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As the Start’Ship project comes to a close, WestBIC is proud to reflect on our role in this transformative Erasmus+ initiative that brought together universities, students, and industry partners from six European countries to build a lasting framework for student entrepreneurship.
Over the course of the programme, Start’Ship connected Ireland with partners in Italy, France, Latvia, Portugal, and Belgium, creating opportunities that extended far beyond traditional classroom learning. Through hackathons, pitch competitions, and hands-on training modules, students developed real entrepreneurial skills, tackling challenges in health tech, foodtech, and longevity sectors.
The results speak for themselves. Students who participated in Start’Ship didn’t just learn theory, they built ventures, competed internationally, and gained the confidence to turn ideas into action.
The StudentxStartup Hackathon in Naples and the final international pitch competition showcased genuine entrepreneurial potential, with winning teams demonstrating market understanding and problem-solving abilities that impressed industry judges.
For WestBIC, this project reinforced what we know works: connecting aspiring entrepreneurs with experienced mentors, providing structured learning pathways, and creating opportunities for cross-border collaboration. The programme’s impact will continue well beyond its official end date, as all training resources remain freely available online for students and educators across Europe.
The Start’Ship consortium, led by Eurasanté and including WestBIC, Commercialisation Reactor, University of Coimbra, AP Hogeschool Antwerp, and University of Naples Federico II, demonstrated what’s possible when we work together with a shared vision for supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs.
While the project is ending, the network, resources, and entrepreneurial mindset it fostered will continue supporting students as they build the innovative companies of tomorrow.
Learn more about Start’Ship: https://www.startship-project.eu/
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This International Women’s Day, we’re proud to celebrate the remarkable women shaping the future of enterprise and innovation across the Border, Midlands and Western regions of Ireland.
At WestBIC, we’ve had the privilege of supporting many women founders on their entrepreneurial journeys — from early development through to scaling and investment readiness. Their ambition, creativity and resilience continue to drive innovation across a wide range of sectors.
Here are just a few of the inspiring women-led ventures supported by WestBIC within our client community:
GROUND Wellbeing — Founded by Peigín Crowley, GROUND Wellbeing was created to make meaningful, therapeutic self-care accessible to all. Drawing on over 30 years of global spa expertise, Peigín has built an award-winning brand focused on women’s health, cancer care and holistic wellbeing.
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These founders exemplify leadership, resilience and creativity — building businesses that serve diverse markets while creating meaningful impact both locally and internationally.
Behind the scenes, a talented team of women at WestBIC help deliver the tailored supports that empowered these founders. Their expertise in mentoring, programme delivery, marketing, and operations plays a vital role in driving innovation across our regions.
Our team includes:
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Each brings passion, commitment and deep sector knowledge to their work supporting ambitious founders — helping to turn vision into reality.
Supporting women entrepreneurs strengthens communities and drives innovation across sectors. When women thrive in business, the benefits ripple across the economy — creating jobs, building resilient companies and bringing diverse perspectives to leadership and innovation.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the inspiring women entrepreneurs in our client community and the dedicated women within the WestBIC team who support them every day.
➡️ Explore more inspiring client stories:
https://www.westbic.ie/case-studies
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In the early days of a start-up, efficiency is key to scaling your business. Choosing the right digital tools can simplify operations, enhance productivity, and set your company up for sustainable growth.
Here are the essential digital tools that every start-up should consider.
FacePOS, a WestBIC-supported client company, offers modern payment solutions essential for business growth. With facial recognition technology, FacePOS enables customers to pay without physical cards, boosting both convenience and security.
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Start-ups can benefit from:
Innovative tools like FacePOS show how digital solutions can future-proof your business.
Strong collaboration is vital for start-up growth. Tools such as Microsoft Teams and Office 365 streamline communication, store files in the cloud, and maintain searchable histories for easy onboarding.
At WestBic, we’ve helped start-ups scale efficiently with tools like An Even Better Place to Work (BP2W®), a proven online, self-managed Transformational Employee Engagement Software Solution.
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BP2W® helps start-ups:
Tools like BP2W® ensure your team stays aligned, motivated, and productive as your start-up grows.
Environmental responsibility is increasingly important to modern investors and customers. However, tracking and reporting sustainability initiatives can be overwhelming for small businesses.
