High-potential start-ups supported by Government in the first three months of this year will create 310 jobs, which is an increase on the same period last year, according to Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton, TD.
The 17 companies creating jobs are in the financial services, life sciences, biotech, online gaming, telecommunications, sustainable energy, medical devices and cloud computing sectors.
“The environment is strong for export-led new business start-ups, and the pipeline of ambitious technology start-ups, including an increased number from overseas-based entrepreneurs, is stronger than ever in 2011. These start-ups will be perfectly timed to catch the upturn in our key export markets while also benefiting from Ireland’s improved competitiveness,” Bruton said.
“Enterprise Ireland’s recently launched Competitive Start Fund opens up the access to critical early-stage funding, making it easier than ever for young, first-time entrepreneurs with good ideas to get started.”
Some start-ups creating jobs:
- 2PDS Gaming Trading as 2PaperDolls, it is the brainchild of US serial entrepreneurs Louis Ravenet, his wife Andrea Ravenet, and Steve McLelland. 2PaperDolls is a social marketing tool that extends the customer relationship with business and brand via fun and engaging mobile games. 2PaperDolls will develop a platform and create entertaining and purposeful games for mobile devices, giving players the chance to interact with friends, community and brand. The company expects to employ 15 and is based in Dublin.
- Rose Hill Insurances The company is being established to provide specialist insurance administration services for multinational customers in a number of international markets and plans to create 50 jobs.
- Nopsar Nopsar, in Athlone, Co Westmeath, expects to employ an additional 20 people, providing telecom R&D consultancy services to Chinese company Huawei Technologies Co.
- VascoCare Group In Carlow, the company expects to employ an additional 13 people producing patient positioners for the operating theatre and products for the prevention of decubitus ulcers. The main function is to securely rest the patient’s body, head and limbs on an operating table in a comfortable position without the risk of harm to the patient and to reduce the risk of pressure sores.
- Radisens Diagnostics The Cork-based firm expects to employ 33 people. The company is involved in the development and commercialisation of a medical diagnostic instrument capable of multiple blood testing applications at point of care.
Photo: Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton, TD