What is The Skillnet Innovation Exchange?

Skillnet Innovation Exchange is Ireland’s innovation marketplace, connecting organisations with business challenges to SMEs offering innovative solutions.

Launched in 2022 by Skillnet Ireland in partnership with Furthr, the programme accelerates collaboration, drives business growth, and supports innovation adoption nationwide.

Digital Transformation | AI Adoption | Sustainability

Skillnet Innovation Exchange helps organisations improve competitiveness and unlock growth through digital transformation, AI adoption and sustainability innovation.

Through Skillnet Innovation Exchange proven challenge-led model, they connect businesses with innovative solution providers that deliver smarter operations, scalable technologies and measurable impact.

They deliver this directly to members and through strategic industry partnerships — applying the Skillnet Innovation Exchange framework within sectoral networks to address shared challenges and drive commercial outcomes.

Since its launch, Skillnet Innovation Exchange has:

80 innovation challenges
Enabled more than 203 SMEs to pitch directly to corporate buyers
40 Deels done
2,100 Companies engaged

Have a business challenge? We can help you find the solution.

Through Skillnet Innovation Exchange, organisations gain access to a curated network of innovative SMEs from across Ireland that can help solve real business challenges.

Whether you are exploring AI, improving efficiency, reducing costs, enhancing customer experience, automating processes, or developing new products and services, Skillnet Innovation Exchange helps you find the right solution partner.

Why get involved?

- Solve business challenges faster
- Access innovative SMEs across Ireland
- Save time finding the right solution
- Meet pre-qualified providers
- Explore emerging technologies
- Benefit from expert guidance
- Drive efficiency and growth
- Build valuable partnerships

How does it work?

Each organisation is supported by a dedicated Innovation Exchange Manager who works with you to understand your challenge, shape the opportunity, identify relevant solution providers, coordinate the pitching process, and guide you throughout.

Instead of spending months searching the market, approaching suppliers individually, and managing multiple conversations, Skillnet Innovation Exchange streamlines the process by bringing innovative SMEs directly to you. This enables your team to focus on selecting the right partner and achieving the best outcome for your business.

From challenge to deal in six steps

1. Innovation challenge webinar – presentation from corporate member with Q&A

2. Solutions providers submit proposals

3. Proposals that meet criteria are put forward

4. Corporate member selects solutions providers to pitch their proposal

5. Deeper engagement between parties – proof of concept

6. If successful, a deal is done!

Large corporates get access to Ireland’s most talented solutions providers and to collaborations that accelerate digital transformation.

Scaling technology companies get an instant sales pipeline as well as access to key decision makers, market intelligence and the capability to sell into large corporates.

Through Skillnet Innovation Exchange, The Mill Enterprise Hub continues to connect North East businesses with the expertise, networks, and opportunities needed to innovate, grow, and compete in a dynamic marketplace.

From Challenge to Commercial Success

As the North East Regional Partner for Skillnet Innovation Exchange, The Mill Enterprise Hub plays a key role in helping businesses across the region access these opportunities through challenge-led innovation, strategic partnerships, and collaboration with leading organisations.

A recent success story features The Nestbox Egg Company, introduced to Skillnet Innovation Exchange by The Mill Enterprise Hub. After an innovation challenge was published, Cavan-based Nuálach Automation secured an €800,000 contract to develop the Eggsact Robot Packer, a customised robotic solution to improve efficiency, reduce manual handling, and support Nestbox’s growth.

Reflecting on the experience, Eoin McEvoy, CFO of The Nestbox Egg Company, said:

“Through Skillnet Innovation Exchange, we have found a partner right here in our region. This automation investment will significantly boost our production capacity while supporting our long-term growth. Skillnet Innovation Exchange gave us access to a pool of talented solution providers and, through its structured process, helped us quickly identify and shortlist five strong contenders. The process is extremely comprehensive and effective; it gave each provider the opportunity to pitch directly to us, allowing for real engagement and helping us build the foundations for a long-term partnership.”

This success story highlights the impact of challenge-led innovation, creating valuable opportunities for SMEs and helping larger organisations address strategic business challenges through collaboration.

Our Partners

What to find out more about Skillnet Innovation Exchange?

We can set up a free 30 min call to explore your business needs.

“Relocating operations to The Mill has been a game-changer for my business. I am surrounded by like-minded entrepreneurs and there is a real sense of community here. The location is fantastic for me, as it is commutable without any of the dreaded traffic jams I was used to when working in Dublin.

I simply would not have been able to scale my business with such impact without the facilities, knowledge and encouragement I have received from being a Miller”.

Tamara Howard, Tamara Howard Communications

“The Mill has been instrumental in SixTwo Digitals growth between mentoring sessions, networking with other Millers, assistance from LEO and other supports. The business has grown from strength to strength, and we wouldn’t be in the position we are now without the supports from The Mill “

Colm Hanratty, SixTwo Digital

“I am a Web Designer & Social Media Manager and needed a space to work from that wasn’t my bedroom! I joined The Mill because the moment I stepped foot in the building I felt motivated to work.

My Business grew almost immediately because the environment around me pushed me to be more productive, driven, and ambitious. I would highly recommend The Mill to any Entrepreneur looking to grow their business and create a better work/life balance.“

Carys Cook, Fas X Fis – Digital Marketing Consultancy

“The Mill is suitable for businesses of all types and it’s particularly good for new businesses starting up, wanting to get connected with other start up businesses and wanting to get support.

It’s also particularly good for international businesses who want an easy entry into Ireland and into wider Europe. It’s a perfect gateway, a brilliant place and very well recommended”

Steven Rice, CEO of Big Wheel Media

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