Enterprise Ireland supported the setting up of 75 new export focused high potential companies last year - the highest number it has ever supported. The body invested €17m of the total €83m investment in the new start-ups.
The 75 new firms are all in knowledge intensive sectors and are expected to grow rapidly, creating 1,460 new high skilled jobs. They are also expected to generate exports worth a total of €184m within the next two years.
Areas in which they operate include bio-technology, medical technology, food, telecommunications, electronics and software development.
'Growing the number of new companies with significant export and growth potential is essential for the Irish economy and a key element of Enterprise Ireland's Strategy 'Transforming Irish Industry,' commented the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheal Martin.
He made his comments at Enterprise Ireland's Annual Start-Up Showcase event today.
Kevin Sherry, Manager of Enterprise Ireland's High Potential Start-Up Unit, said that the pipeline of new start up businesses for 2006 also continues to be strong.
* Enterprise Ireland also today launched a €2.5m pilot initiative for collaborative projects from industry led networks. The pilot is designed to complement existing state supports for enterprise development.
Eligible networks must include at least five companies and they must be clients of Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Shannon Development, Udaras na Gaeltachta and or Country Enterprise Boards.
