DLR Partners with Sandyford Business District and NovaUCD to Drive Innovation and Enterprise

Cllr Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council said

“I welcome this Memorandum of Understanding as an important step in strengthening collaboration across our county and advancing a shared collaborative vision for innovation, enterprise, and education. This partnership between Sandyford Business District, NovaUCD, and Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council represents a forward‑looking commitment to retain talent, supporting start‑ups, nurturing talent, and fostering research‑driven growth with an overall objective of creating employment and entrepreneurship with the resources available in our County.

 

The development of a Start‑Up and Innovation Campus in Sandyford will play a vital role in positioning the district as a regional hub of excellence, where businesses, educators, and government work side by side to drive opportunity and economic resilience. By deepening links between industry and the university research ecosystem, this initiative will open new pathways for knowledge exchange, skills development, and collaboration. This MoU reflects a shared dedication to building a dynamic, inclusive, and innovative future for all who live, work, and learn within Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown."

Frank Curran Chief Executive, Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council added:

“The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding marks an important step forward for the economic and educational landscape of Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown. By bringing together Sandyford Business District, NovaUCD, and DLRCC, this partnership creates a powerful platform to strengthen local enterprise, expand research activity, and open new pathways for entrepreneurial development across the region.

 

The establishment of a Start-Up and Innovation Campus in Sandyford will play a central role in driving high‑value employment and supporting the growth of both emerging and established businesses. By connecting industry with one of the country’s leading global innovation and research ecosystems, we are creating an environment where ideas can evolve into viable commercial opportunities, where entrepreneurs can scale, and where high‑quality jobs can be created close to home.

 

Equally, the collaboration offers significant educational benefits. It will enhance access to learning, foster stronger links between academia and industry, and ensure that our workforce is equipped with the skills required for a rapidly changing economy. From lifelong learning to advanced research partnerships, this MoU lays the foundation for a more innovative, resilient, and competitive region. We are proud to support this shared vision for sustainable economic growth and a thriving innovation district for all”.

Liam Cronin, Director of Innovation, University College Dublin highlighted the importance of the partnership:
 
“The MoU signed today establishes an exciting new collaborative framework for NovaUCD to work in partnership with the Sandyford Business District and Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council. Through this partnership, our goal is to support start‑ups and scale‑ups, advance research and innovation, and foster talent development to drive sustainable economic growth.”
 
 As outlined in UCD’s Breaking Boundaries strategy, a key priority for the University is to grow industry partnerships that enhance research, innovation, teaching and learning. We now look forward to working collaboratively to connect start‑ups, scale‑ups, SMEs, and multinationals from the Sandyford Business District with NovaUCD and UCD’s wider innovation and research ecosystem, enabling opportunities for knowledge exchange, industry engagement, and the development of collaborative innovation initiatives.”
 
 These initiatives will include the design and delivery of programmes to support early‑stage companies, business acceleration, and research–industry partnerships, alongside the creation of opportunities for students, graduates, and professionals to engage with both emerging ventures and established companies.”

Ger Corbett, CEO of Sandyford Business District said: 

“Today marks an important step towards establishing a Start-Up and Scale-Up Innovation Campus in Sandyford Business District, alongside the commitment to progressing a broader programme of initiatives focused on driving innovation, entrepreneurship and education that will help shape the district’s long-term future. 

 

 As we advance the objectives set out in this Memorandum of Understanding, SBD has the potential to become one of Ireland’s leading locations for innovation districts; a place where business, academia and policy work together to drive new ideas and continuous learning, support entrepreneurs and scaling companies, attract investment and create high-value employment. 

 

We welcome this shared ambition with NovaUCD and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and look forward to delivering a project that will strengthen SBD's role as a key centre for innovation and enterprise in Ireland.”