More Skibb jobs unveiled during successful week

AT least 10 new jobs will be created in Skibbereen, following the announcement that an educational technology firm is relocting from Dublin.

The firm, Digedu, will relocate to the Ludgate Digital Hub, it was announced at last week’s National Digital Week.

The second annual event, which was organised by the West Cork hub, was another huge success, with several hundred visitors attending the sessions, workshops and demonstrations on each of the three days. 

During the event, Siro – the joint venture between the ESB and Vodafone – revealed it had completed its project to wire up Skibbereen to the 1GB connection.

Heavy hitters from the world of technology, including Vodafone boss Anne O’Leary, Ronan Harris, the boss of Google Ireland, and broadcaster Pat Kenny, were among those who addressed the packed stages at
the West Cork Hotel.

The Digedu jobs announcement, which is just the latest in a series of ‘good news’ stories from Ludgate, will come about as a result of grant seed funding to the online education start-up.

The firm is to get 10% of Ludgate’s €450,000 investment package. The Ludgate Seed Capital Fund aims to help startups develop and scale their business, attract new talent or develop their product or service. 

 Digedu is the first to receive funding from this package, with an investment from Ludgate of €45,000 in the business.

An online provider of courses aimed at teaching skills for the digital age to a global audience, Digedu is the brainchild of Bryan Hurley, a Dublin-based technology graduate from Waterford.

The 27-year old will now relocate to Skibbereen to establish his business at the 10,000 square foot Ludgate Hub, which has 1GB connectivity, through SIRO’s fibre optic broadband. 

The funds will allow the tech entrepreneur to invest in the company’s educational platform with the business aiming to employ 10 people within the next three years.

Speaking at the announcement, Mr Hurley said: ‘This substantial investment in our business at this early stage gives us the platform to develop and grow at a much quicker and efficient pace than otherwise might have been possible.  Skibbereen’s Ludgate Digital Hub provides us with everything we need from high speed connectivity to mentorship in an exciting startup environment and is a unique opportunity for a small tech company to participate in a truly unique
and inspiring initiative.’

Sean O’Driscoll, a founding board member of Ludgate Digital Hub, chairman and chief executive of Glen Dimplex said: ‘On meeting Bryan and the Digedu team we were impressed by their energy and drive to develop a global educational platform.  

This ambition, coupled with the business’ potential for scale gives us the confidence that Digedu can bring high value, sustainable jobs to Skibbereen – a key objective of the Ludgate Digital Hub initiative.’

National Digital Week is supported by event partners AIB, Vodafone and Google. 

With the seed capital fund now available, entrepreneurs are invited to apply at www.ludgate.ie/seed-funding/.