An Irish manufacturing consortium, led by Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) and supported by 17 expert partners, has secured €5.7 million from the European Commission and Enterprise Ireland to expand FactoryXChange 2.0 in Cork. 

The funding aims to future-proof manufacturing jobs, strengthen regional competitiveness, and drive adoption of digital and green technologies over a three-year period.

FactoryXChange is Europe’s leading catalyst for sustainable, human-centric manufacturing transformation. Cork-based Tisalabs, a key partner, will provide cybersecurity and digital assurance expertise to ensure that digital transformation initiatives are secure and reliable. 

The programme connects manufacturers with AI, high-performance computing (HPC), robotics, and innovation support, bridging gaps between emerging technologies and practical implementation.

Peter Burke TD, minister for enterprise, tourism and employment, emphasised: “Extending the European Digital Innovation Hub programme in Ireland into Phase 2 ensures that our SMEs will continue to access world-class digitalisation support. By maintaining this momentum, we are increasing Ireland’s competitiveness and enabling enterprises across Cork and the wider region to future-proof their operations.”

FactoryXChange 2.0 builds on the success of the first phase, which supported over 495 Irish enterprises and public organisations to integrate digital technologies into business and production processes. 

The initiative leverages a national network of Digital Hubs across Ireland, offering SMEs access to technical expertise, test-before-invest opportunities, and innovation services through the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) programme. With advanced guidance and funding, manufacturers can integrate AI, robotics, and sustainable solutions to enable Industry 5.0 capabilities.

Cork businesses and public sector organisations are being invited to participate, access expert support, and help shape the future of Irish manufacturing.

Explore the full story and learn how FactoryXChange is driving digital transformation in Irish manufacturing.

(Photo credits to FactoryXChange official website)