Eleven new entrepreneurs have recently commenced the development of their businesses in the Midlands Innovation and Research Centre at Athlone Institute of Technology - as participants on the Midlands and West Enterprise Programme (MWEP ) 2011.
The MWEP is a business development programme run jointly by Athlone Institute of Technology and Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology in partnership with Enterprise Ireland. The programme provides participants with the business skills and supports necessary to navigate the business start-up process.
All of the MWEP early-stage start-ups are knowledge-based with growth and export potential. Products being developed include data integration software, a media management portal, an equine feeding product, and a unique gas burner. Many of the products and technologies are being developed in collaboration with the Research Institutes at AIT.
Paul Killeen, AIT’s Head of Research, Enterprise and Innovation, said “Working closely with Enterprise Ireland, AIT is strongly focused on increasing the number of new innovative high-growth export-focused companies in the Midlands. These start-ups have full access to the wide range of research and innovation expertise at AIT. We will help them convert their ideas into prototypes and leading products and services for national and global markets.”
Barry Egan, director - Midlands Region Enterprise Ireland, said ,“Increasing the number of new high potential start-ups in the Midlands is a key objective for Enterprise Ireland. We are fully committed to working in partnership with these start-ups to help them build their capabilities and secure international market access for their products and services.”
The Midlands Innovation and Research Centre at AIT welcomes enquiries from early stage companies and potential entrepreneurs - particularly those interested in taking time out (with the possibility of significant supports ) to incubate their business ideas.
For more information and contact details log on to www.mirc.ie
