Portarlington Enterprise Centre officially opened the MakePort Innovation Hub on Friday 22nd June 2018.
This concept came about when Laois County Council (LCC), Laois Enterprise Office (LEO), Laois Partnership (LP) and Portarlington Enterprise Centre (PEC) came together as partners and made a proposal to re-orientate the focus of the Portarlington Enterprise Centre to meet the needs of the emerging digital economy.
Kieran Kehoe, Director of Services (LCC) was MC on the day with Padraig Fleming (An Cathaoirleach) welcoming all in attendance. Addressing the guests were Michael Turley (Chairman of Portarlington Enterprise Centre) Peter O’Neill (Chairman of Laois Partnership) and Mark Gavin (a Champion and mentor of the local Coder Dojo Club). The cutting of the ribbon was carried out by Mark Gavin and Mary Keogh (Co-ordinator of Portarlington Enterprise Centre) Refreshments were provided where people mingled to chat and then took the opportunity to check out the Hub.
Portarlington Enterprise Centre will continue to provide incubation space, business advice, mentoring and supports to start-ups and early-stage enterprises with the added facility to provide:
- Hot Desks: A professional environment for start-ups and established businesses, commuters (looking to adapt flexible working patterns to achieve a better work/life balance) and students looking for a quiet place to study.
- Training Room: Purposefully built modern day training room with dedicated high-speed wireless internet which will cater for up to 25 people.
- FabLab: The FabLab and Innovation Hub concept will be a centre for the development of manufacturing using IT capabilities with the most up to date digital fabrication equipment. It will target both the upskilling of young people and at the same time will offer opportunities for business to have access to the FabLab.
