Agreement paves the way for start-up and innovation campus
Trade
Pictured: Back row (l–r): Frank Curran Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council; Greg Brennan, Sandyford Business District. Seated (l–r): Ger Corbett, Sandyford Business District; Cllr Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council; Liam Cronin, UCD
NovaUCD has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sandyford Business District and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC), marking an important milestone for the economic and educational landscape of the county.
The partnership will support enterprise and innovation, expand research activity and create new pathways for entrepreneurial development, with plans to progress a start-up and innovation campus in Sandyford.
The initiative aims to drive high value employment, strengthen links between industry and one of the country’s leading research and innovation ecosystems, and enhance access to education and skills development to support a rapidly evolving economy.
Cllr Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, said: “This partnership between Sandyford Business District, NovaUCD, and Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council represents a forward-looking commitment to retain talent, supporting start-ups, nurturing talent, and fostering research driven growth with an overall objective of creating employment and entrepreneurship with the resources available in our county.
“The development of a Start-Up and Innovation Campus in Sandyford will play a vital role in positioning the district as a regional hub of excellence, where businesses, educators, and government work side by side to drive opportunity and economic resilience. By deepening links between industry and the university research ecosystem, this initiative will open new pathways for knowledge exchange, skills development, and collaboration. This MoU reflects a shared dedication to building a dynamic, inclusive, and innovative future for all who live, work, and learn within Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.”
Ger Corbett, CEO, Sandyford Business District (SBD), said: “As we advance the objectives set out in this Memorandum of Understanding, SBD has the potential to become one of Ireland’s leading locations for innovation districts; a place where business, academia and policy work together to drive new ideas and continuous learning, support entrepreneurs and scaling companies, attract investment and create high-value employment.”
Frank Curran, chief executive, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, added: “The signing of this memorandum of understanding marks an important step forward for the economic and educational landscape of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. By bringing together Sandyford Business District, NovaUCD, and DLRCC, this partnership creates a powerful platform to strengthen local enterprise, expand research activity, and open new pathways for entrepreneurial development across the region.
“The establishment of a Start-Up & Innovation Campus in Sandyford will play a central role in driving high value employment and supporting the growth of both emerging and established businesses. By connecting industry with one of the country’s leading global innovation and research ecosystems, we are creating an environment where ideas can evolve into viable commercial opportunities, where entrepreneurs can scale, and where high-quality jobs can be created close to home.
“Equally, the collaboration offers significant educational benefits. It will enhance access to learning, foster stronger links between academia and industry, and ensure that our workforce is equipped with the skills required for a rapidly changing economy. From lifelong learning to advanced research partnerships, this MoU lays the foundation for a more innovative, resilient, and competitive region. We are proud to support this shared vision for sustainable economic growth and a thriving innovation district for all.”
Liam Cronin, director of innovation, University College Dublin, said: “Through this partnership, our goal is to support start-ups and scale-ups, advance research and innovation, and foster talent development to drive sustainable economic growth.”
TechCentral Reporters