Accelerating Action, a Mayo-based business supported by WestBIC through Prep4Seed funding in 2024, provides a platform that helps start-ups manage their climate impact without the need for a dedicated sustainability team.
By using such a platform, start-ups can:
- Meet ESG requirements and strengthen investor appeal
- Attract environmentally conscious customers
- Identify energy-efficient improvements that reduce costs
With 73% of investors now considering ESG factors in investment decisions, sustainability is no longer optional — it is strategic. Tools like Accelerating Action make this transition manageable and measurable.
A visual project management tool such as Asana ensures that team members understand what needs to be done — and when. Entrepreneurs can align long-term business objectives with short-term daily and weekly tasks, ensuring that all activity contributes to strategic goals. Shared calendars, task tracking and Gantt charts make projects more manageable while improving team communication and accountability.
Digital marketing platforms help start-ups maximise visibility efficiently. Canva enables professional graphic creation, while LinkedIn and Instagram offer powerful advertising and networking opportunities. Quick responses via Instagram DMs strengthen customer relationships from the start.
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Success isn’t just about a great idea — it’s about executing efficiently with the right tools. Early adoption of digital solutions helps start-ups scale sustainably, improve productivity, and maintain high standards.
At WestBIC, we specialise in supporting start-ups to discover and implement the tools that drive growth, efficiency, and innovation. Get in touch today and see how we can help your business thrive.
Last month WestBIC participated in the BEAP-MAR partner meeting hosted by Deputación de Pontevedra in Spain this January, joining project partners for two days of collaboration and knowledge exchange focused on advancing marine biotechnology innovation across the Atlantic Area.
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BEAP-MAR is an EU-funded project exploring the commercial potential of marine organisms for high-value applications, particularly in health and pharmaceutical sectors. The project brings together research institutions, universities, business innovation centres, and industry stakeholders from across the Atlantic region to unlock the economic potential of marine biodiversity while promoting sustainable Blue Economy practices.
Day one of the meeting centered on project progress, with partners sharing updates on field research, compound screening results, and emerging publications. Several of the work packages highlighted exciting developments, which will be released later in the project.
The second day featured BEAP-MAR Pill 4, a public-facing event showcasing the broader context of marine biotechnology innovation. Presentations explored the potential of marine compounds for treating inflammatory diseases, the role of Interreg Atlantic Area in fostering transnational cooperation, and Galicia’s leadership in building a sustainable Blue Bioeconomy. Sessions also addressed marine litter accumulation along the Galician coast and innovative approaches to transforming marine waste into economic opportunity.
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The meeting reinforced WestBIC’s commitment to supporting innovation in Ireland’s marine sector while strengthening international partnerships that can accelerate commercialisation pathways for marine-derived products. Through BEAP-MAR, WestBIC continues connecting Irish entrepreneurs and researchers with European networks advancing sustainable ocean-based innovation.
For more information about BEAP-MAR or to get involved visit https://beap-mar.eu/
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The Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF) is an early-stage investment programme from Enterprise Ireland designed to help start-ups bridge the gap between idea validation and full investor-ready status. It supports innovative companies with up to €100,000 of funding to help develop products or services, achieve key technical and commercial milestones, and prepare for future fundraising rounds.
This fund is open year-round, allowing startups to apply at any time. However, timing is crucial, and businesses are limited to three applications within a 12-month period.
The PSSF is ideal for early-stage companies that:
The fund is open to early-stage Manufacturing and Internationally Traded Services companies. Former recipients of the Competitive Start Fund (CSF) may also apply but are eligible for a maximum of €50,000 if they meet suitability criteria.
To apply, a company must:
Additionally, the business must comply with EU state aid criteria as an innovative startup or under de minimis funding rules. Visa status must also be regularised before receiving investment, if applicable.
🔹 €50k or €100k via a Convertible Loan Note (in one or two tranches).
🔹 Support from an Enterprise Ireland Development Advisor.
🔹 10 mentoring sessions with with Enterprise Ireland’s mentor panel.
🔹 Access to Enterprise Ireland’s Market Research Centre.
As part of Ireland’s Irish BIC network — alongside AxisBIC, Propelor BIC and Furthr — WestBIC plays a crucial role in supporting founders through the PSSF journey. Our team offers tailored guidance from idea stage to investor readiness, helping early-stage businesses navigate the application process, refine their pitch, and prepare compelling milestone plans.
