It’s one of the largest and fastest growing economies in the States – a centre for IT innovation, aerospace and defence manufacturing, beef barons and oil tycoons and home to the SXSW music and media showcase. And in March 2013, and it will be the destination for an Enterprise Ireland ministerial-led cross-sectoral trade mission.
In the latest edition of Enterprise Ireland‘s The Market magazine, Nick Marmion looks at why it’s hats off to the Lone Star State.
Texas is the second largest economy in the United States and the 15th largest in the world. What’s more, it’s the largest exporter of goods in the US: Texas currently grosses more than $100 billion a year in trade with other nations. It’s also home to 51 Fortune 500 companies, making it third in line after New York (with 57) and California (53). Irish companies with operations in Texas include Intuition, Kentz, Sercom, Firecomms, Icon and Trintech. But we believe the state presents further, and as yet barely exploited, opportunities for Irish companies to sell goods and services, develop partnerships and explore research linkages. In March 2013, we will co-ordinate a ministerial-led, cross-sectoral trade mission to Texas, taking in Dallas, Houston and Austin. This should be of particular interest to companies with solutions in the areas of:
- Wireless telecoms, chip and ICT manufacturing
- Medical device and IT for life sciences
- Oil and gas
- Smartfarm products for the dairy and cattle industries
DIVERSIFIED ECONOMY
One of the first industries to thrive in Texas after the civil war was cattle. Due to its long history as a centre of the livestock industry, Texas is associated with the image of the cowboy.
However, the state’s fortunes expanded in the early 20th century, when the oil started to flow. With strong investments in universities, Texas has developed a diversified economy and high-tech industry. Today, it is a leader in many industries, including agriculture, petrochemicals, energy, computers and electronics, aerospace and biomedical sciences.
ICT HUB
Texas is one of the major hubs in the US for computer components and systems, as well as software. The Austin area is often referred to as ‘Silicon Hills’ because of the concentration of semiconductor design companies. Dell’s headquarters are located in the city’s suburb, Round Rock. Dallas is the birthplace of the integrated circuit, and by some definitions, the birthplace of the microprocessor. The North Dallas area has a high concentration of IT companies such as Texas Instruments and EDS. In addition, Harris County-based Compaq was once one of the world’s largest computer companies, and since Compaq’s merger with Hewlett-Packard, HP currently employs more employees in the Houston area than anywhere else in the world.
ENERGY CAPITAL
Texas is a global leader in the energy industry, and Houston is the energy capital of the world. The known petroleum deposits of Texas are about 8 billion barrels – or approximately one third of known US supply. As wells are depleted in the eastern portions of the state, drilling has moved westward. Several of the major oil companies have headquarters in Texas, including Conoco Phillips, Marathon Oil (Houston), Exxon-Mobil (Irving), Tesoro, and Valero (San Antonio). In addition, many of the world’s largest oilfield services firms, including Halliburton, Schlumberger and Dresser, have made Texas home, and major pipeline operators, such as El Paso and Dynegy, along with diversified energy firms such as TXU and Reliant Energy, are also there.
Since 2003, Texas state officials have created various initiatives like the Texas Enterprise Fund and the Texas Emerging Technology Fund to develop the economy of Texas. Texas has become a leader in alternative energy sources, producing more wind power than any other state, and it has also invested in small-scale solar power and experimental wave power generators.
DEFENCE
A large number of defence contractors are located in Dallas and Houston, creating strong employment for the state. Two divisions of Lockheed Martin have their headquarters in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Fort Worthis where the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the largest Western fighter craft – and its successors the F-35 Lightning II and the F-22 Raptor – are manufactured. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control is headquartered in Grand Prairie.
MUSIC AND MEDIA
Running from March 10 to 13, 2013, the Irish trade mission will coincide with the South by Southwest (SXSW) annual week of conferences and festivals. SXSW has become an increasingly important destination for Irish companies interested in the convergence of music, film, internet and emerging technologies, and we expect 30 to 40 client companies from these sectors alone to travel to Houston between March 8 and 17, 2013. So it’s come to Houston – and Dallas, and Austin.
For further information, contact Nick Marmion, Enterprise Ireland’s US West Coast Manager, nick.marmion@enterpriseireland.com, +1 650 294 4081.
