- RDI Hub will create high skilled jobs and drive economic growth in the South West.
- Members will enjoy first class facilities with innovation and globalisation opportunities.
- Seeking several companies in first year to use RDI Hub as their home.
- Applications close on 18th October 2019 with second phase opening in February 2020.
RDI Hub, a new research, development and innovation hub backed by Fexco, IT Tralee and Kerry County Council, has launched its competitive application process to recruit companies and individuals as members when it opens its operations in January 2020.
RDI Hub is a not for profit public-private partnership which will drive design led innovation, nurture entrepreneurs, and facilitate research and development in the financial technology sector. It anticipates attracting several companies as members in its first year, with space to accommodate 80 people in the building.
The RDI Hub will be located in a 20,000 sq ft premises in Killorglin donated by industry partner Fexco. It is located within easy reach of both Cork and Shannon International Airports, and less than 25 minutes’ drive from Kerry Airport in Farranfore.
Applications are expected from domestic and international high potential start-ups, entrepreneurs, SMEs, academics, local authorities and public sector bodies. Entry will be through a competitive process designed to find and support those digital companies with the best potential for growth and expansion. Applications are open until 18 October 2019 for companies interested in the space from January 2020.
RDI Hub will help members scale their businesses through new product development, increased innovation, and finding new market opportunities. The Hub is ambitious to help create new jobs and drive economic growth in the South West region.
RDI Hub Chief Executive Liam Cronin said:
“Since joining as CEO over the Summer we have been busy getting ready to launch the application process which we hope will attract a high level of interest from companies and entrepreneurs attracted by the high performance and innovation culture we are creating at Digital Hub. The South West region is already synonymous with entrepreneurship and technology, particularly focused on the fintech sector, and we are confident that the calibre of applications we receive will be extremely high.”
The competitive application process will evaluate a range of criteria including the applicant’s demonstrable ambition for expansion, ability to create high skill jobs, and potential to develop talent ICT and fintech talent in the South West region. Applicants with significant customer validation already completed and the ability to create a competitive advantage through their product or business model will be well-placed to succeed.
In addition to mentoring and training opportunities members of RDI Hub will benefit from:
- Innovation and globalization programmes: training on Artificial Intelligence, Horizon 2020 Funding and Sales Excellence are amongst planned training topics in early 2020
- 1GB Broadband: top quality high-speed internet infrastructure
- Events Spaces: An auditorium & flexible collaboration spaces to cater for all types of events
- Breakout Space: Breakout areas that will be perfect places to meet with fellow members
- Prototype rooms: Two Prototype rooms to help companies take their idea to Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
- Conference Rooms: High-tech audio-visual & telecommunication facilities to enable members to present, discuss & communicate
- Workshops / Meetups: the Hub will host a wide range of developer meetups and innovation workshops for our community
- Food / Drink: Canteen onsite with quality food & drink offers and free coffee
RDI Hub’s home will be the previously-named Liebig Building, a former factory outside Killorglin that is currently undergoing redevelopment. The building will be renamed in honour of John McCarthy as a tribute to the Stanford University Computer Scientist, one of the founders of the discipline of artificial intelligence, whose father was born in Cromane in Kerry.
Fexco CEO, Denis McCarthy said:
“The RDI Hub is an excellent example of Government, Higher Education and Private Enterprise working together to drive job creation and economic growth. We are proud to support the initiative and look forward to seeing members of the Hub thrive. As we have demonstrated at Fexco, Kerry can be the base from which you can build an internationally successful fintech business.”
Dr. Brendan O Donnell, Acting President, IT Tralee:
“We look forward to forging a close working relationship with RDI Hub, and believe that it can provide an excellent forum for the commercialisation of the work of our students and researchers. At IT Tralee we have a proven track record of excellence in the areas of education, entrepreneurship and technology which will make a valuable contribution to the Hub’s success.”
Moira Murrell, Chief Executive, Kerry County Council:
“The Council takes its responsibility to encourage and facilitate economic growth and job creation in the region very seriously. RDI Hub is a project that we believe will help expand upon the regions existing reputation as centre for fintech innovation, attracting high potential start-ups to a location with exceptional facilities and a collaborative working environment.”
To find out more or to make an application to become a member of RDI Hub please visit www.rdihub.com
About RDI Hub
RDI Hub is a world-class centre for design-led, innovation located in Ireland’s South West. A first of its kind, RDI Hub focuses on commercialisation of innovation and research in the fintech and related technologies’ sectors. RDI Hub is a not-for-profit partnership between Government, HEI Research and Private Enterprise.
For further information please contact:
Murray
- Doug Keatinge; 086-0374163; dkeatinge@murraygroup.ie
- Andrew Smith; 087-6437693; asmith@murraygroup.ie
