THE Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) celebrated 10 years of its “Media Cube” last week.
Designed to support high potential start-ups in technology, creative and culture sectors, it was originally established in 2007 with funding from Enterprise Ireland under the National Development Plan.
The Media Cube has since supported 80 successful companies which have generated 756 jobs and raised €25 million in equity.
Dr Annie Doona, President of IADT spoke of the significant output that the Media Cube has generated, despite opening at a time when the country endured one of the worst economic recessions in recent memory.
“The Media Cube has supported over 80 successful companies that are still growing and thriving today,” she said.
“The impact to the local and broader economy is very significant when you consider these companies employ approximately 756 people in highly skilled positions.”
Notable successes include Your Smile Direct.
Graham Byrne, CEO commented on the importance of the Media Cube’s entrepreneurial ecosystem as his company grew:
“Your Smile Direct began its life at the Media Cube back in 2014. We were able to get the help, support and contacts at critical times in our growth journey. But possibly the biggest benefit I found was that the Media Cube has a rare community where you can just sit down and have a cup of coffee with 5 different entrepreneurs all going through the same journey”.
Your Smile Direct now employs 60 people and have recently relocated to offices in the Stillorgan area.
The Media Cube has become a central hub for the high technology start-up community in the digital media and creative technology sectors and works closely with Enterprise Ireland, the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Local Enterprise Office and other key agencies. It offers a suite of services including serviced office space, hot-desks and one to one mentoring support.