Last Wednesday, 25 March, the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise hosted Accelerate Your Digital Transformation, a collaborative event delivered by the Applied IoT Cluster in partnership with Ireland’s European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs).
The event brought together SMEs, public sector organisations and industry stakeholders to explore how Ireland’s innovation ecosystem can support digital transformation through practical expertise, funding pathways and real-world collaboration.
A Collaborative Approach to Innovation
A key focus of the event was demonstrating how the Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway Network and the EDIH network work together to provide a seamless, end-to-end support system for organisations.
Experts from the Applied IoT Cluster including ICS, Nimbus and WiSAR Technology Gateways were joined by representatives from ENTIRE EDIH Ireland and Data2Sustain.
Together, they highlighted how organisations can move from initial digital discovery through to applied research, development and implementation, leveraging complementary supports at each stage.
Real-World Impact Through Case Studies
One of the standout elements of the event was the series of client case studies, which provided tangible examples of how businesses are successfully engaging with both Technology Gateways and EDIHs.
Attendees heard from:
- RowTeic, showcasing how digital innovation is enhancing performance analysis in rowing
- FeedAlpha, demonstrating the role of data-driven technologies in agriculture
- iPatche, highlighting advancements in wearable health solutions
These case studies illustrated how companies can de-risk innovation, access funding supports and accelerate their route to market through collaboration.
Insights, Discussion and Engagement
The event also featured expert-led presentations, a panel discussion and interactive Q&A sessions, giving attendees the opportunity to engage directly with specialists across digital innovation, applied research and funding.
Key themes included:
- The importance of collaboration between national and European supports
- How to navigate funding pathways for R&D and digital transformation
- The value of test-before-invest services and applied research
- Practical steps for organisations at different stages of digital maturity
Strong Engagement from Industry
The session saw strong engagement from both SMEs and public sector organisations, reflecting the growing demand for accessible, practical support in navigating digital transformation.
The event also provided valuable networking opportunities, enabling attendees to connect with experts and explore potential collaborations aligned to their specific business needs.
Looking Ahead
This event marked the second in a series of Applied IoT Cluster engagements designed to connect organisations with innovation supports across Ireland.
Following the success of the Portlaoise event, the next event in the series is planned for Galway this Autumn, continuing to showcase how collaboration between the Technology Gateway Network and EDIHs can deliver real impact for industry.
Supporting Your Digital Journey
For organisations looking to begin or accelerate their digital transformation journey, the Applied IoT Cluster, the Technology Gateway Network and the EDIHs continue to offer a powerful, connected support system.
By combining expertise, infrastructure and funding pathways, these networks are helping Irish organisations innovate, scale and compete in an increasingly digital world.
