ICT Cluster

The Midlands continues to attract ICT businesses due to central location and a strong talent pool of ICT graduates, with the sector now prioritised as an area of smart specialisation for the region. Large employers such as Ericsson in Athlone have been joined by a rapidly expanding network of start-ups, bringing innovation across the ICT sector, with particular regional specialist skills in software, cloud and 5G development.

Why Midlands for ICT?

The ICT Industry is one of 4 priority Industry Clusters for the Midlands in our Regional Enterprise Plan 2024. Centrally located, as Ireland’s most connected region, the Midlands has a thriving ICT sector, attracting global talent to the heart of Ireland, serving global markets and within easy reach of Ireland’s urban centres.

With clear benefits in terms of quality of life with lower housing and childcare costs, and close proximity to a wealth of natural amenities and a central location means we’re at the heart of the Irish ICT industry.

Leading ICT employers in the region include Ericsson, Zinkworks and Sidero, as well a growing network of fast-growing start-ups, contributing to a vibrant and growing ecosystem. The Midlands ICT Cluster sees industry of all scales joining with public and academic sectors for a triple-helix approach to the development of the ICT sector in the region. The aim of the cluster is to develop the regional ICT industry through increased cooperation in research, development, funding and education to ensure continued success for ICT in the Midlands Region.

Regional specialities include software, cloud, and automation, with the region becoming Ireland’s epicentre for 5G development.

hand of a businessman shaking hands with a android robot
worker at small parts manufacturing factory in china looking through magnifier at microchips

The vision of the Midlands ICT Cluster is to create Europe’s leading ICT cluster in Digital Innovation, creating opportunities, driving knowledge creation, sustainability and resilience.

With clear benefits in terms of quality of life with lower housing and childcare costs, and close proximity to a wealth of natural amenities and a central location means we’re at the heart of the Irish ICT industry.

Leading ICT employers in the region include Ericsson, Zinkworks and Sidero, as well a growing network of fast-growing start-ups, contributing to a vibrant and growing ecosystem. The Midlands ICT cluster sees industry of all scales joining with public and academic sectors for a triple-helix approach to the development of the ICT sector in the region. The aim of the cluster is to develop the regional ICT industry through increased cooperation in research, development, funding and education to ensure continued success for ICT in the Midlands Region.

Midlands ICT Cluster

manufacturing equipment in factory

Industry Cluster

Midlands ICT Cluster

The Midlands region is home to over 400 thriving ICT businesses, employing thousands of people, and the aim of the Midlands ICT Cluster is to bring enterprise together with government agencies and academia for a triple-helix approach to supporting the Midlands ICT ecosystem.

The development of industry clusters is widely recognised as a key driver of growth and resilience for regions in terms of employment generation, and our goal is to make the Midlands internationally recognised as a centre of excellence in Smart Connected Technologies, while highlighting the region as the ideal place to live, work and invest.

To find out more about the Midlands ICT Cluster, or to join, contact us below and we’ll be in touch.

Locating in the Midlands

The Midlands region is centrally located in the heart of Ireland, and is Ireland’s most connected region, bordering 5 of the 7 other regions in the country. The central location is serviced by a network of Motorways and Rail lines, meaning access to airports, coastal cities and ports are typically within an hour of the key regional urban centres.

Learn more about our region and key towns in our profiles below.

Business Supports in the Midlands

Start-Up

Local Enterprise Offices

The Local Enterprise Offices are your local first-stop shop for seeking information and support on starting or growing your ICT business in the Midlands. 

Grow

Enterprise Ireland

Enterprise Ireland work in partnership with Irish enterprises to help them start, grow, innovate and win business in global markets. 

Locate

IDA Ireland

As Ireland’s inward investment promotion agency, IDA Ireland are a non-commercial, semi-state body promoting foreign direct investment into Ireland.

Locating in the Midlands

Vacancies

Our regional employers are hiring, with roles in tech, engineering, manufacturing and much more.

Relocate

Discover why the Midlands is one of Ireland’s fastest growing regions, with unspoiled scenery, great culture, career opportunities and much more.

Remote Hubs

Our network caters to employees, business owners, mature students, and the larger SME’s and TNC’s wishing to set-up ‘second site’ locations outside our coastal cities.

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