Over 76 new high-value jobs in 32 companies have been delivered by the University of Limerick’s Nexus Innovation Centre in its first year, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton TD announced today.

Minister Bruton recently visited the Nexus Innovation Centre, UL to mark the 1st anniversary of the launch of the new centre. In its first year of existence Nexus has far exceeded targets by supporting the formation and growth of 32 new high-tech start-up companies and over 76 new high-value jobs, 9 student cooperatives and 10 job bridge scheme placements.

Speaking at the event, Minister Bruton said: “A key part of the Government’s plan for jobs and growth is creating a powerful engine of indigenous enterprise. If we are to create the jobs we need we must not only support the multinational sector but also ensure that we have more indigenous companies establishing, exporting, and expanding. Today’s announcement shows the great potential that exists in dynamic, innovative Irish companies. I am determined to ensure that Government continues to support initiatives like the excellent UL Nexus Innovation Centre so that we can have more innovative Irish companies starting up, expanding and creating the jobs we need”.

Speaking at the event, Dr Mary Shire, Vice President Research, UL said; “The success of the Nexus Innovation Centre to date is testament to the expertise and entrepreneurial support available at the University of Limerick. It has been very encouraging to see international start-up companies like iMosphere and iTrac Global base their operations here with the generation of high-value jobs for the Mid West region.”

The Nexus Innovation Centre is the latest Enterprise Ireland campus incubation centre and was founded to support the formation and growth of 35 new high-tech start-up companies between 2011 and 2016, which is expected to generate over 115 new high-value jobs.

Nexus resident, Linda O’Sullivan, MD of Footbridge Interactive explains the impact the centre has had for her company; “Being in the Nexus Centre has provided us with a cost effective base with access to the University resources and expertise, and the innovation community in the Centre.  It is an ideal environment for any start up business in the technology space."

The Nexus Innovation Centre offers dedicated office space for supporting new technology based businesses together with two fully equipped research laboratory suites, boardrooms, meeting rooms and ancillary support services. The centre facilitates the transformation of new knowledge into commercially viable opportunities and is driven to create a hub or eco-system around which regional innovation is driven, organised and supported.

For further information about the Nexus Innovation Centre go to www.nexusinnovation.ie