Pathway to Innovate Clinic Empowers SMEs at AIM Centre
The Pathway to Innovate Innovation Clinic took place at AIM Centre today, hosted by IRDG – Driving Irish Innovation and Skillnet Innovation Exchange. The event brought together ambitious SMEs from across Ireland for a day of collaboration, practical learning, and strategic insight — all focused on helping businesses accelerate their innovation journey.
Building Innovation Capability Across Irish SMEs
Through an immersive Innovation Lab and Workshop, facilitated by Resolve Partners, participating SMEs gained hands-on experience in creative problem-solving and business transformation. Each company left with a tailored 90-day innovation plan, outlining concrete next steps to bring their ideas to life.
This practical approach is central to the Pathway to Innovate programme, which supports Irish businesses in adopting new technologies, developing products, and embedding innovation into their everyday operations.
Inspiration from Industry Success
Entrepreneur Keith Moran delivered an inspiring talk, sharing the growth story of his start-up, SL Controls Ltd, and its journey to becoming part of the multinational NNIT. His experience highlighted the importance of strategic innovation, resilience, and partnership in achieving long-term business success.
Innovation Supports and Regional Collaboration
SMEs also heard from key support organisations through a series of Lightning Talks, featuring Local Enterprise Office Sligo, Enterprise Ireland, EY Ireland, CeADAR Ireland, and Taste 4 Success Skillnet. Each speaker showcased the range of funding, mentoring, and training supports available to Irish innovators.
John Daly of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly presented the latest Regional Innovation Scoreboard, revealing that the Northern and Western Region of Ireland now ranks among the top 50 innovation regions in Europe — a major achievement that underscores the strength of Ireland’s innovation ecosystem.
Regional Support and Practical Guidance
The day concluded with a lively Q&A session featuring regional experts from Data2Sustain, Western Development Commission, CeADAR Ireland, Regional Skills West, and AIB. Their insights helped participants identify practical steps to secure funding, build partnerships, and strengthen their innovation capabilities.
Next Steps
The enthusiasm, creativity, and collaboration on display show that innovation in Ireland continues to thrive. We’re excited to see how today’s participants apply their new insights and 90-day plans — and we look forward to what’s next in the Pathway to Innovate programme.