Self-starters gain confidence boost at Pathway to Innovate events

Teams of experienced advisors are offering their support to innovative entrepreneurs at events in Galway, Sligo, Limerick and Cork in the coming weeks

Sinéad O’Riordan, head of partnerships at Skillnet Innovation Exchange.

Innovative self-starters all across Ireland are set to upskill, expand and grow their businesses by participating in the new Pathway to Innovate programme.

Pathway to Innovate has been created by a partnership including Skillnet Innovation Exchange, Skillnet Ireland, IRDG, ISME, AIM Centre, Engine, Ludgate, Platform 94, RDI Hub, and Republic of Work.

The goal of the Pathway initiative is to support SMEs on their growth journey, helping them to embed innovation and entrepreneurial practices into their organisation. The teams of experienced advisors will do this by identifying relevant supports and delivering tangible upskilling programmes.

In short, Pathway to Innovate assists SMEs to easily identify relevant supports through a single, local regional hub. There has been significant interest in and take-up of the workshops hosted already in October, and the popularity is being fuelled by very positive feedback from participants.

Sinéad O’Riordan, head of partnerships at Skillnet Innovation Exchange, said: “Innovation is a recognised driver of competitiveness, resilience, and growth within SMEs. However, in Ireland, innovation in small to medium sized enterprises (SME) remains a challenge.

“Irish SMEs are underperforming in RD&I compared to their EU counterparts in comparable economies. Key challenges include skills gaps, limited resources and competition from larger firms.”

Addressing these gaps is essential for SMEs to adopt new technologies, meet market demands, scale their business and enhance competitiveness, according to Skillnet Ireland. 

The hosts of Pathway to Innovate believe that those attending the scheduled events will take away some valuable skills and tools to help them progress their hopes and ambitions for their businesses.

In this Q&A interview, Sinéad O’Riordan of Skillnet Innovation Exchange outlines how the programme has hit the ground running, inspiring confidence and optimism among participants.

What are the main supports Pathway to Innovate is offering to regional SMEs?

“Pathway to Innovate connects regional SMEs with the right supports to help them innovate and grow. Through a mix of in-person clinics, mentoring and follow-on supports, participants can access expertise from across Ireland’s innovation network, including funding opportunities, R&D training and innovation strategy guidance. The programme helps business owners take a step back to see the bigger picture, identify where innovation can drive growth, and then connect them to the practical tools to make it happen.” 

Do you need to tailor the supports to each participant?

“Yes, completely. Every business has a different starting point, set of challenges and growth ambitions, which is why a one-size-fits-all approach does not work. Pathway to Innovate is designed to build a unique roadmap for each SME. We ask each participant to complete a diagnostic to allow us to understand their innovation gaps and then through the clinic sessions and one-to-one mentoring, participants are guided toward the most relevant supports and networks for their stage of growth, ensuring the advice and opportunities are directly applicable to their business.”  

In what ways will the funding, R&D training and mentoring help boost the business of each participant?

“Funding helps businesses take their next big step, whether that means developing a new product, investing in technology or exploring export markets. R&D training gives them the knowledge to innovate smarter, not harder, and to make better use of available supports.

“Mentoring adds another dimension by giving business leaders a sounding board to refine ideas, make confident decisions and move from concept to action with clarity. Together, these elements help SMEs strengthen their competitiveness, create new opportunities and build more resilient businesses.”  

What types of business are signing up for the upcoming workshops? 

“We’re seeing a wide mix of participants, from established manufacturers and engineering firms to service providers, digital start-ups and creative enterprises. The common thread is ambition. These are business owners who have ambition, want to innovate, explore new ways of working and tap into the national ecosystem of supports that can help them grow.” 

 What do you expect the programme will do for participants and the communities in which they're located?

“Pathway to Innovate is about strengthening the business ecosystem at a regional level. When local SMEs grow, they create jobs, build confidence and contribute to more vibrant, sustainable communities. By connecting business owners to the right supports, expertise and networks, the programme helps them unlock potential that has a ripple effect far beyond their own company, strengthening the fabric of innovation and enterprise in every region of Ireland.”  

Events schedule 

Pathway to Innovate will host a series of hands-on, expert-led regional clinics, featuring inspirational speakers, case studies, diagnostic reflection, ecosystem support amd wrap-up, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities, delivered through regional partners. These include:

• Platform 94, Galway – 13 October. 
• Engine Collaboration Centre, Limerick – 14 October. 
• The Ludgate Hub, Skibbereen – 16 October.
• AIM Centre, Sligo – 21 October. 

Spaces are limited, and SMEs are encouraged to register their interest at www.pathwaytoinnovate.ie to receive tailored guidance aligned to their specific objectives.