Governor Signs Memorandum of Understanding Establishing Partnership Between Empire State Development, Guinness Enterprise Centre and Furthr To Grow Entrepreneurship and Innovation Opportunities in New York and Ireland
Builds on Governor’s Commitment To Create a Modern, 21st Century Economy in New York State
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a new partnership between Empire State Development, Ireland’s Guinness Enterprise Centre, and Dublin-based Furthr to foster innovation and collaboration between businesses in New York and Ireland. The partnership, formalized in a memorandum of understanding signed today by Governor Hochul, recognizes the entities’ shared interest in collaborating on key technology and industry sectors and dedicates resources to creating innovative entrepreneurship opportunities in New York and in Ireland. Governor Hochul signed the memorandum of understanding while in Ireland after meeting with leaders from the Guinness Enterprise Centre and Furthr.
“New York State and Ireland are united in the belief that our economies are stronger, more resilient, and more innovative when we work together,” Governor Hochul said. “This agreement between New York, the Guinness Enterprise Centre and Furthr creates real opportunities for startups and early-stage businesses on both sides of the Atlantic to grow and innovate, and I look forward to advancing this partnership with our Irish counterparts that will help us build a vibrant and more modern economy.”
Director of Incubation and GEC Centre Manager Niamh Collins said, “Today's Irish entrepreneurs need to be internationally focused from day one. The team at the Guinness Enterprise Centre is constantly seeking new pathways to facilitate and accelerate market access, so we are delighted to welcome Governor Hochul and her team to the Guinness Enterprise Centre to formally partner with Empire State's Development division. Together we can create exciting new opportunities for companies in Ireland and New York State, forging transatlantic innovation and empowering entrepreneurs.”
Martin Murray, CEO at Furthr, a founding partner and managing partner of the Guinness Enterprise Centre said, “Under the agreement, each of the entities will make resources available to accelerate connections between New York and Ireland; share technical information, data, and analytics to inform best practices; and engage in outreach activities with other industry, government, and academic leaders to strengthen the partnership. Today’s announcement really opens up a world of exciting opportunities for our Irish client companies to accelerate their growth directly into the US East Coast tech corridor while providing New York start-ups with a supportive landing location and ecosystem in Ireland.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Teaming up with the Guinness Centre and Furthr allows us all to share ideas and tap into a wide array of resources and expertise that will unleash unlimited potential for our entrepreneurs and startups on both sides of the Atlantic. This collaboration will foster innovative ideas to grow key segments of our economy.”
Read the full press release here.