On Monday, a new source of information on Irish blockchain, Blockchain Ireland, was launched today by the Irish Blockchain Expert Group (IBEG). According to IDA Ireland, the new online platform will serve as the go-to source of information, assisting the promotion of Ireland as a blockchain center of excellence.
It was revealed that IBEG is an IDA Ireland-led forum established as a vehicle to promote and enhance the blockchain industry in Ireland. The association consists of IDA Ireland, members of blockchain businesses and projects in Ireland, representatives from a number of academic institutions, as well as participants of the wider Irish blockchain community. Keith Fingleton, Chief Information Officer of IDA Ireland, stated:
“IBEG, and the Blockchain Ireland initiative, will assist blockchain projects and businesses in leveraging the beneficial environment in Ireland to foster increased innovation, and develop a national, European, and international blockchain ecosystem. Ireland is uniquely positioned to serve as a technology hub within Europe and internationally, with a large, highly skilled workforce and clear government commitment to innovation – reflected by tax initiatives promoting R&D and foreign investment in the Irish economy. The proximity of international and local firms, industry bodies, governmental institutions, and universities within the country allows for effective collaboration to meet new opportunities.”
Eoin Fitzgerald, Senior Advisor for Fintech for Enterprise Ireland, also commented:
“Blockchain technology holds great potential for the Irish economy, in particular as a catalyst for innovation and experimentation across innumerable sectors. Blockchain Ireland will serve as an invaluable support to the many Irish startups currently utilising this cutting-edge technology as well as those hoping to make use of blockchain in the future. By capitalising upon Ireland’s strengths in talent and innovation, we have already witnessed the creation of transformative and inspired blockchain based Irish companies such as Circle and AidTech. We are seeing an increasing number of Irish and international companies building far-reaching blockchain solutions within the country – it is an extremely exciting time for the space.”
Blockchain Ireland will notably serve to better connect the public and the Irish blockchain sector. The platform will provide information on setting up a business in Ireland, available services and support for blockchain projects, upcoming blockchain events within the country, as well as an overview of the key domestic and international stakeholders within the blockchain ecosystem.