A new centre to encourage the formation and incubation of high technology and knowledge based start up businesses was officially opened today (Tuesday 8th May) in Newry by President McAleese. The first purpose built incubation and innovation centre in the Northern Ireland Further Education sector, the new £1.25m state-of-the-art building, called Greenshoots Newry Ltd, has been established as a joint initiative between Newry Institute and the University of Ulster. Situated in Newry on the main Belfast - Dublin economic corridor the centre will offer technical support, business management assistance, help with product development and bespoke training to graduates and young entrepreneurs in the knowledge based industries on a cross border basis.    With technology and knowledge transfer links with the University of Ulster and Newry Institute, the centre is designed to stimulate business growth within an innovative corporate environment, encourage inter-company collaboration and provide a platform for entrepreneurs to develop and launch their business ideas. The project is being funded by the International Fund for Ireland, EU Peace & Reconciliation funding (PEACE II), Newry Institute and the University of Ulster. Anne Henderson, a member of the International Fund for Ireland’s Board, praised the vision required to develop this project. She said: “As we seek to move forward in Northern Ireland to a more positive, peaceful and stable future, we need to celebrate those with the vision to pioneer new ideas, develop new skills and try new ways of working which will make a significant contribution to our economy and our society as a whole. The Greenshoots Centre is an excellent example of forward thinking and the Fund commends the Institute and the University for its commitment to making this vision a reality.”“While the Fund now is focusing its resources increasingly on reconciliation and community based projects, we are delighted that we have had a key role to play in the development of this centre which will act as a catalyst for stimulating long term economic growth on both sides of the border.”Dr Raymond Mullan, Chairman of Greenshoots welcomed the President and guests including representatives from the Department for Employment and Learning and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Industry together with the funding bodies, local employers and public representatives to the opening event. “Greenshoots is a very good example of the unbelievable transformation and economic growth that has taken place in the greater Newry area over the past decade.” Dr Mullan also thanked the funders, Newry Institute, the University and the government departments for their support.Centre Manager, Mr Kieran Fegan provided guests with a brief overview of the rationale for Greenshoots, the achievements to date and the vision for the future. “Since inception, Greenshoots has been much more than an accommodation provider, after all Incubation is not merely about bricks and mortar, it is about the process and activities which go on within the walls” Kieran also spoke of other initiatives designed to enhance the economic prosperity of the region including the including the very innovative ‘Border Innovation Gateway’ (BIG) pre-incubation programmes.  The state-of-the art building offers new and existing businesses 1000 sq ft of hi-tech space complete with a hot desk area,  leading edge telecommunications and IT platforms together with preferential access to  the Institute and the University’s resources.

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