Mary McKenna, MBE

The National Enterprise Hub has made it easier for Irish SMEs to access funding, advice, and support. Since launching, it’s helped over 6,500 businesses and attracted 220,000 users by streamlining access to over 250 government supports. The top grants availed of by businesses to date through the Hub have ranged in value from €3,000 to €7,000. Read more from Conor O'Donovan Head of Start-Ups and the National Enterprise Hub in the Irish Independent https://shorturl.at/AaObT

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This one is for any Northern Ireland-based SMEs & entrepreneurs wishing to improve productivity through more effective use of AI. AwakenHub along with #TechNIAdvocates will deliver their #ActivateAI pilot for 30 participants between December and March, funded by the UK Tech Cluster Group’s Regional Booster Programme. This initiative is designed to empower founders and businesses across Northern Ireland to embrace artificial intelligence, increase productivity, and scale their businesses. If you’re a founder or SME and you know that you could turbo-charge your business productivity by embracing AI but you’re not yet sure where to start, then this is for you. Expect from our programme the usual AwakenHub mix of practical help and superstar speakers leading the sessions within a fabulous & inclusive community environment. 👇 Apply below by 7 November to be part of Activate AI - https://lnkd.in/eZcgNdun (Image by AI of course! Applications open to everyone) Matrix, The Northern Ireland Science Industry Panel Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC) NI Chamber Russ Shaw CBE Martin Spiller John Ferris North West Regional College (NWRC) David Crozier, CBE Ulster University

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Enterprise Ireland's Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF) offers early-stage Irish startups €50,000 or €100,000 in funding via a Convertible Loan Note (CLN) to help develop products, build teams, and reach key milestones needed to secure future seed investment. The fund supports startups with global potential, helping cover operational costs, product testing, and skill development. The Irish BICs (Business Innovation Centres) provide hands-on support throughout the application process. Monthly webinars are available to guide applicants, with the next one hosted by Propelor BIC on Sept 16th Click here for more info https://lnkd.in/ejP8g9jP and here to register for this webinar https://lnkd.in/ens4QCzi

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Ireland is leading the charge in medtech, healthtech and life sciences innovation! From AI diagnostics to wearable cancer care, these 21 brilliant Irish companies are transforming global healthcare: AuriGen Medical | biosimulytics | Celtic Biotech Ltd | CergenX | Ceroflo | Cirdan Ltd | FeelTect | Head Diagnostics | Hooke Bio Ltd. | ICS Medical Devices | LaNua Medical | Lia Eyecare | Luminate | Neurent Medical | Neuromod | Shorla Oncology | Sports Impact Technologies | SymPhysis Medical | Versono Medical Ltd | Vertigenius™️ These start-ups are backed by major funding, many have spun out from top Irish universities, and targeting global markets with bold, patient-focused solutions. #IrishInnovation #Medtech #LifeSciences #HealthcareStartups #DigitalHealth #AIinHealthcare #EnterpriseIreland #EICAccelerator #GalwayMedtech #UCDSpinouts #irish #medtech #lifesciences #healthtech #startups #innovation 📘 Explore the full list and their breakthroughs: https://lnkd.in/eKTyWdZP

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A landmark new survey of technology decision-makers in 200 Northern Ireland businesses by GCD Technologies in partnership with the Institute of Directors (IoD) today reveals the extent to which companies here are formally using AI, whether they are doing so in a strategic way, and how they intend to use AI in the future. Key findings include: 📌 Only 19% of Northern Ireland businesses currently use AI 📌 Fewer than 4 in 10 of these (39%) use it strategically 📌 Strategic adopters are seeing real impact – 86% report efficiency gains, 71% improved customer experience and 58% revenue growth 📌 Main barriers to adoption are lack of knowledge (41%), in house skills (36%) and budget restrictions (22%) 📌 Just 20% of non-AI users have governance or controls in place The findings highlight both the early stage of AI maturity in Northern Ireland and the growing appetite among business leaders to explore its potential. As adoption accelerates, there is a clear opportunity for organisations to invest in skills, governance and innovation to stay competitive. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/euBDEdgE

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