WEALTH July 6, 2026 0 Comments

FactoryXChange 2.0 Debuts in Mullingar: Could This Be the Game-Changer Manufacturers Have Been Waiting For?

Ever wondered what happens when Ireland’s sharpest minds in manufacturing and innovation roll up their sleeves and commit to a mission? Well, Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) just pulled off something pretty spectacular—uniting over 60 key players from across the country to launch the next chapter of FactoryXChange 2.0. Held at their Mullingar hub, this isn’t just another meet-and-greet; it’s a powerhouse collaboration of 17 consortium partners and countless SME clients, backed by a hefty €23 million investment from the EU and Enterprise Ireland. What’s the game plan, you ask? To take a thriving initiative—already supporting 500+ businesses and delivering over 660 innovation services—and crank that dial up to eleven. Think AI, automation, and cutting-edge analytics turbocharging Irish manufacturing, all while helping businesses navigate a maze of rising costs and fierce global competition. The question now isn’t whether manufacturers can keep up, but how fast they can leap ahead with this kind of support. Ready to see how Ireland’s manufacturing landscape is about to transform? LEARN MORE

Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) has brought together more than 60 representatives from across Ireland’s manufacturing and innovation ecosystem to mark the start of a new phase of the FactoryXChange 2.0 programme.

The event, held at IMR’s Mullingar facility, gathered all 17 consortium partners involved in delivering the initiative, alongside SME clients, following confirmation of Phase 2 funding.

The programme is one of Ireland’s four European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) and is supported by a €23m investment from the European Union and Enterprise Ireland for the 2026–2029 period.

The Mullingar gathering signals the transition from funding approval to full delivery, with organisers aiming to showcase the range of supports now available to Irish manufacturers.

FactoryXChange 2.0 has already supported more than 500 businesses and delivered over 660 innovation services since 2023, generating in excess of €6m in requested service value. The new phase will see an expanded offering, drawing on a network of 17 partners and more than 55 experts.

Speaking at the event, Maurice O’Connell, Chief Operating Officer at IMR, highlighted the challenges facing the sector.

“Manufacturers are operating in an increasingly complex environment. Rising costs, skills shortages, sustainability requirements and growing international competition are putting pressure on businesses of all sizes,” he said.

“At the same time, technologies such as AI, automation and advanced analytics are creating opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency and resilience,” O’Connell added.

He said the new phase of the programme would focus on helping companies adopt these technologies with greater confidence.

“With Phase 2 funding secured, we can now turn that commitment into action, working closely with partners across the country to help manufacturers de-risk innovation, accelerate adoption and unlock new opportunities for growth and competitiveness.”

The event featured keynote contributions, including an address from Livio Rubino of the European Commission’s AI Office, who spoke about harnessing artificial intelligence for inclusive growth.

Enterprise Ireland also outlined the broader EDIH initiative, while representatives from other hubs, including Data2Sustain, CeADAR and ENTIRE, detailed the national support landscape available to SMEs.

Attendees also took part in a series of “World Café” breakout sessions covering areas such as Data and AI services, business supports, skills development and test-before-invest opportunities.

Karin Jancyková, Project Coordinator of FactoryXChange 2.0, said the initiative is designed to simplify innovation for manufacturers.

“Manufacturers do not need more complexity. They need practical support, trusted expertise and access to the right technologies at the right time,” she said.

“Having all 17 partners together in Mullingar reflects the scale of the network now behind FactoryXChange 2.0, and the shared commitment to making innovation more accessible.”

The programme will now move into a three-year delivery phase aimed at helping Irish manufacturers adopt new technologies and strengthen competitiveness.