In the early 1990s, Galway stood on the edge of an economic precipice. The closure of much of the Digital Equipment Corporation plant in 1993 sent shockwaves through the city. Digital had been more than just an employer—it was the beating heart of the local economy. Its closure threatened to rip the soul from a city that had become synonymous with innovation and tech progress. At the time, Galway’s future looked uncertain, even doomed. But history would prove otherwise.
Fast forward three decades, and Galway tells a very different story—one not of decline, but of rebirth, resilience, and remarkable transformation. At the core of this revival stands Platform94, a thriving technology hub that has not only helped restore Galway’s tech pulse but has driven it to beat stronger than ever.
A phoenix from the ashes
Platform94, known until recently as the Galway Technology Centre (GTC ), was born out of necessity in 1994. It was the direct response of the Digital Task Force, a coalition determined not to let the West of Ireland fade into economic obscurity. Their mission was simple but powerful: to encourage and support the development of indigenous, technology-based industry in the region.
What began as a modest initiative—just a fraction of the size it is now—has become the cornerstone of Galway’s modern entrepreneurial ecosystem. From a handful of startups in its earliest days, Platform94 has evolved into a 66,000-square-foot powerhouse. It houses over 600 employees and has supported more than 300 companies. To date, it has facilitated over 3,000 jobs and injected an estimated €1.3 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA ) into Ireland’s western economy.
More than a building
Platform94 is no longer just a place—it’s a movement. Its CEO, Marie Donnellan, puts it succinctly: “The heart of the matter is how businesses scale, but also what makes a balanced and compelling ecosystem.” That ecosystem, she believes, must blend startups, scale-ups, and multinational firms, all working in harmony. And that’s exactly what Platform94 has achieved.
The centre now operates at 92% occupancy and has become a community for scaling technology businesses not just in Galway, but across the West and North-West of Ireland. The vision, Ms Donnellan says, is to support growth beyond physical infrastructure—to create meaningful, long-term connections, support systems, and mentorship that allow companies to truly thrive.
With programmes like the International Scaling Community—a new initiative for globally ambitious businesses—and strategic partnerships with Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, and Local Enterprise Offices, Platform94 is redefining what a regional tech hub can be. Their recent scaling programme even took participating businesses to markets in the US and UK, providing invaluable exposure and experience.
Platform94, the west of Ireland’s centre of excellence for scaling businesses, has this week published its first-ever Annual Report, capturing a landmark year of progress, purpose and possibility across the region’s innovation ecosystem.
The 2024 Annual Report reflects a year of exceptional momentum, with Platform94 significantly increasing occupancy, expanding infrastructure, generating record levels of activity and engagement, and amplifying its regional and international brand presence.
A Standout Year of Growth
2024 saw the official opening of Platform94’s newly expanded 66,000 sq ft headquarters, which reached 95% occupancy and became home to more than 80 businesses and 640 employees making it one of the most dynamic innovation hubs in the country. Companies operating at Platform94 generated over €300 million in revenue in 2024, contributing over €210 million in GVA with a total economic impact of over €540 million over the 12-month period.
“This report is a reflection of the belief and momentum that we are building,” said Marie Donnellan. “It tells the story of a small team with a big purpose, and a community that's scaling globally together. It marks the beginning of a new chapter, one that’s focused on deeper support, stronger partnerships, and reinvestment in what matters most: helping ambitious businesses to scale globally from the west of Ireland.”
Fostering the Future of Tech
The story of Platform94 is, at its core, a story of people—entrepreneurs, mentors, innovators, and risk-takers. Many of the businesses that pass through its doors are born of necessity or passion. Some, like Mbryonics and Core Optimisation, have already made waves in international markets. Others are just beginning their journeys. But all benefit from the same rich environment of collaboration, guidance, and shared ambition.
What makes Platform94 so effective is its layered approach to support. It offers flexible office space, cutting-edge facilities, and cost-effective services backed by giants like Bank of Ireland and PwC. But more importantly, it offers a community. From co-working spaces to informal networking and curated events, every aspect of Platform94’s operation is designed to foster connection and collaboration.
And that community goes far beyond Galway. “We’re based here,” said Ms Donnellan, “but we are committed to reaching out into all rural areas of the West of Ireland.” The aim is not just to grow businesses, but to grow a regional economy. It’s about raising all boats.
The human element
Marie Donnellan herself embodies much of what Platform94 stands for. A native of Galway, she cut her teeth working in her family’s B&B and shop before climbing the ranks of EY, where she became an Audit Director and supported the Entrepreneur of the Year programme. Her roots in finance are invaluable, but it’s her passion for people that sets her apart.
“I just loved dealing with people. That is what drives me and always has,” she says. That human focus is baked into Platform94’s DNA. It’s not just about helping startups survive. It’s about helping them scale—and scale smartly.
“Getting investment is fantastic, but it has to be done at the right time and for the right reasons. It has to be about more than just money. It has to be about having the right partners to bring your business to the next level.”
The impact of Platform94’s work is profound. Senior figures like Gerard Broderick of Bank of Ireland hail its role in job creation and economic development. Paul Swift, Head of Tech, Media, and Telecoms at the bank, goes further: “You cannot put a price on the added value it delivers in terms of nurturing a dynamic ecosystem… This can only be good news for Galway.”
Indeed, the once-shaky future of the city is now a glowing example of what regional innovation can look like. The legacy of multinational investment has not disappeared—it has morphed into a synergy between global companies and local talent, with many indigenous businesses founded by former employees of those giants. The city now boasts a thriving mix of digital, medtech, and manufacturing industries that show no signs of slowing.
Platform94, named to honour the “launchpad” created in 1994, represents everything that’s right about this transformation. It shows that economic adversity can lead to renewal, that with the right vision and support, a regional city can punch far above its weight on the international stage.
Looking Ahead
Platform94 isn’t content to rest on its impressive track record. Its focus is squarely on the future—on supporting the next wave of startups, on bridging the funding and knowledge gap between starting and scaling, and on extending its reach throughout the West.
Ms Donnellan sees Platform94’s future as a national beacon for scaling support, and the recent Galway Scaling Globally project, which won Best International Project at the Chambers Ireland Awards, is evidence that others are taking note.
As Galway prepares for the next chapter in its tech evolution, Platform94 will continue to play a pivotal role. Not just as a place—but as a platform for dreams, for growth, for transformation.
From the shadow of closure in 1993 to the bright lights of global opportunity today, Platform94 stands as a shining example of what is possible when vision meets resilience—and when a city refuses to give up on its future.
