Tag: companies

Red Bull Joins as Partner of the Ireland Esports Collegiate Series

The Ireland Esports Collegiate Series is proud to announce Red Bull as an Official Partner and Official Energy Drink for the 2025/26 season. This exciting collaboration marks a huge step forward for collegiate esports in Ireland, bringing one of the world’s most iconic brands into the island’s leading student esports competition.

First launched in 1987, Red Bull is the world’s best-selling energy drink, with over 12 billion cans sold in 2023.

Their influence in sport and esports is unmatched, and in Ireland they have already proven themselves as strong supporters of collegiate gaming. With initiatives like the Red Bull Gaming Hub at South East Technological University (SETU) Waterford and their growing support for a new gaming hub at Queens University Belfast, Red Bull has firmly established itself as a driving force behind student esports development.

Now, as a partner of the Ireland Esports Collegiate Series, Red Bull will play a pivotal role in amplifying the competition experience for both players and fans.

The Series has experienced record-breaking growth over the past three years. More than 800 students from 16 universities and colleges competed across eight different titles in the 2024/25 season, making it the largest and most diverse esports competition on the island to date. Participation has nearly doubled since 2021, reflecting the growing appetite for esports at third-level institutions and cementing the Series as a key part of the student experience in Ireland.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Red Bull as a partner of the Ireland Esports Collegiate Series,” said Kurt Pittman, Founder of Nativz Gaming. “This is a massively exciting moment for Irish esports. Red Bull’s commitment to collegiate gaming is second to none, and their involvement in our Series will take the experience for students and fans to an entirely new level. With their backing, the 2025/26 season is set to be the biggest and best yet.”

The Ireland Esports Leagues encompass schools, universities and companies, with the Collegiate Series as its flagship student competition. Together, these leagues provide a pathway for young people to connect through esports, develop valuable skills and progress toward careers in gaming, technology and beyond.

For more information on the Ireland Esports Collegiate Series visit www.irelandcollegiate.com and read more about Ireland Esports Leagues at www.irelandesportsleagues.com.

Deloitte opens the 2025 Fast 50 awards

Deloitte Ireland is inviting the country’s fastest-growing and most innovative technology companies to apply to be part of the prestigious Deloitte Fast 50 awards. The programme, which celebrates home-grown entrepreneurship, ranks the 50 fastest growing indigenous technology companies based on revenue growth over the last four years.

The list features both private and public listed technology companies that have demonstrated creative strategies, sound management practices and marketplace vision, driving them to achieve the status of high-growth leaders.

“The dynamic shifts in the macroeconomic landscape since the 2024 awards have intensified businesses focus on resilience and upholding the highest standards of quality across their organisations,” explains Jams Toomey, partner and Fast 50 programme lead at Deloitte.

“The changes in our current trading environment have shifted our focus here at home in Ireland. More than ever, we realise we need to invest and support indigenous businesses to insulate Ireland and keep us an innovative and exciting place to work and live. It’s why I’m passionate about the Deloitte Fast 50 awards, because every year, for 26 years, we celebrate the 50 fastest growing tech companies on the island of Ireland. Each business is a real-life example of the incredible indigenous companies that are being talked about so much.

“For any company considering applying, previous ranking companies have included unicorns Wayflyer and Tines,” continues Toomey. “That shows the calibre of our winners. The rankings are trusted, respected and purely quantitative based, solely looking at growth, so it’s an objective ranking. We hear from previous participants how this has helped them when looking for external investment. In this environment, when investors are being sharper and smarter with their money, this is invaluable. I look forward to seeing which companies apply and seeing many of them at our awards ceremony in November.”

This year’s awards programme will include several award categories that companies can enter in addition to the overall ranking. 2024 winners of these awards include Catagen for the Impact Award in association with Meta.

