Consortium of 17 partners gathers in Mullingar as €23m-backed initiative enters new delivery phase supporting manufacturers nationwide.
FactoryXChange 2.0 has officially commenced its next phase of operations, with Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) bringing together representatives from all 17 consortium partners at its Mullingar headquarters to mark the start of delivery under the programme’s newly secured funding.
This follows confirmation earlier this year that FactoryXChange 2.0, one of Ireland’s four European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), will continue to receive support as part of a €23 million investment by the European Union and Enterprise Ireland in Ireland’s EDIH network for the 2026-2029 period.
“Technologies such as AI, automation and advanced analytics are creating opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency and resilience”
Around 60 delegates from across the consortium and client SMEs attended the launch, which showcased the range of expertise and services now available to Irish manufacturers through the expanded programme.
The afternoon featured keynote presentations and interactive workshops focused on data and artificial intelligence, business support services, matchmaking opportunities, skills development and test-before-invest initiatives. The sessions were designed to give manufacturers practical insights into the supports available as they explore and adopt new technologies.
Opportunities in emerging tech
FactoryXChange 2.0 builds on significant activity delivered since 2023, having supported more than 500 businesses through more than 660 innovation services. The programme has generated over €6 million in requested service value and is now moving into an expanded phase supported by a network of 17 specialist organisations and more than 55 experts.
“Manufacturers do not need more complexity. They need practical support, trusted expertise and access to the right technologies at the right time”
Maurice O’Connell, chief operating officer at Irish Manufacturing Research, said manufacturers are navigating a challenging operating environment while also facing major opportunities from emerging technologies.
“Manufacturers are operating in an increasingly complex environment. Rising costs, skills shortages, sustainability requirements and growing international competition are putting pressure on businesses of all sizes,” he said.
“At the same time, technologies such as AI, automation and advanced analytics are creating opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency and resilience.
“Bringing our consortium partners together in Mullingar marks an important milestone for FactoryXChange 2.0. With Phase 2 funding secured, we can now turn that commitment into action, working closely with partners across the country to help manufacturers de-risk innovation, accelerate adoption and unlock new opportunities for growth and competitiveness.”
The event opened with contributions from the FactoryXChange 2.0 coordination team at IMR, followed by a keynote address from Livio Rubino of the European Commission’s AI Office, who spoke about the role of artificial intelligence in driving inclusive growth.
Laura Clifford, Enterprise Ireland’s senior programme manager for EDIH and IC3, also provided an overview of the European Digital Innovation Hub initiative and the support available to SMEs through the network.
Representatives from Ireland’s three other EDIHs, Data2Sustain, CeADAR and ENTIRE, joined the programme to outline how businesses can access expertise and funding supports across a range of digital transformation disciplines.
Led by Irish Manufacturing Research, FactoryXChange 2.0 brings together research organisations, technology specialists and business support agencies with expertise spanning artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, high-performance computing, sustainability, digital transformation, workforce skills and business growth.
Karin Jancyková, project coordinator of FactoryXChange 2.0, said the initiative is focused on making innovation more accessible for manufacturers.
“Manufacturers do not need more complexity. They need practical support, trusted expertise and access to the right technologies at the right time,” she said.
“Having all 17 partners together in Mullingar reflects the scale of the network now behind FactoryXChange 2.0, and the shared commitment to making innovation more accessible for manufacturers as we move into this next phase.”
The programme will now enter its three-year delivery period, running from 2026 to 2029, with a focus on helping Irish manufacturers adopt emerging technologies, strengthen competitiveness and future-proof their operations.
Businesses seeking access to the programme’s expertise, technology services and innovation supports can find further information here
Members of the FactoryXChange 2.0 consortium join Enterprise Ireland’s Laura Clifford in cutting the ribbon to mark the official launch of the project, which brings together 17 partners to help future-proof Irish manufacturing
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