HORIZON-EIC-2023-iCapitalPrize - The European Capital of Innovation Awards
EU Prizes: Application form (prizes) The European Capital of Innovation Awards: V1.0 – 08.03.2023
implemented the SME Energy Champion initiative since 2021 along with our colleagues in Cork Chamber. The initiative actively seeks out and supports SME businesses in the Region to manage their energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs by effective energy management, auditing and employing best practices relevant to their industry. SME Energy Champion initially ran a pilot phase with 12 SME participants over 12 months. The next phase, currently being designed, will see up to 100 Cork SMEs sign up to actively manage their energy use. This initiative fosters a sense of collaboration and mutual support amongst SMEs in the Region facing the challenges of implementing climate action and managing volatile energy prices.
Cyber Ireland
Cyber Ireland - the national Cyber Security Cluster that brings Industry, Academia, and Local Government together to represent the Irish cyber ecosystem. The cluster is based in Cork and aims to position Ireland as a world-class cyber security practice, solutions, and investment hub. Cyber Ireland aims to facilitate the cyber security ecosystem to capitalise upon this opportunity. This cluster was recently financially supported by Ireland’s Enterprise development agency Enterprise Ireland to broaden its remit to develop a Cyber Security SME Cluster to drive the development of indigenous cyber security SMEs and digitally dependent SMEs with a need for cyber security solutions. It will include a start-up ecosystem and will foster productivity, drive competitiveness and support internationalisation. It will leverage the connections with industry through the national cyber security cluster organisation, Cyber Ireland.
Tech Industry Alliance
Tech Industry Alliance- is a member-driven technology cluster which includes over 180 members. In recent years this cluster has focused increasingly on increased engagement with indigenous SMEs and driving collaboration and innovation across the breadth of its network. A not-for-profit organization, TIA works with academia, industry, local government, and state agencies to provide networking, upskilling and collaboration opportunities and promote member organisations as well as the region as a technology excellence hub. TIA is a member of the European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP). It is also building relationships with other European clusters in Malta and Spain. Secured the European Secretariat for Cluster Analysis (ESCA) bronze label – ‘Striving for Cluster Excellence.
Shandon Innovation and Community Hub
“Recreate Shandon”, in partnership with Cork City Council as partners and owners of the Shandon Butter Market, are planning the restoration and refurbishment of the Shandon Butter Market to its transformation into an exciting innovation Hub and Community Space for Cork City – the “Shandon Exchange” .
Cork’s Butter Market was established during the latter part of the 18th century at a time when Cork City’s population rose dramatically from 17,000 to 60,000 because of the Industrial Revolution. At the same time, Cork became Ireland’s major Atlantic port. As Cork became the largest port of the British Empire the butter market grew to become the largest in the world and a major centre of butter distribution on the international market. The state-of-the-art Shandon Exchange will attract high-tech start-up enterprises in the ICT and Digital Sectors. The Shandon Exchange will be an exchange in the true meaning of the word. It will be a space where businesses, universities, and multinationals can exchange ideas, innovate, and develop cutting- edge products and services in the heart of Cork City. Importantly, the Shandon Exchange will provide the local community with much-needed training and meeting facilities, and act as a catalyst to regenerate the Shandon area. This project is at the final stage of feasibility and work is expected to commence in 2024.
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