World class centre for digital innovation opens
Pictures: Valerie O’Sullivan
A NEW €21 million research and development facility, opened by Fexco in Killorglin this Wednesday, will create 305 new jobs by 2024, it has been revealed.
The facility and RDI Hub is in a new building dedicated to renowned Stanford University computer scientist John McCarthy, who has connections with mid Kerry.
The state-of-the-art 57,000 sq ft building replaces the former Liebig manufacturing plant, on the Killarney road, which closed in 2012.
The world-class centre for digital innovation is focused on commercialisation of innovation and research backed by Fexco, IT Tralee and Kerry County Council.
Fexco has invested over €21 million in the project which was officially opened by the Minister of State for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin, and the CEO of Enterprise Ireland Julie Sinnamon.
Over 125 Fexco staff will work in 37,000 sq ft of the building that is to house the company’s global research and development, innovation and IT activities and it is aimed at driving Fexco’s continuing development as a leading global fintech company.
One wing of the building has been donated by Fexco to become the home of RDI Hub and it will be the base for 136 people on its programmes and in its co-location space.
The RDI Hub was established last year as a not for profit public-private partnership facilitating innovation and start-ups in the fintech and artificial intelligence sectors.
The Hub will create over 305 direct jobs by 2024 and, in the initial period, the plan is to support the establishment of over 35 high-tech funded start-ups. Its co-location with Fexco’s Research Development and Innovation Centre will add value for both parties through increased availability of specialised labour and knowledge spill overs.
The RDI Hub will provide training to over 1,300 participants and support 140 apprentices on its programmes in its first five years.
The building is dedicated to John McCarthy, Stanford University computer scientist who was one of the founders of the discipline of artificial intelligence. His father was born in Cromane, near Killorglin.
The site on which the new building has been developed used to be the home of a manufacturing facility latterly owned by US firm Simpson Manufacturing, which closed in 2012 with the loss of 30 jobs.
The government has supported its transformation into a location that will support innovation, growth and entrepreneurship with €3.6m in funding for RDI Hub from Enterprise Ireland.
Denis McCarthy, CEO of Fexco said: “This new building signals our commitment to providing world-class innovative fintech solutions to a global audience as well as supporting our local community, through job creation and local investment.
He added: “Since our foundation in Killorglin in 1981 we have been able to grow our business to employ over 2,500 people in 29 countries, whilst keeping our headquarters and the driving force of the business at home here in Kerry.”
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