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Looking at where VCs are putting their money is an easy way to identify sectors with perceived growth potential. The Affordable Care Act (known affectionately as “Obamacare”); a new additional 2.3% medical device tax; and continued uncertainty about the FDA approval process has led to big drop in VC funding dollars in the US life sciences industry in 2012. In fact, PwC have estimated that the medical device industry is down 30% in VC funding dollars and 22% in VC deals in Q2 2012 compared to the same period in 2011.
Remarkably, it does not seem that these challenges have impacted digital health, connected health, health technology or whatever term you might prefer to use. At the Health 2.0 San Francisco Fall event, the digital health accelerator RockHealth declared that VC funding dollars had increased by 70% and that VC deals had increased by 84% in Q3 2012 compared to the same period in 2011.
So it should not be surprising that when Governor of Massachusetts, Deval Patrick proclaimed that the third week in October would be known as “Innovation Week” in Boston that it was centered around two large health technology events.
The focus on the role of technology in healthcare began with a two-day event in the Massachusetts State House. The extensively named, “EU-US eHealth Marketplace & 2012 Transatlantic Health IT/eHealth Cooperation Assembly” was organised by the European Connected Health Alliance (ECH Alliance), the Northern Ireland Massachusetts Connection (NIMAC) and EU Commission. Essentially, the purpose of the event was to encourage the development of collaborations between the US and Europe in the area of connected health.
Among the attendees with a link to Enterprise Ireland were Irish companies SilverCloud Health and Cara Wellness whom exhibited and pitched their offerings at the assembly of 300 health tech executives, financiers, policy makers and health tech enthusiasts.
Headquartered in the National Digital Research Centre in Dublin, SilverCloud Health has a platform that allows healthcare providers and organisations to rapidly introduce health and wellness programs to their clients.
Through the collaboration of CASALA, ADA and Rigney Dolphin; CARAwellness has a technology that allows users gather information about their health from several technology sources so that they can keep an eye on their wellbeing and allow them share it with their carers. CARAwellness are able to do this through the use of medical technology, such as blood pressure cuffs, weight scales and sensors.
It was not just Irish health tech companies represented though – to promote eHealth Week 2013, Ciaran Cannon, T.D., Minister of State for Training and Skills concluded the two-day seminar with an invitation to all participants and their peers to come to the new convention centre in Dublin next May for the event – one of many conferences coinciding with Tourism Ireland’s “The Gathering 2013”.
Next up was the main event, the Connected Health Symposium 2012 presented by Partners HealthCare – the not-for-profit health care system that was founded by Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital.
The Connected Health Symposium prides itself on being the place where healthcare and technology collide – and they’ve been colliding annually for 9 years now in Boston. The discussions ranged from the policy driving “meaningful use” to discussions on how Americans are embracing solutions for health and wellness voluntarily – an estimated 60% of US adults are tracking their weight, diet or exercise routine voluntarily (albeit about half of these engaged Americans are what Susannah Fox of the Pew Internet & American Life Project described as “self trackers” – those who track their health using the popular “skinny jeans test”).
There’s a lot happening in health tech in the US at the moment and next year at eHealth Week 2013 in Dublin, Ireland Inc. will have its opportunity to showcase what the Irish health tech community can bring to the table.
Picture above is the main hall in the Massachusetts State House at the EU-US eHealth Marketplace & 2012 Transatlantic Health IT/eHealth Cooperation Assembly.
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 In October 2012, the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, participated in a two day Enterprise Ireland programme to visit a number of Irish life sciences companies in Philadelphia and Cleveland.
The programme began with the official opening of Zenith Technologies’ new US headquarters in Philadelphia. With its global headquarters in Ireland, Zenith Technologies provides automation and manufacturing execution systems (MES) engineering services to the life sciences industry.
Speaking at the event, the Taoiseach acknowledged that Zenith Technologies and other leading high-technology companies supported by Enterprise Ireland would continue to drive export growth, underpin Ireland’s economic prosperity and support valuable Irish jobs in the future.
Also in attendance at the official opening of Zenith Technologies’ US headquarters were Allyson Schwartz, the U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania’s 13th congressional district; and Kate Harper and Brendan Boyle – both members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
The event in Philadelphia was followed by a visit to the Cleveland Clinic where it was announced that the Irish-based company, i360medical has formed a strategic partnership with the Cleveland Clinic and its Innovation Alliance. Through the partnership, i360medical will represent the European wing of Cleveland Clinic’s Innovation Alliance programme which includes North Shore LIJ, MedStar Health, Promedica and Notre Dame.
