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ATU Innovation Hub marks 20 Years of supporting entrepreneurship
The ATU Innovation Hub Mayo is proud to celebrate a significant milestone: 20 years since opening its doors on 20 March 2006.
What began as the Innovation in Business Centre has evolved through the GMIT Innovation Hub and into today’s ATU Innovation Hub, but one thing has remained constant—its unwavering commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and fostering innovation across the region.
Over the past two decades, the iHub has welcomed a vibrant and diverse community of founders and start‑ups. Since its inception over 240 companies have been assisted, creating 800+ jobs. Over 20 High Potential Start Ups have been created in Mayo and over 50 businesses have transitioned to the wider west region with 74% of businesses still in business after seven years.
Many completed the entrepreneurship programmes including Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers programme, and the EMPOWER series for female entrepreneurs—EMPOWER and EMPOWER Cumasú (funded by Údarás na Gaeltachta), as well as EMPOWER Elevate, supported by the Local Enterprise Offices in Mayo and Galway. Over 200 female founders have been supported through these programmes. These initiatives have helped hundreds of entrepreneurs refine their ideas, build sustainable businesses, and scale with confidence.
Alongside programme delivery, the iHub has long been a cornerstone for companies seeking space to grow. Through its range of office, desk, and virtual memberships, the Hub has provided a professional, supportive home for hundreds of resident companies. Their creativity, determination, and achievements have shaped the region’s innovation ecosystem and continue to inspire future founders.
The success of the Innovation Hub is also deeply rooted in its dedicated team. Over the years, staff have supported founders on every step of their journey, delivered high‑quality programmes, and built the warm, collaborative environment that defines the ATU Innovation Hub today.
Collaboration has been central to its work, with strong partnerships across Mayo’s State agency organisations. Together, they have delivered impactful initiatives such as Mayo Ideas Month, celebrating creativity, enterprise, and community. Events like Digital West, the Mayo Business Awards, and a wide array of business‑focused workshops and gatherings have further strengthened the region’s entrepreneurial landscape. ATU iHub Mayo has conceived and delivered other enterprise pilot programmes allowing wider access business supports in Mayo and the wider region.
The iHub celebrated by having an event in Breaffy House, Castlebar, with approx.150 people registered. The theme for the evening was Starting, Growing and Scaling a Business and speakers on the panel included Harry Hughes from Portwest, Frank Salmon from CMS Distribution and Lorraine Heskin from The Gourmet Food Parlour. Some alumni from the iHub also spoke including Vivienne Kyne from Sportlomo, Sorcha O Grady from Truckscience, Helen Gavin from Social Jam and Matt Conlon from Cytidel.
“As we mark 20 years of ideas, impact, and innovation, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been part of our journey—our clients, partners, supporters, and staff,” said Maria Staunton, Manager of ATU iHub Mayo.
A wide range of companies have been supported through ATU iHub Mayo for example Truckscience, BuyMedia, Sportlomo, Full Health Medical, Digital Doors, BrightBeam, Retail Stocktaking, Cytidel, Neuronic, Allergy Lifestyle, Superfolk and Cubbie to name but a few.
We look forward to supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs and continuing to shape a dynamic, innovative future for our region. Here’s to the next chapter.
Photo 1: Dr Orla Flynn President of Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Dr Chris O’Malley, Vice President, Enterprise & Engagement at ATU, Maria Staunton of ATU iHub Mayo and Dr Brendan Jennings, Chief Officer Research, Innovation and Engagement.
Photo 2: Pictured from left to right are Helen Gavin, Anne-Marie Gavin, Eoghan O’Mara Kilbane, Mykola Avlas, Sorcha O’Grady, Martin Parsons, Deborah Coyle, Tony O’Kelly and Anne Walsh.
Photo 3: Tony O’Kelly, Turlough Rafferty, Michelle Lee, Ceola McLynn, Dr Orla Flynn, Dr Chris O’Malley, Maria Staunton, Dr Brendan Jennings, Michael Gill, Kieran Ryan, Barbara O’Shea and Anjalee Weerasinghe of Atlantic Technological University.
Regina Daly, ATU Communications Officer,
Dublin Road, Galway
Tel: +353 (0)91 742826 Mob: +353 (0)879618355
regina.daly@atu.ie