  • Growing New Technology Award in association with Google: This award recognises a company that has created or introduced a new or innovative product or service to international markets, which helped grow their business over the last four years.
  • Impact Award in association with Meta: This award recognises a company that has made a significant impact within the current year.
  • Women in Technology Advocate Award in association with NetSuite: This award will be presented to an individual who has demonstrated through their actions that they are an advocate for increasing participation by, and promotion of, women in the technology sector.
  • Scale Up Award in association with Scale Ireland: This award recognises a company that has demonstrated an impressive ability to scale up/expand overseas over the last four years.
  • Financial Services Innovation Award in association with Financial Services Ireland: This award recognises a company with an innovative product or service that is having a disruptive impact within the financial services industry.
  • The Rising Star award in association with Enterprise Ireland: This award will recognise a company that has demonstrated a promising growth trajectory and the potential for inclusion in the Fast 50 rankings in years to come. Companies being considered for this award must have operating revenues accounting for a minimum of 2 years and less than 4 years.

Application details and further information about the programme can be found here: https://www.deloitte.com/ie/en/Industries/tmt/technology-fast-50-awards.html

The closing date for entries is 19 September 2025 and the winners will be announced at a ceremony in Dublin on 27 November 2025.

Canada vs. Ireland: How the Tech Space Looks Either Side of the Atlantic

While the technological boom of the 21st century is a global phenomenon, it’s not evenly distributed across the globe. Some countries have much better developed tech scenes than others, and the situation is changing from decade to decade based on multiple factors. It’s not just the large nations that are leading the charge, as there are several medium-sized countries that punch far above their weight in this sector. Canada and Ireland are great examples, as both are home to numerous high-profile tech companies and have lots of native experts to perform crucial jobs.

We will take a closer look at these two countries located on the opposite sides of the Atlantic and compare their achievements in the technology domain. There are some obvious similarities but also many differences to explore, making this pairing very interesting.

Overview of the Canadian Technology Sector

From the earliest days of the IT revolution, Canada was on the forefront of innovation and business development. The population is highly educated and the nation has a well-regulated, business-friendly legal environment that benefits big technology firms. That has translated into a huge financial windfall – today the value of this industry exceeds $100 billion and it provides nearly 1.5 million jobs. Most of this is driven by the big players, including some globally known brands that many people don’t even know are Canadian. The list is headlined by names like Blackberry, Shopify, and Slack, but there are also brands such as Constellation Software Inc., CGI Inc., and many more.

Most of the tech industry is concentrated in large cities, with Ontario in particular being attractive to fast-growing start-ups due to great infrastructure and conscious efforts of the provincial leaders to attract investment. In recent years, the sector was invigorated by robust growth of the iGaming section with numerous Ontario online casino sites achieving international prominence. According to the available data, the growth is likely to continue into the foreseeable future and produce even more benefits for the local communities, although the competition is becoming stiffer. Canada has the foundation in place to remain a leader in the sector, but will have to adjust to new realities and continue supporting innovation and producing top talent to fill the key jobs.

Overview of the Irish Technology Sector

Ireland had a very different trajectory when it comes to the development of the technology sector. Back in the 1980’s when the industry first emerged as a global force, Ireland was still grappling with the complicated legacy of conflict and poverty. Things started changing for the better after the country successfully attracted international companies like Microsoft and Intel with a favourable tax regime, access to the common European market and other benefits. These and other blue chip companies opened their regional offices in Ireland, taking advantage of the tech-friendly legislation and turning the country into a vibrant hub. Smaller companies followed suit, while the influx of tech expertise also lead to development of some local success stories as well.

The industry accelerated in the 2010s, turning Ireland into a real force in the global market. The contributions of the technology sector to the nation’s finances today stand at 13% of the GDP, a much higher figure than in most countries of comparable size. Another incredible fact is that 16 out of 20 biggest tech companies in the world have an operating base in Ireland, with around 100,000 people employed in the sector. Some of the sub-fields with the strongest presence include FinTech and HealthTech, both of which are seen as extremely important in this period. That’s why it’s logical to expect Ireland to retain its unique position despite all the changes in the market.

