THE Government yesterday said it will be forced to write off €35 million of its investment in Media Lab Europe (MLE), the digital media research centre that was the centrepiece of the Digital Hub project.

Dublin-based research laboratory Media Lab Europe is being wound up with the loss of 60 jobs because of lack of funding, it emerged tonight.

Media Lab Europe and Scotland's Highlands and Islands Enterprise network (HIE) have signed a two-year strategic partnership agreement following the successful completion of a 12-month pilot programme.

Companies based in The Digital Hub, The Guinness Enterprise Centre and Media Lab Europe will have an opportunity to pitch their services to each other at the first Digital Hub Enterprise Network event.

Dublin-based technology firm Media Lab Europe has announced a research partner agreement with America Online (AOL).

Media Lab Europe with a base in Dublin has announced a strategic alliance with the Henley-Incubator (H-I) at Henley Management College in Britain, one of the world's longest-established business schools.

Media Lab Europe has appointed Dr Simon Jones as Managing Director with effect from October 1, 2003.

Media Lab Europe, the research and development centre established in Dublin city centre, has announced that Essilor, which is a global provider of ophthalmic optical products, has become a consortium member at Media Lab Europe for an initial three-year period.

Media Lab Europe has unveiled an enlarged research team of over 45 people, and established a new venture company called Media Lab Ventures.