Enterprise Ireland

Enterprise Ireland’s Spotlight on Skills programme is designed to support senior leaders identify skills gaps and develop ­strategic workforce skills plans to help build those capabilities and future-proof their organisations.   Developed by Enterprise Ireland in partnership with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Regional Skills Forum managers, and the Irish Management Institute, the programme is delivered online. It launched in 2018 and more than 600 companies and over 1,500 senior leaders have completed it.   Read more from Robyn Cosgrove, Spotlight on Skills Programme Manager at Enterprise Ireland https://shorturl.at/8iYju

Output Sports has been named the official HYROX365 Athlete Testing and Benchmarking Partner, marking a major step forward for performance-driven training with the launch of the HYROX Conditioning Test (HCT), a first-of-its-kind, fully standardised assessment built specifically for the demands of HYROX athletes, coaches and training environments. The partnership sees Output Sports supporting the development of testing frameworks tailored specifically to the HYROX365 ecosystem, bringing proven sports science methodologies typically reserved for elite teams into the hands of everyday coaches and athletes. Since launching in 2020, Output Sports has worked with organisations across the National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB) and The Premier League and is now applying that same level of rigour to support one of the fastest-growing fitness sports in the world.

𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 A new programme designed to support women researchers across the island of Ireland to explore the commercial potential of their research has officially launched and is now open for applications. The all-island WeVenture programme, launched by InterTradeIreland in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland as part of the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, funded by the Government of Ireland, aims to strengthen the pipeline of women progressing from academic research into innovation-led business activity. Delivered by Alinea International, and open to women researchers at all academic career stages, it will equip participants with the skills, knowledge and confidence required to progress their research ideas towards commercialisation, and provide access to industry, and investor networks, expert-led training and tailored mentoring. Participants will benefit from structured guidance and support aligned to their stage of readiness, including exploratory capability building; ideation and early-stage development; and pre-commercialisation for those actively developing a research-based business. The first capability building masterclass series, WeVenture: Ideas and Opportunities is now open for applications and is due to commence in May. For more information or to apply, visit: https://shorturl.at/eSHup

Aurivo Co-operative Society Limited has announced a multimillion investment in a first of its kind wood pellet burner and boiler system at its Dairy Ingredients facility in Ballaghaderreen, marking a significant milestone in the cooperatives decarbonisation journey. The investment is co-funded by the Shared Island Sustainability Capital Grant scheme delivered by Enterprise Ireland, InterTradeIreland and Invest Northern Ireland. Once operational, the new boiler system will expand the facility’s use of renewable biomass and replace a large proportion of the fossil fuel currently consumed onsite. The investment is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 7,500 tonnes of CO₂ annually, representing a major step forward in Aurivo’s sustainability commitments and supporting Ireland’s broader transition to a low carbon economy. This landmark installation positions Aurivo at the forefront of sustainable dairy processing in Ireland and reflects the Coop’s continued commitment to investing in innovative technologies that drive environmental progress while underpinning the prosperity of its members and the regions it serves. Read more https://shorturl.at/kN6X0

The European Union and Australia have concluded a landmark trade agreement announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese. This agreement marks a significant step forward in strengthening economic ties between the two regions. While Ireland and Australia may be geographically distant, this deal brings the two markets materially closer by opening access and creating real, practical pathways for growth. Why this matters for Irish companies: - Eliminating tariffs on almost 100% of EU exports of goods, improving cost competitiveness for Irish products across multiple sectors. - Stronger access for services, including professional services, telecoms, maritime and financial services, supported by clearer and more predictable regulatory frameworks. - Fairer investment conditions, enabling EU and Irish businesses to compete on an equal footing within the Australian market. - Access to government procurement, opening opportunities across public sector goods, services and infrastructure projects. - Mobility of talent, including pathways for researchers and engineers, supporting innovation-led companies expanding into the market. Read more here https://lnkd.in/gtGcXVmX, or connect with the team at Enterprise Ireland Australia & New Zealand to learn more about exporting opportunities and doing business in this region.

Moving into new markets can be a big step. The Get Exporting programme provides tailored, one-to-one support to help you start your export journey with confidence. To learn more and to register your interest visit: https://shorturl.at/RyLcP Developed in partnership with Enterprise Ireland, InterTradeIreland, Local Enterprise Offices, and Údarás na Gaeltachta.  #GetExporting 

Our Sustainable Enterprise Webinar series supports business leaders in understanding the growing importance of sustainability and ESG, offering practical guidance to incorporate these principles into their business operations and decision-making processes. In 2026, sustainability priorities for businesses, their customers and capital providers are being shaped by regulatory pressure, climate risk and shifting policy signals. For organisations operating across Ireland and the EU, these dynamics will continue to influence ESG priorities across operations, reporting and supply chains. The Sustainability Trends for Business 2026 webinar on April 8th will share expert insights on the sustainability landscape ahead in 2026 for Irish businesses across all sectors and how to utilise Enterprise Ireland funding to support taking action. Register here: https://shorturl.at/fWPNU BDO Ireland

Zellor AI, a fully remote Irish-founded artificial intelligence (AI) business, is on a mission to become the infrastructure layer for video AI. Founded by Niall O'Sullivan, Columb Kane, Mark Hender and Shane O’Sullivan in 2024, it has 12 staff and has raised €850,000 in funding to date.   "A lot of companies spend a lot of money on video for the likes of Instagram. We take that video and give it a second life,” Niall O’Sullivan told the Business Post. “These companies are sitting on goldmines that they can reactivate on their own websites, retailer sites or AI shopping assistants.”   Read more Business Post https://shorturl.at/DDl0y

On the latest episode of The Next Innovation, host Jennifer Strong sits down with Jenny Melia CEO of Enterprise Ireland and Minister Robert Troy, Minister of State at the Department of Finance to examine Ireland’s growing role as a booming global tech hub, what it takes to ensure young entrepreneurs have the right resources for their businesses to flourish, and the differences between scaling a start-up in the European Union versus the United States.   Listen to the full episode “Live From SXSW: Irish Minister on Ireland's Booming Tech Hub” now: https://shorturl.at/igwcx  

Gigi Supplements, founded by Nutritional Therapists Jennie Haire and Lisa Hughes, announced the close of the brand’s first institutional seed round of €1.5 million, led by Vestra Partners. The round was significantly oversubscribed as demand for evidence-based solutions for women's hormonal health, fertility challenges and perimenopause.   Gigi Supplements has established a competitive edge by leveraging 15 premium bioactive ingredients with optimal nutrient dosing and forms, delivering targeted support across the female hormonal health lifecycle. Its science-led formulations, backed by clinical research and the founders’ nutritional science qualifications and clinical experience, have contributed to stellar growth in the Irish market over the past two years.   Deirdre Glenn (Walsh), Department Manager, Food Tech and Food FDI from Enterprise Ireland added: "Enterprise Ireland is delighted to support Gigi Supplements, an early stage, female founded and award winning company established by Jennie Haire and Lisa Hughes. Since launching in late 2023, the company has demonstrated strong commercial traction through listings with well known retailers and robust direct to consumer sales." Read more BUSINESS PLUS https://shorturl.at/g4z83