Key Differences Between Europe and North America

There are certainly many parallels between Canada and Ireland when it comes to technology sector, but it would be naïve to assume that the situation is the same. As a North American country, the fortunes of Canada are closely tied to the United States and its powerful tech sector. It wouldn’t be fair to say that the Canadian tech industry lives in the shadow of the Silicon Valley, but the links are undeniable. Canada’s economy is also more diversified than Ireland’s, so the reliance on revenues from the tech sector is not nearly as dramatic. On the flip side, Canada’s location and climate may deter some of the most talented hardware and software engineers from joining companies based in the country.

Europe has its own set of issues that affect how Ireland conducts its tech business. The European Union consists of many nations, all of which have their local specificities. The regulations regarding fair competition and consumer protection are very strict, forcing tech companies to spend more to ensure compliance. Ireland has built a reputation as one of the most tech-friendly locations in Europe, yet it can’t truly be viewed outside of the broader EU context. It will be very interesting to see how the country navigates the changing political and economic climate and whether it will be able to leverage its experience with foreign corporations into a grassroots tech scene of its own.

Why Are Companies Shifting to Senior Java Development Outsourcing: Top 5 Benefits for Complex Projects

Many companies are looking at new ways to handle complex software projects. Instead of using in-house teams, they are turning to experienced Java developers from outside sources. This trend is growing because it offers several benefits in managing intricate tasks.

Companies find that outsourcing senior Java developers provides them with the expertise needed for advanced projects. This approach lets businesses focus more on their strategic goals while letting the experts handle the technical details. As the demand for sophisticated software increases, this shift to outsourcing becomes an attractive option for many organizations.

Cost Efficiency through Specialized Talent

Outsourcing Java development projects has become a popular strategy for many companies. One key reason is the access to a vast pool of specialized talent, which can reduce costs significantly, especially in complex projects. This specialized knowledge often allows projects to be completed faster, saving both time and money.

By working with a Senior Java Development outsourcing firm, businesses can tap into expertise without the costs of hiring full-time specialists. External teams are often well-versed in the latest technologies and best practices, which can streamline the development process.

In addition to expertise, outsourcing can lower expenses by minimizing infrastructure and training costs. Businesses don’t need to invest in additional software or continuous training for internal staff. Instead, they can utilize the resources and knowledge already possessed by the outsourcing partner, making it a cost-effective solution for achieving project goals.

Accelerated Time-to-Market Advantages

Companies are now shifting focus to senior Java development outsourcing for complex software projects. One significant benefit is the ability to accelerate time-to-market for their products. This means projects can be completed and launched in less time than traditional methods.

Senior Java developers bring high levels of expertise and experience, allowing for efficient and streamlined project management. They handle coding tasks quickly, which shortens development cycles. As a result, businesses can respond faster to market demands.

Outsourcing these tasks helps companies maintain competitive advantages by introducing their products sooner. This leads to increased opportunities, such as capturing early market interest and gaining customer feedback rapidly. Accelerated time-to-market also reduces the chance of losing potential revenue to competitors.

In today’s fast-paced market, speed is key. Companies that leverage senior Java development outsourcing can take advantage of new trends and stay ahead of their competition. Businesses looking for these benefits are finding this shift increasingly appealing.

Access to a Global Talent Pool

Companies are increasingly turning towards senior Java development outsourcing. One primary reason is access to a wide range of skilled developers from around the world. This approach allows businesses to tap into talented professionals that may not be available locally.

Outsourcing opens doors to diverse perspectives and expertise, enabling companies to find specialists with unique skills in Java development. These specialists contribute to solving complex software challenges efficiently.

By reaching out to global talent, organizations can choose developers who perfectly match their needs, improving their software projects. This strategy helps in assembling a team that is equipped to handle demanding tasks and innovate with cutting-edge solutions.

Scalability and Flexibility in Development

Outsourcing Java development projects has become a popular strategy for many companies. One key reason is the access to a vast pool of specialized talent, which can reduce costs significantly, especially in complex projects. Many organizations now choose to hire developers in Poland, given the country’s strong IT expertise and competitive rates.

By working with skilled developers, organizations can bring in expertise when needed. This approach helps adapt to both market changes and technological advancements.

Access to a broader talent pool is another benefit. Businesses can find developers with diverse skills, which guarantees that their projects can evolve smoothly. As project needs change, companies can rely on external resources to adjust without significant disruptions.

