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INNOVATION IN BUSINESS CENTRE AT GMIT, CASTLEBAR
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| Outside view of IiBC Mayo |
The Innovation in Business Centre (IiBC) at the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Castlebar Campus, was officially opened in March 2006.
The IiBC supports the development of new enterprise in the region by providing incubation space and business development supports for the nurturing of new ideas and the commercialisation of applied research.
Supported by Enterprise Ireland, the IiBC has 10 Incubation Units ranging in size from 18 to 36 sq. m. for start-up companies. The Innovation Centre has a Concept Desk Space facility to support entrepreneurs who have a good idea for a new business venture, which may in time develop into a project for the incubation units. The Centre also has an MWEP Desk Space facility. This is a one year innovative enterprise support programme that targets individuals with commercial experience in starting their own high-potential, knowledge-intensive business. The IiBC also runs an Enterprise Development Programme supported by South West Mayo Development Company and North East Mayo Leader Partnership Company. This is a four month enterprise-training programme will have a combined approach of practical learning through workshop delivery, hands-on experience and one-to-one mentoring for all participants. The Innovation Centre will facilitate the networking and other supports necessary to navigate the business start-up process.
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| Reception in IiBC Mayo |
The IiBC enables companies to work in a secure, innovative, entrepreneurial environment as they progress through the various stages of a new company start-up. A range of business development supports is available for client companies such as financial, legal, sales, marketing and export development including mentoring and networking facilities.
Current client companies located at the IiBC, Mayo include the following industry sectors - Software Development, Environmental Products, Medical Device, ICT etc. These are just a few of the projects by start-up companies supported and nurtured by GMIT's new Innovation in Business Centre (IiBC), Mayo.
Developing an innovative and entrepreneurial culture among the students and staff of GMIT through such linkages is a key objective of the institute and the opportunities afforded by the Centre are continuously evaluated. Staff and students are currently engaged in market research, product testing, materials evaluation and the assessment of branding opportunities on behalf of IiBC client companies.
The Innovation Centre has led to the creation of over 60 jobs since its opening.
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| Cafeteria in IiBC Mayo |
Boardoom Hire
If you are looking to rent a room in the IiBC then contact us today. Facilities include: free parking, canteen facilities, facilitate catering requests.
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| Boardroom Accommodates up to 15 people Digital projection Broadband access Presentation resources (Flipchart, Whiteboard) | Meeting Room Accommodates up to 10 people Digital projection Broadband access Presentation resources (Flipchart, Whiteboard) |
Student Awards 2011
First prize went to Joan Finnerty from Ballintubber, Claremorris, a 4th year Business and Accounting student at GMIT Castlebar. She received a cheque for €1,000, business mentoring support worth €500 and two months free incubation space in the IiBC.
The second prize was awarded to Sharon Kenny and Christine McCutcheon, both studying towards an Honours Degree in Outdoor Education at GMIT Castlebar. They received a cheque for €500 and business mentoring support worth €500.
Third and fourth prizes went to Yvonne Staunton, Business student, and Laura Taylor, Outdoor Education student, who won €300 and €200 respectively.
The remaining finalists Anthony Holmes, Liam Joyce and Sinéad O’Hara were awarded €50 each.
The competition, which has been running for the past five years, attracted over 60 entries from students of GMIT Castlebar. Sixteen were then chosen to complete a Business Plan and six were selected to present to an external panel.
Maria Staunton (Manager of IiBC) commended all the finalists and encouraged them to seriously look at enterprise and innovation as a career choice in the future. She said “These future graduates have the potential to form the next generation of Irish enterprises”.
The winners were announced at a reception in the Innovation in Business Centre on Thursday evening, 24th Feb.
For further information about this event, please contact the Innovation Centre at: iibccastlebar@gmit.ie
Directions to the Innovation in Business Centre
From the Galway Road, take the 2nd exit and drive straight. On reaching the 2nd roundabout take the first exit (Dublin Road take 2nd exit). Continue straight ahead, on reaching the next roundabout take the 2nd exit and continue straight, passing through Pedestrian lights and Fire Station on the left. On reaching the final roundabout (Westport Road), take the 2nd exit and continue straight. Take the first right (signposted Mayo General Hospital and GMIT) and continue straight. Take right (signposted Mayo General Hospital and GMIT). Take first right and continue around to the back of the GMIT. This is the Innovation in Business Centre. Press button at barrier to gain entrance to car park. Door to main reception (press button beside door for access) is at the end of the building on the left-hand side.