Our involvement extends beyond the workshop — with 1:1 support and mentoring to help founders confidently present their proposition to Enterprise Ireland. And the data shows the impact: 68 % of companies awarded PSSF funding nationally worked with the Irish BICs .
Thinking about applying for the PSSF? Join WestBIC and Enterprise Ireland for our online PSSF Workshop, designed to give you actionable insight and confidence to complete a compelling PSSF application.
✔ Your eligibility and how the fund works
✔ How to structure your application and milestones
✔ What Enterprise Ireland looks for in successful submissions
✔ Tips on refining your narrative and investor readiness
Whether you’re still validating your idea or preparing to submit an application, this workshop is a handy accelerator towards becoming investment ready.
📅 Who should attend?
Early-stage founders and start-ups aiming to apply for PSSF / early-stage funding — especially those ready to take their business to the next milestone and think globally.
Minister Burke Announces €23 Million for European Digital Innovation Hubs, Including Data2Sustain, to Support SME Digitalisation
Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, has announced €23 million in additional funding for Ireland’s four European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) to enable the hubs to continue supporting eligible enterprises and public service bodies in adopting AI and other cutting-edge digital technologies.
Ireland’s four EDIHs — CeADAR, Data2Sustain, ENTIRE, and FactoryXChange — help drive digital transformation and AI adoption across all sectors, providing one-stop-shop services including technical consultancy, ‘Test Before Invest’ innovation, financial and business advice, as well as workshops and ecosystem events to advance enterprise and sectoral digitalisation skills and AI Adoption.
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Ireland’s successful progression into Phase 2 of the EDIH Programme, running from 2026 to 2029, will significantly scale up digitalisation efforts among SMEs and public sector organisations. The national programme will deliver over 3,000 engagements, 1,100 ‘Test Before Invest’ projects, and more than 200 training courses nationwide.
The Data2Sustain EDIH consortium, led by Atlantic Technological University (ATU), focuses primarily — though not exclusively — on clients across all sectors in Ireland’s Western and Northwestern regions.
The Data2Sustain Phase 2 core partners are Atlantic Technological University (ATU), University of Galway, WestBIC, Advanced Innovation in Manufacturing (AIM) Centre, European Regions Network for the Application of Communications Technology (ERNACT), Údarás na Gaeltachta (UDARAS), and the Local Enterprise Offices (LEO) in the West and North-West. Phase 2 commences 1st May 2026.
Data2Sustain also provides EDIH funded access to engineering, scientific, and business expertise and services from hosted technology gateways, AI research centres, and AI innovation studios within its core partners.
The nine associate partners in Data2Sustain Phase 2 are Alpha Innovation, CREW Digital, Future Cast, Innovation Technology AtlanTec Gateway (ITAG), MSL Education and Training Board (MSLETB), Platform94, PorterShed, Western Development Commission (WDC) and Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA). Together, they form a vibrant network of hubs and organisations collaborating with Data2Sustain and the wider EDIH network to support enterprise development and public services.
Speaking about the national EDIH Phase 2 announcement, Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, said:
“Extending the European Digital Innovation Hub programme in Ireland into Phase 2 ensures that our SMEs will continue to access world-class digitalisation support. Our four hubs have already delivered transformative results, helping businesses adopt AI, automation and sustainability practices.
By maintaining this momentum, we are increasing Ireland’s competitiveness and enabling enterprises across Ireland to future-proof their operations. This continued investment reflects our commitment to making advanced digital technologies accessible for every region and sector.”
Enterprise Ireland CEO, Jenny Melia added:
“Enterprise Ireland is proud to support the continuation of Ireland’s European Digital Innovation Hubs into Phase 2 of the programme. These hubs are delivering real, practical supports that help SMEs and public service bodies understand, test and adopt advanced digital technologies with confidence.
By scaling up access to ‘Test Before Invest’ facilities, specialist expertise and targeted training nationwide, we are helping businesses accelerate productivity, build resilience and remain competitive in an increasingly digital global economy.”