Focus on Core Business Strategies

By outsourcing Java development, companies can concentrate on their main goals. This helps them improve their focus and efficiency. Businesses are able to allocate more resources to areas that directly affect growth.

Delegating software tasks allows companies to direct attention to strategy and innovation. This shift can improve performance and help reach long-term goals. It also reduces the stress of managing complex development projects.

Outsourcing partners handle technical challenges, allowing businesses to develop their unique strengths. This makes it easier for companies to stay competitive. Companies can then explore new opportunities while maintaining stability.

Conclusion

Outsourcing senior Java development is increasingly favored for complex software projects. This approach provides companies with access to experienced developers while allowing them to focus on their primary business goals.

By outsourcing, businesses can handle intricate projects more efficiently and often at a reduced cost. This method leverages specialized knowledge without the long-term commitment of hiring full-time staff.

Choosing this path enables firms to address complex needs while maintaining flexibility and quality. As businesses continue to evolve, outsourcing remains a strategic solution for development challenges.

 

Top 7 Python Development Companies

Most people do not understand the true power of a programming language. Instagram, Youtube, Spotify, Reddit, even Google all have one thing in common – they all use Python. Whether it’s powering dynamic websites, crunching massive datasets, or streamlining repetitive tasks, Python’s versatility and simplicity make it an undeniable leader among all available high-level programming languages. Any python software company is truly a cornerstone of modern IT sphere.

But the magic of Python alone isn’t enough — choosing the suitable company can make or break your project. And among a wide range of the python programming companies presented on the IT market nowadays, it is all the more challenging to pick the right one.  

1. Imaginary Cloud: Experts in Building User-Friendly Applications 

Imaginary Cloud is a seasoned player in the sphere of Python development, with a rich history of producing top-tier digital solutions for the past 14 years. They were founded in 2010. They have received numerous honours, including Top 100 Fastest Growing Companies and Top 1000 Global Companies in 2020 & 2021. Over the years, Imaginary Cloud has honed its skills in Python, making it a go-to partner for businesses seeking innovative solutions. 

They are known for creating user-focused applications, and, moreover, provide full transparency and clear communication which makes them reliable and trust-worthy. They take strong ownership of the projects, meaning you can expect a partner ready to help you every step of the way. 

They also have a proven track record of delivering high-quality solutions. Some of the projects they developed over the years are a publicly accessible website and a subscription-based web application for Confinze, giving Confinze’s clients access to their financial information; improvement of an iOS app for Jinga Life, which is a digital, personalised, family health platform; digitalization of UNUA’s workflow by designing an iPad app and a backoffice app meant for supporting sellers during the sales process and for managing factory orders.

2. Toptal: Connecting Businesses with Top Python Developers 

With Toptal, you are welcome to a network of the top freelance software developers, designers, marketing experts, finance experts etc. It only accepts 3% of the applications after a thorough screening. Veritable crème-de-la-crème of developers and specialists. Their exclusive network of Python developers will not just meet your expectations, they will exceed it with value adds that will further enhance your project. 

One of Toptal’s standout features is its flexible collaboration models. They provide their clients with a choice – whether they want to work with a freelance developer directly, outsource the development or hire developer for a certain project, Toptal provides a solution. 

Startups and large enterprises alike benefit from Toptal’s curated talent pool. Developers associated with Toptal are tested on their soft skills. They are not only amazing workers, but also great teammates. Moreover, there is always a trial period while working with a new freelancer that Toptal connected you with.

3. Evrone: Innovation and High-Quality Development 

Established in 2008, Evrone has emerged as a leading IT outsourcing company specializing in high-load system development for web, mobile, blockchain, and more. On their website you can see the results of their work for yourself. It is genuinely amazing how much they accomplished. More than 400 implemented projects and 150 international awards (WEB GURU, CSSLight, Awwwards etc) definitely make them a market leader in this sphere. 

