Last Chance to Register for Major Manufacturing Innovation Event as IMR Launches FactoryXChange 2.0 on June 24
Manufacturers, SMEs and public organisations are being encouraged to secure their place at Irish Manufacturing Research’s (IMR) upcoming FactoryXChange 2.0 event on June 24th at its Mullingar facility, as industry leaders gather to explore how Irish businesses can respond to the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence, digitalisation and increasing global competition.
FactoryXChange 2.0 is a programme designed to help manufacturers navigate AI, digital transformation and competitiveness challenges. The next phase of the programme builds on support already provided to more than 500 businesses and over 660 innovation services and has generated more than €6 million in requested service value since 2023.
More than 120 manufacturers, technology providers, policymakers, enterprise support organisations and innovation leaders from across Ireland and Europe are expected to attend the event next week, which will showcase the wide range of fully funded supports available to help businesses accelerate innovation, improve productivity and strengthen competitiveness.
Enterprises and public organisations interested in exploring available support for their businesses are invited to register below:
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
FactoryXChange 2.0 forms part of a €23 million investment by the European Union and Enterprise Ireland in Ireland’s European Digital Innovation Hub network and aims to help manufacturers accelerate technology adoption, improve productivity and strengthen long-term competitiveness.
Irish manufacturers are facing growing pressure from skills shortages, rising costs, sustainability requirements and rapid technological change. At the same time, advances in artificial intelligence, automation and data-driven technologies are creating significant opportunities for businesses that can successfully adopt and integrate them into their operations.
FactoryXChange 2.0 will help manufacturers navigate this transition by providing practical access to specialist expertise, innovation services, technology providers, testing facilities and training opportunities. Through a network of 17 specialist partners and more than 55 experts, the programme helps companies identify opportunities, reduce risk and move from exploration to implementation.
Speaking ahead of the event, Maurice O’Connell, Chief Operating Officer at Irish Manufacturing Research, said: “Manufacturers are operating in an increasingly complex environment. Rising costs, skills shortages, sustainability requirements and growing international competition are putting pressure on businesses of all sizes. At the same time, technologies such as AI, automation and advanced analytics are creating opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency and resilience.
“The challenge for many companies is knowing where to start and how to invest with confidence. That’s where FactoryXChange 2.0 can make a real difference. By providing access to expertise, technologies and practical supports, we can help manufacturers de-risk innovation, accelerate adoption and unlock new opportunities for growth and competitiveness.”
Led by Irish Manufacturing Research, FactoryXChange 2.0 is delivered through a national consortium of technology, research, innovation and business support organisations, bringing together expertise across artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, high-performance computing, sustainability, digital transformation, skills development and business growth.
The event features a keynote video address from Livio Rubino, Legal and Policy Officer in Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Policy Coordination at the AI Office within the European Commission’s DG CNECT, highlighting the importance of supporting manufacturers across Europe to adopt AI and digital technologies while strengthening industrial competitiveness.
Attendees will also hear from representatives of Ireland’s wider European Digital Innovation Hub ecosystem, including CeADAR, Data2Sustain and ENTIRE, showcasing the breadth of supports now available to Irish businesses through the national EDIH network.
Karin Jancyková, Project Coordinator of FactoryXChange 2.0, said: “Manufacturers do not need more complexity. They need practical support, trusted expertise and access to the right technologies at the right time.
“FactoryXChange 2.0 has been designed to make innovation more accessible, helping companies identify opportunities, test solutions, build capability and implement change with confidence.”
The event includes technology demonstrations, expert-led discussions, one-to-one matchmaking sessions and networking opportunities, allowing manufacturers to engage directly with specialists across AI, automation, digitalisation, sustainability and skills development.
Building on the success of FactoryXChange to date, the next phase of the programme will continue to help manufacturers future-proof their operations, embrace emerging technologies and unlock new opportunities for growth.
With registration now open and places limited, businesses interested in learning how they can access expertise, technologies and innovation supports through FactoryXChange 2.0 are encouraged to register ahead of the June 24 event.
