Information & Communications Technology (ICT) sector profile

There's no better place in the world today for ICT start-ups

Ireland is the second largest exporter of computer and IT services in the world. With a highly creative and talented workforce, an open economy and a competitive corporate tax environment, Ireland has successfully attracted eight of the top 10 global information technology companies to establish a significant presence here.

The sector’s traditional players with long-established operations – such as Intel, HP, IBM, Microsoft and Apple – have now been joined by newer firms at the vanguard of the internet and social media revolution, including Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, Amazon, PayPal, eBay and most recently Twitter. Their arrival has firmly positioned Ireland as the internet capital of Europe.

Ireland is the also the European data centre location of choice for world leaders including IBM, Microsoft, Google, Yahoo, MSN and Adobe and is now poised to become a global cloud centre of excellence.

Our worldwide reputation for creativity and communication is also fuelling the interest of games companies, with Big Fish, EA, Havok, DemonWare, PopCap, Zynga, Riot Games and Jolt all having a significant presence here.

Start-ups seeking a highly educated, highly functional workforce equipped with modern skills and ‘can do’ attitudes will find exactly what they need in Ireland.

 

Some relevant facts about the ICT sector:

  1. Ireland is the second largest exporter of computer and IT services in the world.
  2. Global leaders such as Intel, HP, IBM, Microsoft and Apple have long-established operations in Ireland.
  3. They have been joined by newer leading-edge giants such as Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, Amazon, PayPal, eBay and Twitter.
  4. Dublin is Europe's leading hub of innovative games companies with Big Fish, EA, Havok, DemonWare, PopCap, Zynga, Riot Games and Jolt all having a significant presence here.
  5. The sector accounts for more than €50 billion of exports from Ireland per annum.

"Ireland has made a good job of building a proto-Silicon Valley. By attracting global high-tech names to the country, it provides a high-tech hinterland in which smaller companies can grow...a who ecosystem of support."
Ben Rooney, The Wall Street Journal Europe.

Download ICT sector brochure [pdf 306KB]

 

Back to: Startups from outside Ireland homepage | €10m Fund for International Start-Ups | Why Locate in Ireland | Funding and Supports for Startups in Ireland | Case Studies | Contact Us