Derek Young, founder and CEO of i360medical noted that the collaboration would facilitate the commercialisation of technology and innovative ideas in the healthcare industry using Ireland as a launch pad for emerging companies.
Enterprise Ireland has a long established relationship with the Cleveland Clinic, and the partnership between i360medical and Cleveland Clinic is the result of introductions brokered by Enterprise Ireland.
Speaking at an event in Cleveland Clinic, the Taoiseach said: “I strongly welcome this latest successful outcome of the relationship that exists between Ireland and the Cleveland Clinic. Healthcare and life sciences is a sector that holds particular potential for growth and job creation and is a key sector in the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs. This latest alliance is further endorsement of the international calibre of Ireland’s indigenous healthcare sector. The Government, through Enterprise Ireland, is keen to support and promote more strategic international collaborations such as this one to enhance innovation and generate break-through research. I trust that this will be a mutually beneficial alliance for both i360 Medical and Cleveland Clinic that will yield significant benefits for both organisations.”
The Taoiseach also met with a number of other Irish life sciences companies supported by Enterprise Ireland that have established a relationship with the Cleveland Clinic.
Pictured above from left to right at Cleveland Clinic: Dominic Considine; Richard Stack, M.D. Managing Director of Synergy Life Sciences Parnters; An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD; Derek Young, Founder and CEO of i360medical; Christopher Coburn, Executive Director of Cleveland Clinic Innovations; and Frank Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of Enterprise Ireland.
Allyson Schwartz, Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic, EI, EI Boston, Enda Kenny, enterprise ireland, EntIrl, Healthcare, i360medical, jobs, Life Sciences, Medical Devices, Medical Technology, MedStar Health, Medtech, North Shore LIJ, Notre Dame, Philadelphia, Promedica, Taoiseach, Zenith Technologies
Company Description
Tanco Autowrap began producing light engineering products in the early 1960s. Today, Tanco Autowrap produces the widest range of quality agricultural wrapping machinery in the world, exporting them to over 30 countries worldwide.
Tanco is committed to developing innovative agricultural wrapping machinery and agricultural machinery implements distinguished by high performance, durability and functionality.
Job Description
Tanco Autowrap in conjunction with their importer Hamilton Equipment, Ephrata, PA wishes to appoint a Product Manager to increase sales of Tanco Bale Wrapping machines and implements.
This is a new and exciting position that will require frequent travel around the East Coast & Midwest and strong sales skills to sell Tanco’s products to existing, and new dealers.
If you have a lot of drive and energy, a strong sales record with proven results in the agricultural equipment or power equipment industry, are a self-starter with strong prospecting and closing skills, and like to travel (car) several weeks each month, Tanco Autowrap would like to hear from you.
This is a full-time position with training provided, great working environment, growth opportunities, company paid car, health insurance, 401K, etc.
(more…)
agriculture, distributor, economy, employment, enterprise ireland, farming, ireland, Job, machinery, sales, tanco autowrap
Company Description
Idiro Technologies provide predictive analytics for companies with large customer networks particularly telecoms, social networking sites and online gaming providers.
Idiro’s award-winning software service is used by its customers to predict consumer behaviour, acquire customers, drive revenues and many other marketing / CRM applications.
Job Description
Idiro Technologies are looking for an experienced Oracle developer/DBA to join their development team in Dublin (Ireland) city centre.
The job offers the successful candidate the opportunity to take a leading role in the design & development of Idiro’s award winning social network analysis platform. You will work in a small team and will be expected to take a proactive role in driving innovation and quality within the company.
(more…)
employment, idiro, ireland, Job, oracle, software, technology
AER Sustainable Energy is an industrial biotech company based in Dublin, Ireland. Through partnerships with leading global energy and nutrition companies, AER are commercialising a unique enzyme technology which disruptively reduces the cost of production for algae-based biofuels and human nutritional products.
Title: Head of Business Development
Summary role description: Reporting to the CEO, your focus will be to build strong commercial relationships with global customers in the energy and food sectors. You will have primary responsibility for leading all revenue-generating activities with existing customers, and winning new customers. The role will involve extensive travel.
Candidate background:
· Third-level qualification in business, law, science, engineering or similar. MBA an advantage.
· 10+ years of experience in a sales or business development role, with track record of rapid progression & delivery of challenging targets.
· Experience in negotiating complex commercial agreements in a high-tech environment.
· Existing global network of influential contacts in the energy, food or industrial biotech sectors.
