Minister Calleary opens new €5.2m extension at Platform94

The Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Dara Calleary TD, has today officially opened the new €5.2 million extension at Platform94, affirming its position as the largest technology innovation centre in the west of Ireland. 

The Galway city location, which acts as the headquarters for Platform94, has increased substantially to 66,000 sq ft across four floors, while also significantly expanding its remit in facilitating the development and expansion of the tech cluster and knowledge economy across the entire western region. It is estimated that Platform94 will bring a Gross Added Value (GVA) of over €66.8 million to the regional economy in 2024, while further cementing its position as the definitive centre of excellence enabling the west’s scaling technology businesses to reach their growth and global ambitions.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this month, Platform94 was formerly known as Galway Technology Centre (GTC), and was originally founded in 1994 to meet the needs of an emerging cluster of ICT companies outside the capital. It is owned by Galway Chamber and WestBIC and supported by Enterprise Ireland. Over the last three decades, Platform94 has grown its physical presence in Galway to 11 times its original scale, having opened its doors as a 6,000 sq ft facility in February 1994. Since then, it has undergone three expansions, with the latest development to 66,000 sq ft coming on the back of a successful Regional Enterprise Development Fund bid to Enterprise Ireland.

The new extension brings with it a range of immersive support facilities that have been created to enable the Platform94 member companies to scale and grow. A state-of-the-art video conferencing boardroom, an additional 15 private Grade A office spaces, an ultra-modern media production suite, and a wellness centre, are among the new facilities on offer. These amenities will provide members with an optimum environment to thrive and succeed. Completed at the end of 2023, the building is already at 85 percent occupancy, with more than 600 people employed on site and an additional 100 positions currently open. Platform94 has exceeded its own job creation targets by 100, and has done so two years ahead of time. Within the next three years, it expects to reach 95 percent capacity, creating 748 direct roles and 479 indirect positions, bringing a GVA of €83.2 million annually.

Platform94 is recognised nationally and internationally as the west of Ireland’s definitive centre of excellence for scaling technology companies, and a leader in accelerating innovation-driven enterprises on a global scale. Physically in Galway, and through its regional outreach and collaboration programmes, it offers leadership and knowledge transfer to scaling companies, enabling them to elevate their business to the next level. It does so by providing access to the knowledge, network, funding and office supports, enabling them to scale and build thriving businesses in the west, and assisting them in unlocking their true international potential.