The Mill Enterprise Hub and Dundalk IT unite to benefit SMEs in the region

The Mill Enterprise Hub and Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT) have joined forces in a strategic partnership, marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), to strengthen the North-East’s innovation and enterprise ecosystem.

The partnership will open new pathways for SMEs to access cutting-edge research, expert knowledge, and emerging talent, creating opportunities for growth and regional impact.

The partnership is designed to enhance the delivery of the BASSE North-East programme and to create a more integrated pathway between ambitious SMEs and higher education, supporting both business growth and talent development across Louth, Meath, Cavan, and Monaghan.

BASSE North-East (Business Advantage Sustainability, Scaling and Expansion) is a flagship, multi-year programme from The Mill Enterprise Hub, supporting SMEs to grow stronger, more sustainable, and export-ready businesses. Combining expert-led scaling workshops, strategic mentoring, sustainability guidance, and peer-to-peer leadership engagement, it provides the practical tools and insights companies need to succeed in competitive markets.

Supported by a €1,000,000 investment announced by Minister Peter Burke of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the programme will cover up to 80% of costs—signaling strong national commitment to regional enterprise growth.

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Through BASSE North-East, The Mill Enterprise Hub is targeting the creation of 120 new jobs, delivering real and measurable economic impact across the region.

This partnership connects BASSE North-East companies directly with DKIT’s academic and research expertise, unlocking specialist knowledge in digital transformation, sustainability, and innovation, and enabling collaboration on real-world business challenges.

At the same time, it creates meaningful opportunities for DKIT students to work alongside scaling businesses, gaining hands-on experience through placements and industry-led projects that strengthen their career readiness.

Speaking on the announcement, Ronan Whitty, CEO of The Mill Enterprise Hub, said: “This partnership with DKIT is about creating real, tangible impact for businesses and talent across the North-East. BASSE North-East is designed to help companies scale faster, compete internationally, and build more sustainable businesses.

"By integrating academic expertise and emerging talent into that journey, we are significantly strengthening the support available to our companies and accelerating their growth potential.”

Aidan Browne, Head of Innovation and Business Development at DKIT, added: “This collaboration brings our research, expertise, and students directly into the heart of regional enterprise. It ensures that businesses benefit from fresh thinking and innovation, while our students gain invaluable experience working with ambitious, scaling companies.

"It’s a powerful example of how education and enterprise can work together to drive regional growth.”Building on a strong track record in regional enterprise development, The Mill Enterprise Hub has supported companies that have contributed over €228 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the Irish economy over the past decade—demonstrating its role as a key driver of economic growth.

BASSE North-East is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021–2027. This investment reflects a shared commitment to strengthening regional enterprise ecosystems, supporting SME scaling and export growth, and building innovation capacity across Ireland’s regions.