The Midlands’ tech community came together in force on March 11th for the inaugural Let’s Talk About Tech event, hosted by the Midlands ICT Network at the Radisson Hotel, Athlone. Close to 100 attendees, including tech businesses, students, network members, and support agencies from across Ireland, the event proved to be an engaging platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration.
Bringing together key players in the region’s technology ecosystem, Let’s Talk About Tech provided attendees with insights into available funding, skills development, and supply chain opportunities. Representatives from Enterprise Ireland, the Local Enterprise Office (LEO), WestBIC, and education and training institutions such as Technological University of the Shannon, Education and Training Boards, and Skillnet shared their expertise, equipping participants with the tools to drive innovation and growth.
Renowned future of work expert Peter Cosgrove of Futurewise delivered an engaging keynote address, sparking thought-provoking discussions on the impact of AI and emerging technologies on the future workplace and highlighting the ever-increasing importance of transversal skills for companies in the ICT industry. John Mee of GlobalLogic, and Chair of Skills and Talent in the Midlands ICT Network, provided an insightful overview of the Midlands ICT Network, highlighting its role in fostering a vibrant and resilient digital innovation hub within the region.
Key Highlights of the Event
- Close to 100 Attendees: A dynamic mix of tech entrepreneurs, students, industry leaders, and government representatives from across the Midlands and beyond.
- Insightful Presentations: Speakers from Enterprise Ireland, WestBIC, Scale Ireland and TUS outlined crucial funding opportunities and technical support available for businesses and individuals.
- Skills & Career Development: Industry leaders discussed career pathways, apprenticeships, and ICT upskilling programs, supporting workforce development in the region.
- Networking & Supply Chain Growth: Discussions on the National Smart Specialisation Strategy, the Disruptive Technology Innovation Fund and FactoryXChange, led by Irish Manufacturing Research, provided valuable insights into future opportunities.
- Tech Demonstrations: A dedicated demonstration space showcased innovative tech initiatives including the VEX Robotics education programme and the ground-breaking VR/AR tech by Mersus Technologies, giving attendees a hands-on look at cutting-edge developments.
Positioning the Midlands as a Centre of Excellence for ICT
The event concluded with a networking lunch, providing further opportunities for attendees to collaborate and exchange ideas, aiming to highlight the importance of such initiatives in strengthening the region’s tech sector and creating new avenues for innovation and investment.
The Midlands ICT Network remains committed to positioning the region as a centre of excellence in Smart Connected Technologies. Through continued collaboration between businesses, academic institutions, and government agencies, the Network aims to drive economic prosperity and establish the Midlands as a leader in digital innovation.
For those who missed out, stay connected with the Midlands ICT Network for updates on upcoming events and initiatives aimed at empowering the tech community in the region.
The Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan Pathway for Just Transition project is funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union under the EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021-2027
