University helps drive forward €2m 'digital corridor'

The University of Ulster has joined forces with Dundalk Institute of Technology and Dream Ireland to drive forward a new € 2m initiative aimed at developing a ‘digital corridor’ for Ireland’s eastern seaboard.

The Midas Project project hopes to create the necessary infrastructure and supports to allow for the growth of small and medium creative and digital media enterprises in the region.

The main elements of the project are:

• The development of the economic capacity of existing SMEs working in this area in the East Border region increasing employment and supporting high business growth in the creative and digital media area.
• The promotion of entrepreneurship leading to new business start-ups creating employment and generating economic growth.
• The development of a state of the art digital/animation studio on the Dundalk Institute of Technology Campus.
• The creation of new cross-border business-to-business linkages among creative & digital media SMEs.
• The development of cross-border, joint marketing initiatives for SMEs.
• To increase opportunities for cross-border technology transfer, innovation and new product development for participating SMEs in the East Border Region.

The East Border Region comprises seven local authorities, including Louth and Monaghan County Councils, Newry & Mourne, Banbridge and Down District Councils and Craigavon and Ards Borough Councils.

The Midas Project is a joint initiative of Dundalk Institute of Technology, University of Ulster and Dream Ireland Ltd Belfast and is funded through the EU’s INTERREG IIIA Programme and the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) and private sector to the level of €2.32 million.

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