What is The Nexus Innovation Centre University of Limerick?
Nexus enables the accelerated development of national and international start-ups with global reach and the commercialisation of academic research resulting in the creation of new businesses and jobs. Nexus is a hub of activity where entrepreneurs can develop, collaborate and grow. The Centre aims to increase entrepreneurship with an international trading focus. At Nexus we challenge start-ups to move past conventional ideas around businesses development and encourage them to become highly connected agile, smart start-ups.
Nexus Innovation Centre at the University of Limerick yesterday marked its fifth year in business with the launch of its annual report by Minister for Training, Skills, Innovation, Research and Development John Halligan, T.D. Since its establishment, the UL Nexus Innovation Centre has supported 76 start-up companies, employing over 310 people.
This state-of-the-art campus facility, opened in 2011 with support of €1.44 million from Enterprise Ireland, has supported a growing community of international entrepreneurs. Over the last five years, Enterprise Ireland has provided funding in excess of €6.5m under the Commercialisation Fund, to aid the development and generation of spin-out companies.
In 2016 alone the Nexus Centre led to the creation of over 149 high quality jobs in Nexus supported companies which have received investment in excess of €7.35 million.
Nexus has made a significant contribution to entrepreneurship, innovation and job creation in this region. The generation of new ideas and new companies at UL has far-reaching impacts, such as attracting foreign direct investment, driving innovation in our SME sector, attracting talent and contributing to our global reputation.
