Inishowen Innovation celebrated its official opening with a great crowd of entrepreneurs, local business owners, development agency representatives, partners and friends on Friday 6 October. It was a wonderful opportunity to get everyone together to appreciate the wonderful building that now provides a focal point for the Inishowen innovation ecosystem.

The ii will serve as a dynamic centre for collaboration, creativity, and growth where digital startups and tech entrepreneurs are given the support they need to harness their innovative ideas and drive positive change in the region. It also meets the demand for remote working space and offers a satellite location for global companies looking for a European base. It is already home to 25 clients and is a testament to the Irish governments commitment to creating opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to grow and innovate.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD stated: “It is my honour to formally open the Inishowen Innovation Hub in Buncrana today. This hub will be a game changer for Buncrana, Inishowen and the North West and will help current businesses and new businesses flourish in the area. My thanks to all those involved for their hard work in making this day happen.”

The Governance structure of Inishowen Innovation includes representation from Donegal County Council, ERNACT and ATU Donegal, with ERNACT responsible for managing the development of the project and providing management and financial services to Inishowen Innovation. Other key stakeholders and advisors are drawn from CoLab, Donegal Education and Training Board, Forward Emphasis International, Inishowen Development Partnership, Spraoi agus Spórt, Tata Consultancy Services, and Ulster University.

Speaking at the launch, John McLaughlin, Chief Executive, Donegal County Council added: “The investment by Donegal County Council and Enterprise Ireland into the development of Inishowen Innovation is fundamental to the development of Inishowen’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Building an entrepreneurial disruptive tech community in the region is at the core of this new building. It provides a space where technology start-ups and innovators will be supported and nurtured.”