerick businesses at the forefront of using smart technologies in order to grow and compete on an international scale. It shows the edge that we have as a region to work together to achieve a competitive advantage by embracing new technologies and harnessing the innovative ecosystem we have to create results.”

Mike Cantwell, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Limerick, adds “In the long term we envisage that some of the participants of the Tech Disrupt 4.0 pilot project may progress to be leaders in their fields and help the Mid-West region to become a leading location for innovators, disruptors and software developers aligned to the principles and applications of Industry 4.0.”

To find out more and to register your interest in the Clare and Limerick LEOs Tech Disrupt 4.0 pilot project please visit https://www.localenterprise.ie/Clare/Enterprise-Development/Tech-Disrupt-Pilot-Programme/

Photo: Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise Local Enterprise Office Clare; Mike Cantwell, Head of Enterprise Local Enterprise Office Limerick; Conor McCarthy, Centre Director, Confirm/SFI; Eoin Hinchy, Post Doctorate Researcher, Confirm/SFI. Pic Arthur Ellis.

For further details contact:

Roger Leyden

RML Marketing & Business Development

+353 860 328316

Notes to Editor:

Tech Disrupt 4.0 / Local Enterprise Offices:

The Local Enterprise Offices for the Mid West Region are located in County Clare and Limerick. They are the first stop shop for anyone seeking information and support on starting or growing a business. The Local Enterprise Office (LEO) provides advice, information and support in starting up or growing a business.

LEO offer a wide range of experience, skills and services. The Local Enterprise Office is for people interested in starting up a new business or already in business including; entrepreneurs, early stage promoters, start-ups and small business looking to expand.

About Tech Disrupt 4.0

After attending a series of Online Events and Ideation Workshops with experts to give advice, attendees will be encouraged to make a submission on their proposed Industry 4.0 aligned solution.

6 winning entries will be chosen, and each will receive funding vouchers of up to €25,000 to help create their own individual business solution.

Industry 4.0 is a term used to describe the trend towards automation and data exchange in Manufacturing Technologies and Processes. Industry 4.0 essentially helps businesses make better decisions, automate many manual tasks and reduce overheads. Solutions aligned to Industry 4.0 may include:

• Big Data and Data Analysis
• 3D Printing
• Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML)
• Blockchain
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Robotics and Automation
• FinTech
• Life Sciences
• Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR & AR)

Clare and Limerick already have some of the world’s leading Industry 4.0 driven companies such as Dell, Intel, Jaguar Landrover, Edward Lifesciences, Analog Devices, Uber, Johnson & Johnson and EI Electronics operating on their doorstep. The project aims to encourage software innovation and development in the Clare/Limerick region and ultimately grow high quality, sustainable employment by establishing the funding, supports and infrastructure necessary.

By providing substantial funding and professional support to the winners, the Clare & Limerick LEOs hope that individuals and organisations will be able to bring their ideas to fruition and grow their businesses in the short to medium terms. Long term it is envisaged that some of these newly formed companies may progress to be leaders in their fields and help the Mid-West region to become a leading location for innovators, disruptors and software developers aligned to the principles and applications of Industry 4.0.