Guest Speakers and Contributors
Plug Into The West
Founder, Sliabh Liag Distillers
“We chose to build in the West because of the strength of talent, the support ecosystem, and the quality of life it offers. This decision reflects a deliberate strategic commitment to the region and a strong conviction in its long-term potential as a hub for premium Irish whiskey production”.
Inventor, Creative Entrepreneur, Board Director for Common Knowledge
“In North Clare, we’re close to the elements and rooted in place. There’s a deep sense of welcome here, and of belonging to widening circles of community: with the people who join our courses and events, with fellow social entrepreneurs and impact-led organisations, with the land we’re learning from and working to restore, and with a living culture that genuinely enriches us. That rootedness generates something. Creativity flows here, through us and towards us, and with it a real sense of what’s possible”.
Co-Founder, FeelTect
“We chose to build FeelTect in the West because of the strength of the medical device ecosystem, the availability of talent and the quality of life it offers.”.
CEO, CREW (Creative Enterprise West)
“The West of Ireland offers a compelling mix of talent, collaboration and quality of life. It’s a region where businesses can grow internationally while remaining deeply connected to a supportive and ambitious ecosystem.”.
CEO, Platform 94
“Businesses are choosing the West of Ireland because it offers something hugely differentiated – a highly connected, collaborative ecosystem, access to world class ambitious talent, and the infrastructure and supports needed to scale internationally. It’s a region where companies can build with intent, supported by a community that is deeply invested in long-term growth and global success.”
CEO, Galway City Innovation District / PorterShed
“The West of Ireland has a proven track record of attracting talent and delivering high value jobs across key growth sectors including tech and medtech. The quality of work available from startups, scale ups and our FDI community means that key talent want to live, work, and stay in the west, availing of the many wrap round and supports offered by our collaborative and cohesive support ecosystem.”
CEO, AIM Centre
“The West offers space to think, a strong sense of community, and a connected ecosystem that makes it easier to build and scale. With access to talent, established infrastructure, and supports like Enterprise Ireland, it’s a region that is well set up for businesses to grow and compete.”
Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Mayo
“Mayo’s new Economic Development Strategy frames the County (and wider region) as a ‘World Class Place to Do Business’. The county has globally-significant multi-national companies; indigenous companies that are competing on the global stage; and start-ups that are on an international trajectory. This is underpinned by a culture of inter-agency collaboration that helps ensure that those with the capacity to start and grow a business get the support they need.”
Head of ALPHA Innovation
“The mindset and culture of our people is what I believe sets this region apart. Ask any high-growth international company and they will talk about the ingredients of success: a workforce with a sense of curiosity, positivity, and resilience, combined with an appetite for change, agility, and a can-do, problem-solving attitude that is sought after by hiring teams the world over. It is rare to find that secret sauce in one place …they find it in abundance here.”