Evrone’s most desirable perk is their enormous team of high-class professionals. More than 300 people are working on the projects, keeping up with new trends and developments. And those who work with them obviously trust them since 70% of their revenue come from long-term contracts with companies from more than 30 countries. Examples include a big data processing service for the advertising agency SberMarketing, evolution and implementation of new features for a crypto payment processing service, a website for a major corporation in the proptech and development sector “Samolet”.  

Evrone’s main areas of expertise include web development, analytics, and custom solutions. Their comprehensive service offerings encompass agile software development, software architecture consulting, digital transformation, and more, ensuring clients receive end-to-end support for their projects. That is exactly why this is the best company for all your python outsourcing needs.

4. Merixstudio: Integrating Python Solutions for Businesses 

Merixstudio is a Polish top python development company recognized for its expertise. Established in 1999, it’s a full-stack agile firm that helps you all through the planning, designing, and development of your web applications and digital products.  

The company specializes in developing solutions for SaaS products and startup projects. They develop e-commerce sites on daily basis, usually with the usage of Magento technology. Their core competencies and skills that make them stand out include creating top of the line web applications and UX/UI design.  

Merixstudio combines innovation with adherence to high development standards to produce exceptional results. Varying skillsets and perspectives presented in their teams are another welcome bonus.

5. DOIT Software: Custom Applications and Turnkey Solutions 

DOIT Software help enterprises, SMEs, and startups to solve unique business challenges to achieve significant results. The company is renowned for creating custom applications and turnkey solutions that address unique business needs. With a focus on innovation and efficiency, DOIT Software has become a reliable ally for organizations across diverse industries.

Their portfolio showcases successful projects such as advanced CRM systems and tools for business process automation. Example of these include a proactive network relationship management solution NRM, a mobile app to support a healthcare solution provider ID-Queue’s interpreting services and many others, detailed on their website in the portfolio section.

DOIT Software employs a result-oriented approach. They promise to their clients that they will keep in-house-like control over the project and team while building a long-term engagement with the company.

6. STX Next: Europe’s Largest Python Development Firm 

Since its establishment in 2005, STX Next has grown into Europe’s largest python programming company. Boasting of some of the finest Python developers in their staff of more than five hundred, they can supercharge your project with extraordinary code. Over the 19 years, STX Next has earned a global reputation for delivering high-quality software solutions powered by Python among clients from Canada, South Africa, Australia, Scandinavia, Western Europe, and the Middle East. Some of the companies that STX Next has done projects for include Sendcloud based in Netherlands, Procsea in France, VetMedux in USA and many others.

STX Next specializes in large-scale projects, offering end-to-end services for businesses requiring robust and scalable solutions. If you need to scale your project up or down depending on your budget and needs, it can be done very easily with STX Next.

7. BairesDev: A Global Team of Python Developers

BairesDev is one of the fastest-growing international outsourcing companies. They have been reimagining the tech landscape for more than a decade, transforming Fortune 500 brands and leading companies across multiple industries and verticals. Their scalable and high-performing software solutions for various clients across the globe are definitely worth considering.

The company’s portfolio includes collaborations with numerous Fortune 500 companies including Google, Rolls-Royce, Adobe and many more, showcasing its ability to handle large-scale and high-stakes projects. BairesDev’s core services include: 

  • web development 
  • mobile app creation 
  • data analysis. 

They deliver a variety of custom web development projects, from enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to SaaS applications using Python and other tools. 

Python has earned its place as one of the most widely used programming languages, powering everything from web applications to data analytics and automation. It has been around since 1991 and as of right now it is the most popular programming language. The global demand for it only increases with passing years, as is evident by the success of the top 7 python development companies. 

Collaborating with professional Python developers unlocks the full potential of this programming language. It is used by the companies in a variety of ways, to work with artificial intelligence, with game development and graphic design etc. The best companies for python developers featured in this article show a proven track record of delivering exceptional results. They can fulfill many functions for their clients, such as consulting, testing their projects, debugging them.

The Role of Insurance Companies in Personal Injury Defense Cases

Did you know that insurance premiums in the US exceed one trillion dollars annually? This highlights the central role that insurance companies play in many sectors.

