INNOVATION IN BUSINESS CENTRE

Galway	Castlebar

The Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, in fulfillment of one of the key objectives identified in our Strategic Plan 2004-2009, opened two Innovation in Business Centres (IiBC) in late 2005 and mid 2006.

These Innovation Centres were established with the support of Enterprise Ireland, and have a twofold objective; to support and facilitate the emergence of new market-led and knowledge-based companies in the region and, forge strategic links between the college and the world of industry and commerce.

The Innovation in Business Centres at GMIT Castlebar and Galway will offer incubation facilities and a supportive environment to potential entrepreneurs to assist them in taking their ideas from concept to full commercialisation.

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 are available for client companies such as financial, legal, sales, marketing and export development including mentoring and networking facilities.

Since starting up a business can be such a challenge for most, a business incubation facility is often necessary to help nurture young companies in those first few years until they have established themselves with products or services in an international setting.

The Innovation Centres also acknowledge the support of Bank of Ireland and the Mayo Industries Group.

Aim of Innovation Centres

Increase number of high potential start-ups
Improve early stage survival rates
Accelerate company / job growth
Enhance links with GMIT and SMEs / MNCs

IiBC Benefits for Start-up Companies

Incubation space for company start-up
Desk space for individuals researching a concept or idea
Business Development Supports such as Sales, Marketing, Finance, Intellectual Property
Mentoring, Networking, Legal, Export Development
Access to research capability
Access to graduates and postgraduates

Potential Clients

Individuals with innovative ideas.

GRADUATE ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME
The GMIT Graduate Entrepreneurship Programme 2013 is now open for applications. The programme starts on Monday, 9th September 2013 for a period of 6 months. (Access to dedicated desk space will be available in June 2013).

The Programme is open to all GMIT graduates and to all 2013 current final year undergraduate and postgraduate students of a GMIT accredited course or module. It encourages you to develop and bring your idea to the marketplace and awards those who demonstrate innovative and entrepreneurial flair that is vital for Ireland’s economic success.

The supports that are awarded to those who are successful participants on the Programme include:

Six months dedicated desk space in Innovation Centre
Broadband availability
Mentoring
Brainstorming of idea or concept
Workshop/Business Development Supports
Networking opportunities
Access to fax, printing, photocopying
Use of boardroom facility
Access to research capability in GMIT

To apply, download the Graduate Entrepreneurship Programme 2013 application form or, for further information, download the Graduate Entrepreneurship Programme's brochure.

BizSpark

Microsoft® has an exciting new programme specifically designed to provide early stage start-ups like yours with software, support, and visibility to help ignite your success. The programme, called BizSpark™ provides access to:

Software: Join BizSpark and you’re just clicks away from having access to: current, full-featured development tools, including Visual Studio Team System, plus production licensing to develop and bring your solution to market.

Support: BizSpark provides you with professional technical support from Microsoft and connects you to a global community of business experts who can help guide you through the hurdles of growing your business.

Visibility: Through BizSpark, you’ll have the opportunity to achieve a global visibility to an audience of potential investors, clients and partners.

Eligibility requirements are minimal: If you’re a privately held company building a software-based product or service (even using open source code), in business for fewer than three years, and will less than USD$1M in annual revenue, you’re in!

To join BizSpark, you must be sponsored by a BizSpark Network Partner, such as the Innovation in Business Centre Galway and Castlebar (IiBC Galway and IiBC Castlebar). You will find more programme details here: www.microsoftstartupzone.com When you are ready to sign up, contact Mr. George McCourt, Manager IiBC Galway, at george.mccourt@gmit.ie or Maria Staunton, Manager IiBC Castlebar, at maria.staunton@gmit.ie about sponsorship and get your enrolment code. Client companies in IiBC Galway and Castlebar are entitled to free access to this programme!

Once you have your enrolment code, joining BizSpark is fast and easy. No payment or credit card information is required, and there are no up front costs. (Microsoft will assess a USD$100 programme offering fee at the end of participation in the programme, or at the end of three years, whichever comes first).

Get your startup fired up! Visit the Microsoft Start-up Zone at the above link to learn more!

Newsletters

Welcome to our summer edition of the Innovation in Business Centres’ Galway and Castlebar (IiBC) eNewsletter! In this edition, we highlight the successes from the GMIT Technology Incubators at Galway and Castlebar.
GMIT IiBC eNewsletter(PDF)