Chris Kennedy and Pat Phelan, co-founders of Trustev; Julie Sinnamon, Enterprise Ireland CEO; and John Wall, chair of the it@cork Leaders Awards 2013; at the presentation of the it@cork Leaders Award for High Potential Start-up
The Cork region is a thriving hub for innovation and technology that extends to all facets of the local economy, the chairman of it@cork said last night as companies were honoured for putting the region on the map this year.
The it@cork Leaders Awards, which took place in County Hall last night, had winners across several different categories, including Voxpro (High Growth), VMware (Sustained Excellence), and QUMAS (Research & Innovation). Trend Micro took home the award for leading IT Department, while Scoil Mhuire Lourdes was honoured with the Excellence in Education Award. Trustev continued to build momentum in being recognised as the winner of the High Potential Start-up category.
“From schools to IT departments, start-ups and business leaders, our award recipients really showcase how the region is a thriving hub for innovation and technology and we will continue to cultivate and recognise this through the annual Leader Awards,” said John Wall, vice-chairman of it@cork and chairman of the it@cork Leaders Awards committee.
Enterprise Ireland CEO Julie Sinnamon opened the ceremony and discussed the impact technology companies have had on the Irish export economy to the audience of more than 300 technology and business leaders.
“The potential within the ICT sector could see it out-perform all other indigenous sectors in growth terms over the next decade,” Sinnamon said.
“The sector will make a sizeable contribution to job creation and overall national prosperity. All necessary factors are in place to ensure Cork companies – both new and established – can firmly grasp emerging opportunities.
“The work of IT@Cork European Technology Cluster together with the spirit of collaboration and engagement that is so evident locally means Cork is increasingly recognised as a leading location for innovative ICT activities in global terms.”
Also speaking last night was teenager Joanne O’Riordan, one of just seven people in the world living with a rare physical disability known as tetra amelia.
Joanne spoke about the enabling role that technology plays in her life, explaining how it helps conquer challenges at home, in school and in her local community as a teenager making her way in life.