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Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU:
“ATU is proud to work closely with our Data2Sustain consortium partners to advance digitalisation levels, AI and advanced technology adoption across a broad range of sectors — regionally and nationally. Phase 2 builds on the many EDIH achievements to date and will further leverage the technology and business capacity of the consortium partners to scale high-impact service delivery through 2026–2029. We are working to maximise synergies with the national EDIH network and wider Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) investments across the consortium for the broadest regional and national economic impact.”
Mike Conroy, Data2Sustain Director and Programme Co-Ordinator:
“Working across our consortium, the EDIH programme has proven to be a flexible mechanism to complement company or client journeys in digitalisation, AI innovation, advanced technology adoption, and accessing wider business supports. With this Phase 2 support from DETE and Enterprise Ireland, we will evolve and scale our consortium services in partnership with our updated partner network and in collaboration with national EDIH colleagues. We will further increase sectoral relevancy, ecosystem engagement, and regional reach and in particular, strengthen the ecosystem collaboration in enterprise AI skills development and innovation in SMEs, priority sectors, and across the wider region.”
John Brennan, CEO of WestBIC:
“WestBIC are proud to continue as a Data2Sustain consortium partner for Phase 2. We have seen firsthand how integrated support enables SMEs to adopt digital solutions with confidence, and this ‘one-stop-shop’ model has proven highly effective in removing barriers to digital adoption.
EDIH2 will enable us to deliver even more comprehensive business support to enterprises adopting AI and advanced technologies. We look forward to scaling these services and helping more companies across the region build sustainable competitive advantage through digitalisation and AI adoption.”
The EDIH national programme leverages co-funding from the EU’s Digital Europe Programme to deliver these essential supports to Irish enterprise.
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Further information: Data2Sustain EDIH | www.data2sustain.ie
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The new year brings fresh energy and renewed ambition, making January the perfect time to establish habits that will fuel your entrepreneurial journey throughout 2026.
Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling an existing business, the right daily practices can be the difference between surviving and thriving in today’s competitive landscape.
1. Master Your Morning Momentum
The most successful entrepreneurs understand that how you start your day sets the tone for everything that follows. Establish a consistent morning routine that includes time for strategic thinking before the day’s urgencies take over. This might mean reviewing your key priorities, checking market updates relevant to your sector, or simply taking 15 minutes to visualise your business goals. This focused start creates clarity and intention that carries through your entire day.
2. Embrace Data-Driven Decision Making
In 2026, gut instinct alone won’t cut it. Make it a habit to regularly review your key performance indicators, customer feedback, and market trends. Set aside time weekly to analyse what the numbers are telling you about your business health, customer behaviour, and growth opportunities. This systematic approach to data helps you spot problems early and capitalise on emerging trends before your competitors do.
3. Build Your Learning Portfolio
The business landscape evolves rapidly, and staying ahead requires continuous learning. Commit to absorbing new knowledge daily — whether through industry podcasts during your commute, following thought leaders in your space, or dedicating time to understanding emerging technologies relevant to your business. Consider joining entrepreneur networks or attending industry events across the West, North West, and Midland regions to learn from peers facing similar challenges.
4. Strengthen Your Network Systematically
Networking shouldn’t be left to chance encounters at events. Make relationship-building a deliberate habit by reaching out to one new connection each week and nurturing existing relationships monthly. This could mean sharing relevant industry insights, making introductions between contacts, or simply checking in on fellow entrepreneurs’ progress. Strong networks often become your most valuable business asset, opening doors to partnerships, customers, and opportunities you never expected.
5. Schedule Regular Strategic Reviews
It’s easy to get caught up in operational tasks and lose sight of the bigger picture. Block out time monthly for strategic reflection: Are you moving toward your long-term vision? Which activities are driving real results versus just keeping you busy? What market shifts should inform your next quarter’s priorities? This habit ensures you’re building a business, not just running one.
Your Implementation Strategy
Don’t attempt to overhaul everything simultaneously. Choose one habit to focus on for the first month, then gradually layer in others as each becomes natural. Track your progress and celebrate small wins — building sustainable habits is a marathon, not a sprint.
The entrepreneurs who thrive are those who recognise that success comes from consistent, intentional actions compounded over time. As you plan your 2026 journey, remember that the habits you establish now will determine where your business stands twelve months from today.
