Portershed is the ultimate mashup of entrepreneurs, startups, growth companies, educational institutions, the Galway Chamber, state agencies and local government. Our goal is to create an innovation ecosystem, one that creates a synergistic relationship between people, companies, and place, that facilitates idea generation, open learning, collaboration and accelerates commercialisation.
PorterShed is meascán d’fhiontraithe, gnólachtaí nuathionscanta, comhlachtaí atá ag forbairt, institiúidí oideachais, Cumann Tráchtála na Gaillimhe, gníomhaireachtaí stáit agus rialtas áitiúil é Portershed. Is í an aidhm atá againn éiceachóras nuálaíochta a bhunú trína gcruthaítear caidreamh sineirgisteach idir daoine, comhlachtaí agus áit agus a bhfuil sé de chumas aige smaointe a ghiniúint, foghlaim oscailte, comhoibriú agus ina gcuirtear borradh faoi thráchtálaíocht.
Spaces for entrepreneurs need to be complemented by the skills to succeed as a startup founder - so that people know how to progress their idea, technology or passion through to a successful startup, or to produce a new innovation within existing companies.
Portershed allows entrepreneurs to use collaborative spaces, coworking spaces, mingle with other entrepreneurs and have efficient access to everything from insights into the latest technology to legal and financial advice. Rather than endure long commutes and daily congestion, residents of Portershed can choose to work and live in places that are connected, walkable, bike-able and connected by technology.
PorterShed was set up to address a number of needs in Galway. A recurring theme was the lack of a downtown innovation hub for incoming and indigenous startups - with all the expected features: red brick walls, wooden beams, fibre internet, and of course, coffee. Along with Galway Chamber of Commerce, we took the first step in making what we have called the Galway City Innovation District (GCID) a reality. In September 2015, renovation started on the former Guinness storehouse owned by CIÉ i.e. The PorterShed, and in April 2016 it opened its doors to startup companies and officially opened in May.
PorterShed is a showcase for Galway’s tech startup scene, and incorporates a coworking space housing 22 innovative companies and up to 62 people in total, hot desks for casual members and an open space for events and workshops.
AIB Start-up Academy Summit
Hosted by Gráinne Seoige, the pitching contest was one of the highlights of the summit that included expert input from Pádraig Ó Céidigh, senator and founder of Aer Arann; Aoibheann McNamara, owner of ArdBia, Galway and co-founder of The Tweed Project; Padraic Joyce, ex-Galway GAA footballer and founder of PJ Personnel and David Cunningham, CEO, Lean Start Up Summits in Europe and founding director of Portershed.
Portershed Members
PorterShed is home to 56 members and 18 companies in the ICT sector.
Six Months of Events
Over fifty events have been held at Portershed within it's first six months of operations.
Portershed Opens
The official opening of Portershed happens and first members enter the building.
Portershed Begins
Renovations begins at the old Guinness Store House to turn the first building of the Innovation District into Portershed.
Looking to Join Portershed?
Get in contact with us about becoming a member, hot-desk, or using the event space of Portershed.
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