RDI Hub, the business incubator in Co. Kerry, has seen €250m in capital flow through to be invested in its member companies in the five years since its opening.
A total of 97 start-ups and scaling companies have been supported by RDI Hub since 2020, and those companies have created and supported more than 430 jobs and launched 70 products and services.
Additionally, over 10,000 people have attended RDI Hub training programmes such as the AI Summer School, NDRC, and Skillnet Innovation Exchange, and the facility provided STEM education to 500+ female secondary school students in 2024.
In partnership with Enterprise Ireland, RDI has announced a €1m Smart Regions AI Navigator programme to enable SMEs to adopt AI solutions.
The programme, which is co-funded by the government and the EU through the Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027, will deliver AI masterclasses, strategic workshops, training days, and wraparound consultancy services to Irish businesses.
Leading companies with the manufacturing and engineering sectors are currently taking part in the programme.
"The RDI Hub has become a catalyst for innovation, empowering startups, SMEs, and corporates to embrace digital transformation, drive innovation, and scale for the demands of tomorrow’s economy," said Liam Cronin, CEO of RDI Hub.
"Over the past five years, we’ve played a central role in reshaping the South West’s innovation landscape, fostering collaboration and growth across diverse sectors.
"Today, as we celebrate this significant milestone, we are delighted to unveil new investments that will enable us to amplify our impact, supporting businesses of all sizes in reaching their full potential.”
Fexco, the financial services firm that hosts RDI Hub on 17,000 sq ft in Killorglin and invested €21m in the hub, has also provided mentorship programmes and financial backing for STEM education initiatives.
The latest of which is the STEM Passport for Inclusion, run in association with the RDI Hub, Maynooth University, Microsoft and Munster Technological University, which provided 500 female post-primary students with access to STEM education in Munster in 2024.
"In the past five years, the RDI Hub has evolved into a world-class innovation centre that delivers results. True to the vision of our founder, Brian McCarthy, it has become a keystone for new companies in the Southwest of Ireland, leading advancements from fintech, AI to construction and tourism," said Neil Hosty, CEO of Fexco.
"The RDI Hub is a key part of Fexco's innovation strategy, where collaboration sparks transformative ideas. The hub has the formula for launching new businesses and fostering an environment for entrepreneurs and corporates to develop future solutions.
"Looking ahead, Fexco is committed to supporting the hub’s growth and expanding its impact across Europe and beyond."
RDI Hub's fifth anniversary is being celebrated on Friday (28 February) with an event at its offices with stakeholders from the innovation ecosystem in attendance, including Fexco, Munster Technological University, and Kerry County Council, which together underpin the hub as a not-for-profit public-private partnership
Minister for Children Norma Foley will deliver the keynote address, highlighting the importance of AI in shaping Ireland’s future.
The event will also feature panel discussions with industry leaders, including Kevin Marshall (Microsoft), Bronagh Riordan (EY), Joseph Walsh (Munster Technological University), John Kelleher (ADAPT Research Centre), and Andreea Wade (Delta Partners), as well as examples of AI use cases from Irish businesses such as TLI, Energywise, O’Carroll Engineering, Right Group, and Tricel. MEP Sean Kelly will also be in attendance.
“I am delighted to be here to mark five years of innovation in the RDI Hub in the South West. The RDI Hub has been a significant catalyst in helping all types of businesses to create, digitalise and innovate. Hubs like this are harnessing the unique talent and creativity of Irish people," said Foley.
I am delighted to mark the latest milestone in the evolution of the RDI Hub and announce further investment which will enable it to develop and scale even more companies. I wish all involved well for the years ahead.”
Carol Gibbons, head of entrepreneurship, regions & local enterprise, Enterprise Ireland, said: “A key focus for Enterprise Ireland is fostering regional entrepreneurship and job creation and we are proud to have supported the RDI Hub project to achieve its vision through the Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF).
"Over the last five years, the hub has shone a spotlight on the talent and innovation growing and emerging from within the south-west region and has provided an incubator platform to connect research centres, universities, industry associations, regional development agencies, experts, innovators and funders under one roof.
"Furthermore, the RDI Hub enables the flow of knowledge, technologies and expertise between these organisations, stimulating, business scaling and internationalisation both regionally and nationally."
Photo: RDI Hub. (Pic: Don MacMonagle)
