INNOVATION IN BUSINESS CENTRE AT GMIT, CASTLEBAR

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.

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 31 jobs since its opening; 16 promoters and 15 employees.

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.

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)

The GMIT Student Innovation Awards 2010

The GMIT Innovation Awards competition gives students at the Castlebar campus a unique opportunity to test their creative business ideas and awards students who demonstrate innovative and entrepreneurial flair that is vital for Ireland's future economic success.

First prize went to Mary Burke from Williamstown, Co Galway, Maria Coll from Ballinlough, Co Roscommon, and Michelle Kilcoyne from Castlebar, Co Mayo, for their educational software product called “Or”.  The three students are currently in the second year of a BA in Accountancy and Financial Management (L7). They won €1,000 cash, incubation space in the Innovation Centre for two months and mentoring from The Discovery Partnership, a client company in the GMIT Castlebar Innovation Centre. 

Second prize was awarded to Richard Carr from Castlebar, Co Mayo, for his project called “Bluetooth Proximity Marketing”. Richard is a fourth year student on the BSc (Hons) in Computer Services Management (L8). He won €500.

Third prize went to Damien Daly and Daniel O Morche bothfrom Castlebar, Co Mayo, who are fourth year students on the BA (Hons) in Outdoor Education (L8). They won €300. Fourth prize went to Gareth Gargan from Belcarra, Castlebar, Co Mayo, and Alan Dowling from Stradbally, Co Laois, who are also studying a BA (Hons) in Outdoor Education (L8), winning €100. All prizes were sponsored by Shell Ireland for the competition. 

For more information click on info

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. 

Innovation in Business Centre Castlebar
GMIT Castlebar
Westport Road
Castlebar
Co. Mayo.

Tel: +353 94 90 43198
Fax: +353 94 90 26493
Email: Maria Staunton
Email: Innovation Centre