When a personal injury claim is made, several parties are involved. However, the insurance company plays the most important role.

Understanding this role can make the process clearer. It can also help claimants navigate the process more effectively.

In this article, you will learn about the essential role of insurance companies in personal injury defense cases. Read on to examine their strategies and effects on case resolutions.

Evaluating Claims

One key role of insurance companies is evaluating claims. They check if the injury was caused by their client’s actions. This involves:

  • gathering evidence
  • speaking to witnesses
  • reviewing medical reports

The company may also consult experts to understand the extent of the injury. They look for any signs of fraud or exaggeration in the claim.

If there is enough evidence to support the claim, they may offer a settlement. If the evidence is weak, they may choose to challenge the claim in court. A thorough evaluation helps the company decide whether to fight the claim or settle.

Legal Representation

Insurance companies provide legal representation for their clients in personal injury cases. Once a claim is filed, they engage attorneys well-versed in such matters. This is to protect the interests of their policyholders.

These legal experts navigate the complexities of the legal system. They offer strategic advice and craft compelling defenses. This often leads to more favorable outcomes.

To learn more about this intricate field, check out https://stevedimopoulos.com. They offer legal representation and expert guidance.

Settlement Negotiations

After assessing a claim, insurance companies play a key role in settlement negotiations. They aim to reduce the financial impact on their clients or defend injury claims.

By settling, they can avoid long court battles. This saves time and resources. Settlements are also faster resolutions than going to trial.

Insurance companies also help ensure that their clients are not burdened by prolonged legal proceedings. They may offer a settlement that is lower than what could be awarded in court. This approach helps prevent uncertainty and additional costs.

Risk Management

Insurance providers also focus on risk management. They analyze claims history and study common injury trends. This helps them improve their policies and cover acceptable risks.

It protects their clients and strengthens their financial position. By doing this, they can make better decisions in legal defense strategies.

Underwriting Policies

Insurance companies are responsible for underwriting policies. These policies set the coverage provisions for their clients. In personal injury defense, understanding the policy language is important.

The terms decide coverage limits and the scope of protection. This affects how defense strategies are planned. Insurers must make sure policyholders know their coverage to avoid surprises during claims.

Public Relations and Reputation Management

Insurance companies play a key role in public relations during personal injury disputes. A well-handled case can improve their image.

They communicate effectively and stay involved in the community. They also work to maintain a positive reputation, even in tough cases.

Managing Personal Injury Defense Cases

Insurance companies play many roles in personal injury defense. They evaluate claims, provide legal representation, negotiate settlements, and manage risks.

These actions help resolve cases efficiently. For those dealing with personal injury claims, understanding the role of their insurance provider can be very helpful.

Don’t stop here, there’s so much more to learn about on our website. Browse our other blog posts for more information.

Nordic data companies unveil a new integrated data set combining AI road weather forecasts and with real-time connected car data

Vaisala Xweather and NIRA Dynamics are first to release an integrated data set which connects road weather forecasts and computer vision observations with real-time connected car data, setting a new standard for data-driven road safety and maintenance.

The integration draws on NIRA Dynamics’ expansive data from billions of data points gathered from connected vehicles, paired with Vaisala Xweather’s advanced AI and ML-based road weather forecasting models, which achieve accuracy levels 50% higher than those of publicly available forecasts.

The future of driving is going to be heavily dependent on more accurate and real-time road weather and road condition data as the availability of autonomous and assisted driving features are highly influenced by the driving conditions. Currently, as seen on many Electric Vehicles (EV), the assisted driving functionalities are disconnected to secure driver safety based on crude weather and road condition estimations, such as temperature drop to under 4 degrees Celsius or change in tire rolling resistance.

Real-time data from connected vehicles on tire grip, road friction, surface quality, and weather conditions combined with leading industry-specific weather forecasts, the aggregated data set has multiple use cases already today. This offers significant practical uses today, including reducing accident likelihood by expanding the availability of autonomous and assisted driving features in adverse road and weather conditions, assessing road quality with computer vision to optimize maintenance efforts, and reducing resource usage – such as minimizing winter road salt application. The benefits extend to all road users, from improved safety and reduced environmental impact to cost savings for road authorities and municipalities.