Ready to accelerate your growth this year? WestBIC’s advisory services and business growth programmes are designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage. Connect with us to explore how we can help turn your 2026 ambitions into achievements — info@westbic.ie
Thursday, 20 November 2025 — Dublin: The bi-annual Prep4Seed programme culminated with The Investor Day, where early-stage companies pitched to an audience of angels and VCs.
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Prep4Seed is delivered nationally by the four Irish Business Innovation Centres (BICs) — WestBIC, AxisBIC, Furthr and Propelor BIC — in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland. The programme brings founders through a focused investor-readiness journey, from first principles to a confident pitch and a clear path to funding.
The cohort reflects strong regional breadth and sector diversity across Food; FinTech & Financial Services; Lifesciences & HealthTech; Enterprise Solutions and Digital Technologies. The participating companies were:
Anyscor Limited
FacePOS Limited
Hyperpath Limited
Island Fare Limited t/a Ocras
KineMo Limited
MCSupport Tech Limited t/a MCS-Tech
Ralco Compliance Limited
Sirona Foods Limited
Stratos Medical Limited
StylAI Limited t/a Sizible
Tolki AI Limited
Conor O’Donovan, Heads of Start-ups at Enterprise Ireland said: “At Enterprise Ireland, we are committed to supporting 1,000 new startups over the next 5 years as part of our strategy to 2029. We know that securing investment is a key challenge for startups and the Prep4Seed programme, run in collaboration with the four BICs, supports founders to develop their business proposition to attract further investment. I would like to congratulate MCS-Tech and Ocras on their awards today and all the participants on the programme and to commend the hard work it took to get them to this point. Enterprise Ireland looks forward to supporting these high-growth start-ups on their investment journeys.”
MCS-Tech Recognised with One to Watch Award
MCS-Tech, a healthcare software company specialising in the automation of hospital billing, claims processing, and patient admissions, has been honoured with the One to Watch Award.
Commenting on the achievement, co-founders Fiachra O’Driscoll and Nicholas Condon said: “Winning the One to Watch award is a powerful validation of our vision for MCS-Tech and a testament to the dedication of our team. The Prep4Seed Programme has been transformative, providing the clarity and structure needed to sharpen our commercial strategy and refine our investor proposition. We extend our sincere gratitude to Enterprise Ireland and the Irish BICs for delivering such a valuable programme.”
Ocras Wins Best Pitch Award
Ocras, a producer of frozen foods designed to support individuals with varying levels of swallowing difficulties (Dysphagia), was awarded the Best Pitch Award in recognition of its compelling presentation.
Over twelve weeks, participants took part in five Masterclasses delivered by the Irish BICs and a series of tailored one-to-one sessions with BIC consultants, supported by intensive pitch preparation and trial pitches, ensuring each team applied the learning directly to their own business ahead of today’s Investor Day.
To date 88 startups have participated in the 12-week Prep4Seed investor-ready programme.
WestBIC recently joined partners from across Europe in Lille for the sixth LOTTI Interregional Meeting (LIM6), held from 18–20 November 2025. The visit offered WestBIC a valuable opportunity to delve into the Hauts-de-France innovation ecosystem and to strengthen cooperation with regions working on identity-led industrial transition.
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Over the course of three days, partners engaged with regional policymakers, innovation leaders, and stakeholders who are shaping new approaches to economic development in areas undergoing major transition. Hosted by the Hauts-de-France Regional Council, the opening sessions gave a comprehensive overview of regional strategies, LOTTI progress, and the latest Interreg Europe policy developments. Each partner region shared insights from their Local Dialogues, highlighting how identity, heritage, and community engagement are informing policy thinking at home.
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A standout element of the visit was the deep dive into EuraTechnologies, one of Europe’s most established digital innovation campuses. Here, partners explored how the region is fostering digital entrepreneurship and lifelong learning through initiatives such as the Euratech Learning District and the emerging Campus Cyber. The visit demonstrated how digital transformation and citizen engagement can reinforce one another at local level — an area of growing relevance for WestBIC’s own regional work.
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The programme continued with a strong focus on industrial transition. At ENSAM, experts presented research and training activities linked to Battery Valley, along with the region’s REV3 strategy, which aims to accelerate a shift towards cleaner energy and more resilient economic models.