· Prior knowledge of industry dynamics in the enzyme, algae biofuels and/or nutrition sectors is a plus.
Contact information: Email CV and cover letter to jobs@aer.ie
Download full job description from: http://www.aer.ie/resources/headofbusinessdevelopment.pdf
AER, biotech, employment, energy, ireland, jobs, Renewable
Cubic Telecom‘s Maxroam has been made PCMAG.COM current Editors’ Choice for a global roaming SIM card. The editors found Cubic Telecom’s roaming SIM card to be inexpensive and flexible enough to make a good solution for anyone traveling to Europe. The article also focused on the ease with which the Maxroam SIM card can be set up, as well as the ability to easily monitor data usage. PCMAG.COM were impressed with the Maxroam website’s ability to quote data usage in real time, the warning messages provided to customers when a phone is low on credit, as well the lack of ambiguity with the final bill since it is a prepaid card.
To see the full article written by Sascha Segan and Wendy Sheehan Donnell of PCMAG.COM, please click on the following link: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2397507,00.asp
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Location: The Dogwood Room,
North Carolina Biotechnology Center
15 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709
8.45am -11.30am: Life Sciences Networking Event
An Irish delegation is embarking on an upcoming trade mission to strengthen economic and trade ties between North Carolina and Ireland. A key element to the Mission is a Life Science networking and partnering event to take place at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center.
The life Science event will showcase 14 of Ireland’s visiting high technology Life Science companies (Pharma and Medical Device click Enterprise Ireland Companies to view each company). The event will take place in an informal networking environment with table top displays by the guest companies. North Carolina Life Science companies are welcome to come and meet the visiting Irish companies to discuss their technologies, the life science sectors in North Carolina and Ireland, new developments in the sectors, collaboration and supplier opportunities.
The event will be opened by remarks from the Irish Government Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton T.D. and Richard Stack, President, Synecor. This event will start at 8.45am and give the opportunity for meetings and informal networking between North Carolina based and the visiting Irish companies.
You are warmly invited to come along and meet examples of technologies from the burgeoning Irish Life Science sector and network with the visitors and local colleagues.
******REGISTRATION INFORMATION******
Please RSVP to: Eoin.Moore@Enterprise-Ireland.com. For more information, please call: Eoin Moore on 212 546 0470
Role Description
Fitzwilliam Institute Group provides accredited training across the USA, Canada, Ireland, UK, Australia, South Africa and Singapore in a wide range of communications related subjects.
Fitzwilliam Institute Group is located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side and is a wholly owned subsidiary of an international training group called the Fitzwilliam Institute based in Dublin, Ireland. Fitzwilliam also has offices located in London, UK and New York, USA.
The role will involve being the face of Fitzwilliam Institute Group USA on a day to day basis. The successful applicant will be responsible for the end to end student experience which begins the very moment a student makes an enquiry, through to their experience learning with us and continues even after they have graduated from our program.
Delivering to this agenda includes coordinating the smooth operation of all Fitzwilliam Institute Group USA courses both externally and internally, ensuring that we are accurately and positively reflected in all of the work that is undertaken.
It also includes working with the Dublin Ireland Head Office in order to ensure that all sales, marketing and operational opportunities are maximised to their full extent.
Finally the role includes working very closely with the Group Operations Manager, Group Marketing Manager & Course Director. The Group Operations Manager will be your line manager on an ongoing basis and will expect you to deliver to very specific targets and parameters.
If interested please send your CV and letter of proposal to operations@fitzwilliaminstitutegroup.ie
(more…)
 Accenture is to open a research, development and innovation centre in Dublin to develop predictive analytics solutions for clients worldwide, creating 100 high-skilled jobs over four years.
The first dedicated Accenture innovation centre in Ireland will focus on the development of advanced analytics solutions.
Predictive analytics applies advanced statistical modelling techniques to internal and external data sources to generate deeper insights that help businesses and governments drive better outcomes.
The Accenture Analytics Innovation Centre (AAIC) is expected to create 100 new highly-skilled jobs over the next four years, adding to Accenture’s 1,300 people employed in Ireland today.
The AAIC is backed by IDA Ireland and will form part of a wider Accenture global network of innovation centres dedicated to the demonstration, research and development and delivery of predictive analytics.
“Today’s announcement marks another milestone in the ongoing development of Accenture in Ireland,” said Mark Ryan, country managing director of Accenture in Ireland. (more…)
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