Irish manufacturing stands at a critical crossroads. As global competition intensifies, the launch of FactoryXChange (FXC) 2.0 offers a vital pathway to resilience and sustainable growth. This event marks the official activation of a nationwide network powered by €23M in EU and Enterprise Ireland funding.

Hosted at the state-of-the-art IMR Mullingar hub, this gathering brings together the national consortium—including ENTIRE, CeADAR, and Data2Sustain —to provide actionable, "test-before-you-invest" pathways.

Join us to move beyond theory and access the expertise needed to future-proof your operations, boost productivity, and drive sustainable, human-centred growth.

What You Will Gain

• Strategic Funding Access: Discover how to leverage €23M in EU and Enterprise Ireland funding for digital transformation.

• Direct Expert Access: Engage in one-on-one consultations with 55+ experts and technical specialists from 17 nationwide FXC 2.0 partners, as well as the three other Irish EDIHs: CeADAR, Data2Sustain, and ENTIRE.

• Proven Success Blueprints: Learn from FXC 1.0 success stories, where benefitted SMEs achieved productivity gains of 18–23%.

• Hands-on Innovation: Access live demonstrations of Industry 5.0 tools, including robotics, AI, and advanced data analytics.

• Cross-Industry Networking: Connect with 80–100 SME leaders and policy stakeholders to share insights on overcoming innovation barriers.

• Actionable Solutions: Participate in challenge-based breakout sessions to address your specific operational hurdles regarding skills gaps, AI adoption, and tech integration.

• Matchmaking: Engage in one-on-one consultations to align your business needs with the right digital services.

What to Expect

Hosted at the state-of-the-art IMR Mullingar hub, the event is designed for high-impact engagement. Following opening remarks from IMR leadership, the afternoon transitions into a high-energy "World Café" style breakout programme. This format ensures that every attendee actively participate in problem-solving and matchmaking, ensuring you leave with concrete next steps for your organisation.

Who Should Attend

• SME Leaders & Managing Directors: Seeking to improve productivity and future-proof their operations.

• Operations & Innovation Managers: Looking for practical, discounted pathways to adopt AI and Industry 5.0 tools.

• Technology & Digital Leads: Interested in the funded services offered by FXC 2.0, CeADAR, Data2Sustain, and ENTIRE.

• Policy Makers & Industry Stakeholders: Focused on sustainable growth and the strengthening of the Irish manufacturing ecosystem.

Agenda

• 13:00 – 13:45 | Registration & Light Networking Lunch (Foyer)

• 14:00 – 14:10 | Opening & Welcome: Karin Jancykova, Becky Garrard, Barry Fitzpatrick, Kate Kao, FXC 2.0 IMR Coordination Team (Bay 2)

• 14:10 – 14:20 | Keynote: Harnessing AI for Inclusive Growth: Bridging the Productivity Gap in SMEs and Society – Livio Rubino, AI Office, European Commission (online keynotes) (Bay 2)

• 14:20 – 14:30 | EDIHs Initiative: European Digital Innovation Hubs – EU initiative for future-proof and competitive SMEs – Laura Clifford, Enterprise Ireland Senior Programme Manager EDIH & IC3 (Bay 2)

• 14:30 – 15:00 | Irish European Digital Innovation Hubs: a nationwide funded support – Sean Keys, Data2Sustain; Laura Plukett, CeADAR; Paul Galvin, ENTIRE; 17 FXC 2.0 partners (Bay 2)

• 15:00 – 15:15 | FactoryXChange 2.0 Official Launch (Foyer)

• 15:15 – 15:30 | Coffee, Networking & Photoshoot (Foyer)

• 15:30 – 16:30 | Breakout Sessions (World Café Format):

  • A: Data & AI Services (Bay 2), facilitators: Mo Hassine, TisaLabs & Koen Jasper, Mavarick AI

  • B: Business Services (Training Room), facilitator: Valerie De Leonibus, Inventya

  • C: Matchmaking (Mezzanine), facilitator: Regiane McLoughlin, IMR

  • D: Skills Services (M1), facilitator: Thom Conaty, Creative Spark

  • E: Test-Before-Invest Services (Demo Area) facilitator: Kevin Dooley, IMR Robotics and Automation Team

• 16:30 – 16:55 | Breakout Sessions Wrap-Up (Bay 2)

• 16:55 – 17:00 | Closing Remarks: Maurice O’Connell, IMR COO

Registration

Spaces are strictly limited to ensure high-quality engagement for all attendees.

Please confirm your attendance via the below form.

Early registration is recommended to secure your breakout session slots.