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Clustering Galway City’s
entrepreneurs, startups,
accelerators and incubators. 

Why?

An overview of this growing innovation cluster in Galway's inner city.

In 2015, the Galway startup ecosystem was suffering from the lack of a downtown hub for startup companies to locate in – either indigenous and international.

The non-profit Galway City Innovation District (GCID) was founded by some experienced like-minded volunteers in July 2015 to address this particular problem. Its purpose was to attract creators, innovators and entrepreneurs who wish to work in close proximity to others in a supportive and connected environment in Galway’s inner city, as well as young technology companies with strong growth potential and, eventually, larger companies and multinationals.

 

#BackedbyAIB

The team at AIB Galway are very proud to continue our engagement with the PorterShed, as main sponsor.
This sponsorship is a key part of our drive to support the business life of our community, beyond the provision of banking services.

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Where?

The Galway City Innovation District (GCID) has been located behind Ceannt Station since 2016. It will move to a new location between Bowling Green and Market Street in 2021.

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When?

PorterShed 1 (for startups) will relocate to Naughton’s Shed on Bowling Green in 2021, and PorterShed 2 (for scaleups) will locate in the adjacent Connacht Tribune offices on Market Street in 2021.

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What?

We started with the PorterShed, a downtown innovation hub that houseshigh-potential startups, innovation-driven entrepreneurs, a coworking space, and an open events area for workshops/talks. The PorterShed opened in May 2016, with the aim of showing how well this could work and to make the case for expansion into additional buildings and spaces.

Galway Tech Maps & Stats

Here is a list of tech and MedTech companines based in Galway city. An update for these maps is on the way. Stay tuned. 

Technology

Home to many ICT multinationals and high-growth startups. One of five global hubs in the medtech sector. 9 out of the top 10 medtech companies are on its doorstep.

Growth

Ireland's fastest growing city. No. 1 micro European city of the future 2014 - 2021.

Culture

European Capital of Culture 2020. Essential world destination for 2019 - National Geographic. The friendliest city in the world (Travel + Leisure, 2015. UNESCO City of Film (one of only five in the world).

Innovation Districts

“Innovation districts constitute the ultimate mash up of entrepreneurs and
educational institutions, start-ups and schools, mixed-use development and
medical innovations, bike-sharing and bankable investments — all connected
by transit, powered by clean energy, wired for digital technology, and fueled by caffeine.”

The Rise of the Innovation Districts,
Bruce Katz and Julie Wagner, Brookings Institution.

The PorterShed

The PorterShed is a co-working and collaborative space for Technology focused Innovation Driven Enterprises. At PorterShed the focus is to build, grow, scale and innovate the Galway Tech ecosystem. Community, Collaboration and Co-working the three pillars of the PorterShed. Portershed is home to over 40 innovating technology companies. 

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