Construction work to extend GMIT's Innovation Hub (iHub) at the GMIT Galway campus has started.

The extension will double the size of the Innovation Hub to about 2,400 m2, providing space for an additional three dedicated MedTech R&D units; 17 incubation units for start-ups in the Software, Digital Tech, Connected Health sectors; a Co-Working space; an Events Space; Social Hubs; and, breakout meeting and networking areas. It will also provide a Entrepreneurship Hub where GMIT researchers, staff, students and Industry can work collaboratively on the creation and development of innovative ideas in support of an Open Innovation Strategy.

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The event was attended by the Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Níall Mc Nelis, local public representatives, Enterprise Ireland representatives, GMIT management and iHub client companies.

Dr Michael Hannon, Deputy President of GMIT, says: "GMIT welcomes the support from Enterprise Ireland for this necessary extension to cater for the increased demand we are experiencing to support new start-ups. This new facility will allow greater interaction between cutting edge research and entrepreneurship at undergraduate level. Importantly, the increased space that will allow double the number of enterprises to be supported, makes the iHub centre self-sustaining. This is a welcome development for the Institute as it demonstrates a good use of tax-payers’ money and allows greater engagement between academia and the business community."

(CD)