By integrating NIRA Dynamics’ connected vehicle data into Vaisala Xweather’s platform, this partnership creates opportunities for future advancements in road safety and autonomous driving. The combined data opens doors to further applications such as EV range optimization, traffic management, insurance risk assessments, and reducing accident rates.

“At NIRA Dynamics, our mission is to deliver data-driven solutions for safer, more efficient journeys,” says Lisa Åbom, CEO of NIRA Dynamics. “With Vaisala Xweather, we’re able to offer access to road weather data which helps road maintenance professionals, automotive manufacturers, and navigation providers become future proof. We all understand the impact of weather on road safety, and with Vaisala Xweather, we are pushing the industry forward.”

Related links

109 Irish companies secured European Space Agency (ESA) support in 2023

Enterprise Ireland has today published the ‘Space Activities in Ireland 2023’ Report, highlighting the growing participation and success of Irish companies in the European space sector. By the end of 2023, 109 Irish companies were actively engaged with ESA, demonstrating the significant expansion of Ireland’s role in this high-growth industry.

In 2023, ESA awarded contracts worth €9.9 million to Irish companies primarily focused on industrial activities. Industrial co-funding of €2.2 million further supported these enterprises. Throughout the year, 25 companies, including three newly space-active businesses, were supported in developing products and technologies across sectors including telecommunications, earth observation, and space exploration.

A key highlight of the year was the successful launch of the Educational Irish Research Satellite 1 (EIRSAT-1), Ireland’s first satellite, on 01 December 2023, marking a significant milestone. EIRSAT-1 is a student-led project from University College Dublin (UCD) and was developed in collaboration with Irish technology companies.

Commenting on the 2023 report, Minister Emer Higgins, Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, said:

“2023 was a momentous year for the Irish space sector. The increasing number of Irish companies working with ESA, alongside the launch of EIRSAT-1, highlights Ireland’s strong position in this fast-growing sector.

“As Ireland’s space community continues to innovate and collaborate with European and global partners, the future of the country’s space sector looks brighter than ever. The Irish Government is committed to continuing its support for innovation and enterprise in the space sector as we look to build on these successes and further strengthen Ireland’s role in the global space economy.”

Marina Donohoe, Head of Research and Innovation at Enterprise Ireland, added:

“The strong growth in Irish companies engaging with ESA, now reaching 109, is a clear indicator of Ireland’s expanding footprint in the global space economy. This year’s report demonstrates the progress and impact Irish companies are making through collaboration with ESA, not only in advancing space technology but also in driving innovation in sectors with downstream applications. Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting these companies and the growing number of research teams actively involved in space-related developments supported by ESA.”

The space economy was valued at $630 billion in 2023 and is forecast to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, with an average annual growth rate of 9%, significantly outpacing global GDP growth[1]. This rapid expansion, driven by both public and private sector investments, has opened new opportunities for ‘NewSpace’ companies developing innovative space-related products and services.

In a demonstration of Ireland’s position at the front rank of space technology development, ESA’s new rocket the Ariane 6, which launched smoothly in July this year, used two technology systems designed and built by Irish space engineering company Réaltra. Enterprise Ireland’s ESA Business Incubation Centre (ESA BIC) Ireland also had a successful year, welcoming seven new start-ups. These companies are focused on developing both upstream and downstream applications, further bolstering Ireland’s contribution to the burgeoning space sector.

Another key development for the sector in 2023 was the establishment of the Irish Space Association (ISA), a new organization designed to foster collaboration among space-active companies and research organizations in Ireland. This collaborative network will play a pivotal role in the future growth of Ireland’s space sector by promoting knowledge-sharing and enhancing the country’s competitive edge in the global space market.

The ESA End of Year Activities Report 2023 underscores the significant progress being made by Irish companies and researchers as they collaborate with ESA and European partners. With Irish companies continuing to leverage the opportunities created by NewSpace, the future looks bright for Ireland’s expanding space sector.

