Galway Technology Centre is a state-of-the-art ICT cluster of international repute and reach. It has accommodated the needs of both indigenous start-ups and in-bound international companies ‘soft-landing’ in Ireland. To date, this highly wired and connected facility has supported over 120 companies employing in excess of 1,000 higher value jobs, with this number rapidly growing despite the on-going economic crisis.
Some of their predecessors and now graduate companies of this facility are major employers. The likes of Duolog Technologies, Storm Technology, Abbott Vascular and BioWare joined the facility in 2010; an IDA supported global leader and major employer for Galway during their launch.
Promoting entrepreneurship and innovation start-ups at local level is critical for Galway’s future and this purpose built facility contributes to providing the type of environment entrepreneurs and early stage companies need to develop their business ideas into commercial enterprise.
The centre provides a complete solution to entrepreneurs seeking a high quality environment in which to grow their enterprise from concept to commercialisation and beyond. In the words of GTC’s newly appointed Manager Niamh Costello, “We take care of everything; GTC is a one-stop shop for ICT, digital media, games and other knowledge based companies, offering low cost office space for start-up and growing companies with access to connectivity and a range of services that is second to none in the Galway area. “
The Centre is supported by Galway Chamber, Enterprise Ireland, Galway County & City Enterprise Board and WESTBIC. WESTBIC are located on site and according to Niamh, “provide support to high potential start-up companies in the form of mentorship and assistance with business plans and preparing them for investment funding. Our close relationships with Enterprise Ireland, The City and County Enterprise Boards, Galway Chamber and many others provide backup and support to companies located in the centre”.
The GTC now houses over 30 companies and is growing in volume monthly. The centre provides flexible, high quality, serviced office space for early stage and developing enterprises. The integrated range of facilities and services are extensive and specifically designed to meet early stage enterprises with limited resources. The centre has invested in key ICT and facilities infrastructure and equipment so that the entrepreneurs can use their resources to concentrate on developing their products and meeting customer demands.
Now after 19 years servicing the needs of start-up enterprises in Galway, the Centre is ready to support the next generation of knowledge based high growth companies into the future. This generation included BioWare/EA Games, an international company, which located itself temporarily while recruiting for their Customer Centre of Excellence and Network Operations Centre. Niamh comments that “As well as supporting start-up companies, the centre hosts some of IDA’s multinational clients as they establish a base in Galway, to have a readymade, serviced office space available where companies can be up and running with enterprise level ICT systems in the space of days has proved to be invaluable and most importantly allows these companies to concentrate on establishing and growing their presence in Galway.”
The Centre is the perfect location for entrepreneurs with great ideas but limited finance who need the option to grow from one location without spending their cash on expensive telephony, broadband and firewall software and equipment. GTC’s serviced office space includes VOIP telephony, broadband, firewall, 24×7 access, a HP training suite, an on-site O’Brien’s Sandwich Bar and a range of other services.
Frank Greene, Chairman of GTC comments “GTC is a not-for-profit entity set up by Galway Chamber, WESTBIC & Enterprise Ireland to provide over 50,000 sq. ft. “Reference Point” for innovation, incubation and entrepreneurship in Galway City and County. GTC compliments the services provided by FAS, City & County Enterprise Board, Enterprise Ireland, Udaras na Gaeltachta, and the NUIG & GMIT Research centres. GTC provides a range of fully IT services spaces ranging from Singe Desk to up to 2500 sq. ft. units.”
The centre will be holding a series of seminars given by GTC tenants in the coming months, on current topics surrounding social media in the workplace, app building and social management.
Please contact GTC’s new management team, Niamh Costello or Ann-Marie Tiernan on 091-770007 or mail info@gtc.ie with your queries about the services that GTC provides. www.gtc.ie
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