![\\\"\\\"](\\\"https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*Go9ZQVHvH8_Uog5UdXlPSg.jpeg\\\")
Later, the group travelled to CRITT M2A, where cutting-edge testing facilities are supporting innovation in electric mobility and energy storage. These examples offered valuable learning on how regional actors can collaborate with industry to navigate major shifts in manufacturing and technology.
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The final day highlighted creativity and culture as drivers of regeneration. Visits to EURACREATIVE, Le Fresnoy, and CETI showed how former industrial areas can successfully transition into hubs for design, media, and advanced materials. These practical examples of adaptive reuse and innovation tie closely to LOTTI’s central theme: building the future of industry by recognising and reimagining local identity.
![\\\"\\\"](\\\"https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*qra6xia3ILcrUQLby0VLig.jpeg\\\")
Across all sessions, the WestBIC team engaged in constructive dialogue with project partners, gaining fresh perspectives and exploring opportunities to apply learning within the Irish context. The LIM6 meeting reinforced the value of international cooperation in shaping more inclusive and locally grounded industrial policy.
WestBIC returns from Hauts-de-France energised for the next phase of LOTTI, as partners continue to exchange experience and support each other in advancing identity-driven industrial transition across Europe.
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The latest UnicornQuest Interregional Learning Event took place in Galway, Ireland, on 7–8 October 2025, hosted by WestBIC. The event brought together project partners and stakeholders from across Europe to explore Ireland’s collaborative approach to supporting start-ups and scaling enterprises.
Over two days, participants shared progress on policy improvements and regional action plans aimed at strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems — or “unicorn forests” — that nurture high-growth enterprises across partner regions.
The sessions opened at Platform94, where Deirdre Mac Loughlin (WestBIC Chair), Pietro De Martino (EBN President), and João Assunção (PACT) welcomed partners.
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![\\\"\\\"](\\\"https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*oUTmkm2uaUSelBklTWK9ug.jpeg\\\")
Key presentations included insights from Kenneth Deery on the West Regional Enterprise Plan and James Donlon (WestBIC) on Ireland’s Action Plan for Policy Improvement.
![\\\"\\\"](\\\"https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1007/1*YMF4IU1qGV53biH1Yr5N6A.jpeg\\\")
Partners from all regions then shared their own action plans and monitoring strategies during a hands-on workshop led by Marinka Vovk (CPU Reuse Center, Slovenia).
The event showcased Ireland’s vibrant support environment for start-ups and innovation. Presentations from Enterprise Ireland, Platform94, Western Development Commission, and WestBIC highlighted national and regional programmes such as Pre-Seed Start Fund, Prep4Seed, and New Frontiers, all designed to accelerate high-growth entrepreneurship.
Participants visited the ATU Innovation Hubs, where Turlough Rafferty, Innovation Centre Manager, and his team presented the university’s commercialisation supports and entrepreneurship initiatives, including the New Frontiers Programme. The session offered valuable insights into the role of higher education institutions in driving innovation-led regional growth.
![\\\"\\\"](\\\"https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/971/1*qwxVLaLJaNzWVSf8E_BC2w.jpeg\\\")
Day 2 began with a visit to the Galway Chamber of Commerce, where partners took part in a consortium meeting to discuss next steps for policy improvements, monitoring activities, and project communications and financial planning. Karen Ronan, CEO of Galway Chamber, then outlined the Chamber’s work in supporting and scaling innovative enterprises through initiatives such as the Galway City Innovation District and Portershed.
![\\\"\\\"](\\\"https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*2fzdfuWMzDVoD7Ty_NF6wg.jpeg\\\")
The event concluded with a visit to the University of Galway, where Dr Sinéad Walsh, Director of Operations at BioInnovate Ireland, delivered an engaging presentation on the programme’s impact in fostering medtech entrepreneurship. Participants toured the facilities and learned how BioInnovate’s approach contributes to the development of high-potential start-ups and scale-ups in the health innovation sector.
![\\\"\\\"](\\\"https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*Kqw2JUHWKjAFn-C-l8xIcA.jpeg\\\")
The Galway meeting marked a milestone in the UnicornQuest journey, focusing on refining policy improvements and preparing for the next monitoring phase. It also strengthened collaboration among European partners, while highlighting the West of Ireland’s innovation strengths and its growing potential to cultivate its very first unicorn.