Platform94 opens €5.2m extension
Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Dara Calleary has officially opened a new €5.2 million extension at Platform94, affirming its position as the largest technology innovation centre in the west of Ireland.
The Galway city location, which acts as the headquarters for Platform94, has increased substantially to 66,000 sq ft across four floors, while also significantly expanding its remit in facilitating the development and expansion of the tech cluster and knowledge economy across the entire western region. It is estimated that Platform94 will bring a Gross Added Value (GVA) of more than €66.8 million to the regional economy in 2024, while further cementing its position as the definitive centre of excellence enabling the west’s scaling technology businesses to reach their growth and global ambitions.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this month, Platform94 was formerly known as Galway Technology Centre (GTC), and was originally founded in 1994 to meet the needs of an emerging cluster of ICT companies outside the capital. It is owned by Galway Chamber and WestBIC and supported by Enterprise Ireland.
The new extension brings with it a range of immersive support facilities that have been created to enable the Platform94 member companies to scale and grow. A state-of-the-art video conferencing boardroom, an additional 15 private Grade A office spaces, an ultra-modern media production suite, and a wellness centre, are among the new facilities on offer.
Completed at the end of 2023, the building is already at 85% occupancy, with more than 600 people employed on site and an additional 100 positions currently open. Platform94 has exceeded its own job creation targets by 100, and has done so two years ahead of time.
Noreen Conway, Interim CEO, Platform94, said: “This is a momentous day for us all at Platform94. Carrying the tagline ‘Global Ambition, Local Support’, we provide leadership and knowledge transfer to scaling companies, enabling them to elevate their business to the next level. This development highlights the flourishing of scaling enterprises in the west of Ireland and the increased demand for space to facilitate their growth in the region and internationally.”
Leo Clancy, CEO of Enterprise Ireland, said: “Platform94 has been supported by Enterprise Ireland through the Regional Enterprise Development Fund which provides funding for innovation and collaborative projects with the aim of creating sustainable jobs in the region… Building on the success of the original Galway Technology Centre, the new extended premises will help support an increase in value-added activity, collaboration and innovation by offering technical support and facilities, and links to training to strengthen scaling enterprises within the region.”
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