FactoryXChange Launches Third Hub at Creative Spark, Unlocking Innovation Nationwide

Left to right: Becky Garrard (FactoryXChange), John Cosgrove (TUS/FactoryXChange), Laura Clifford (Enterprise Ireland), Sarah Daly (Creative Spark), Thom Conaty (Creative Spark), Karin Jancykova (FactoryXChange).

Last week marked a big moment for digital innovation in the North-East, as the third FactoryXChange Hub officially launched at Creative Spark in Dundalk.  

The Creative Spark x FactoryXChange: HUB Launch & Innovation Showcase brought together entrepreneurs, SMEs, educators, researchers, students, creatives and public partners for an evening that felt more like a spark of momentum than a ribbon-cutting. 

This launch completes the rollout of the FXC Hub network, with digital innovation hubs now live in Westmeath (Irish Manufacturing Research, Mullingar), Limerick (Technological University of the Shannon) and Dundalk (Creative Spark), supported by Enterprise Ireland and the European Commission. That means businesses across Ireland can now tap into fully funded digital innovation services, both online and on-site, no matter where they’re based. Whether it's testing a new technology, exploring automation, or figuring out where to start on a digital journey, FactoryXChange is now open and available to help. 

At the launch event in Dundalk, the energy was real. The evening kicked off with a welcome from Sarah Daly, Executive Director at Creative Spark, who shared how this new hub will give businesses across the region easier access to the tools, equipment and expertise they need to innovate with confidence. 

There were standout stories that reminded everyone why digital manufacturing matters. Peter Gilleece from Vikela Armour shared how he’s transforming protective gear using 3D printing to make body armour that’s lightweight, custom-fit and far more inclusive. Kieran Murphy from RCSI SIM showed how 3D-printed anatomical models are now being used to train surgeons — cutting costs, improving access, and reducing reliance on cadavers and imported kits. 

Oscar Diaz introduced the work of the Creative Spark Enterprise FabLab, where businesses, makers and students can turn ideas into real prototypes using 3D printers, laser cutters and other tools. Karin Jancykova and John Cosgrove from the FactoryXChange team explained how the FXC platform helps businesses innovate, build strategies, access wide range of services, test-before-invest, and get the expert input they need at every stage. And Thom Conaty demonstrated how businesses can now book Creative Spark-led services directly through the FXC platform. Services like innovation planning, design thinking and creative ideation, all available at up to 100% discount for eligible organisations.* 

The FabLab tour and live demos were a hit, but what stood out most was the sense that this is only the beginning, that real opportunities are now within reach, and doors are opening for businesses, creators and communities to do things they couldn’t easily do before. 

With this final hub now live, all FactoryXChange services are available across Ireland. And FXC is part of something bigger. Alongside our sister Irish EDIHs - ENTIRE (Midlands & East), Data2Sustain (South-West) and CEADAR (AI, Data & Analytics) we now cover the entire country, helping organisations futureproof through innovation and collaboration. 

So, if you missed the launch, don’t worry, you can still be part of what’s next.

FactoryXChange is open to all businesses and public sector bodies looking to take the next step in their digital journey. Book a service, explore the platform, or just have a conversation with one of our digital strategists. The support is there, the funding is in place, and the impact is already happening. 

Let’s build something better for the future, together. 

*Up to 100% discount means services may be fully or partially funded depending on your organisation type, project scope, and eligibility under Enterprise Ireland and European Commission guidelines.