For more information or to download the full report, visit enterprise-ireland-esa-2023-report-en-134478.pdf

13 new businesses awarded Ireland’s Best Managed Companies accolade

13 new businesses have been awarded the Ireland’s Best Managed Companies (BMC) accolade at the 16th annual awards programme. This year, Deloitte recognised 129 indigenous companies at the awards, representing 28 of the 32 counties across the island of Ireland.

The network of companies has a combined turnover of more than €15 billion and provide employment to over 45,000 people across a range of sectors from technology and healthcare to construction.

A thorough judging process precedes the recognition each year, evaluating the entire management team and the business strategy of each company. The judges examine a wide range of areas when assessing Ireland’s top privately-owned businesses, such as a business’ environmental, social and governance standards, strategic planning and talent strategy.

The 13 newly qualified companies are: Active8 Solar Energies, Ashdale Care, Coen Steel Limited, Ethos Engineering, MCO, Mergon Group, Mivan, Mowlam Healthcare, S&W Wholesale, Sisk Group, United Hardware, Western Motors and Writech.

Brian Murphy, Lead Partner for Ireland’s Best Managed Companies Awards Programme, said: “The Irish economic growth story has been extraordinary, and we see this evidenced in the success of Irish indigenous businesses and the confidence shown by Best Managed Companies. Ensuring Ireland’s entrepreneurs and the companies they start get the support they need to grow and scale is crucial.”

Cathy Bryce, Managing Director, AIB Capital Markets, said: “AIB is proud to be the new lead sponsors of Ireland’s Best Managed companies. One of AIB’s core ambitions is to support Irish companies and their management teams in sustainable growth and development, something which is fully aligned with the goals of the BMC programme.”

A total of 116 companies requalified as a Best Managed Company. 19 of these achieved Gold Standard (four years as a BMC) and 12 achieved Platinum Standard (seven years as a BMC). Fexco won the Family Business Award.

The members of this year’s judging panel were:

  • Frank Ryan, former Chairman of the Board of IDA Ireland and Chair of BMC judging panel
  • Cathy Bryce, Managing Director, AIB Capital Markets
  • Ellvena Graham OBE, Non-Executive Director & Chair of Tourism Northern Ireland
  • Feargal Mooney, Non-Executive Director and former CEO of Hostelworld
  • Lionel Alexander, Chair Intact Software and Non-Executive Director
  • Orla O’Gorman, Non-Executive Director and former Head of Listing at Euronext
  • Professor Anthony Brabazon, Dean of UCD Michael Smurfit Business School
  • Sarah Murphy, CEO of Business Post

 

New Winners

Company County
Active8 Solar Energies Monaghan
Ashdale Care Monaghan
Coen Steel Limited Galway
Ethos Engineering Dublin
MCO Dublin
Mergon Group Westmeath
Mivan Antrim
Mowlam Healthcare Limerick
S&W Wholesale Down
Sisk Group Dublin
United Hardware Dublin
Western Motors Galway
Writech Westmeath

 

The Gold Standard (four years as a Best Managed Company) winners are:

Company County
BidX1 Dublin
Camile Thai Kitchen Ltd Dublin
Clonakilty Food Co Cork
DigitalWell Dublin
Dowds Group Antrim
Errigal Group Monaghan
Fortus Group Dublin
H&MV Engineering Limited Limerick
Instantor Dublin
Keltech Waterford
Mannok Fermanagh
Modubuild Kilkenny
MPA Recruitment Derry
Stafford Lynch Dublin
The Brennan and Co Group Dublin
Toga Group Dublin
Totalmobile Antrim
Triangle Technology Services Dublin
Windsor Motor Group Dublin

 

The Platinum Winners (seven years as a Best Managed Company) are:

Company County
Around Noon Down
Codd Mushrooms Ltd Carlow
Creagh Concrete Antrim
Dennison Trailers Kildare
EDGE Innovate Tyrone
GES Group Antrim
GSLS Dublin
LotusWorks Sligo
Ocuco Dublin
Phonovation Dublin
PlanNet21 Dublin
The Merrion Hotel Dublin