4th October 2000

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Northern Ireland enterprise Minister Sir Reg Empey yesterday opened a new £1.3m University of Ulster/ICL ebusiness incubator centre in west Belfast.

"The Synergy e-Business Incubator has a major role to play in or drive to develop and encourage new ICT companies with viable and aggressive growth plans, providing them with a unique range of facilities and business support services facilitating the quickest possible start-up time, while offering protection and guidance during the vulnerable stages of their development."

Located in Springvale Business Park in the west of the city, the Synergy eBusiness Incubator (SeBI) will act as a launch pad for new and emerging businesses. The process begins with the identification of new eBusiness ventures which are recognised for their potential to succeed in the global marketplace.

Companies are provided with a modern office environment and receive specialist business advice and technical support, ranging from initial assessment of the eBusiness proposal, through to the end goal of the commercialisation of the eBusiness.

SeBI plans to select fifteen local projects for development in the next twelve months. It is estimated that 100 jobs will be created over the next three years, with seventeen full-time positions already in operation. The Synergy eBusiness Incubator stems from a unique partnership between ICL and the University of Ulster, with major funding from the European Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation, the Industrial Research and Technology Unit and the International Fund for Ireland.

Speaking at the launch, The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ulster, Prof. Gerry McKenna, said:

"The Synergy Incubator will form an integral part of our technology and knowledge transfer process, which strives to bridge the gap between academic pursuit and commercial success.

It will benefit from the vitality that the unique partnership between the University and ICL brings, and will be an important driver in the creation of a knowledge-based economy in NI.

"The Incubator will undoubtedly flourish in the vibrant environment of a new educational village campus dedicated to teaching and lifelong learning, through provision of accessible and innovative study programmes designed to meet real needs."

Ken Magee, Managing Director of the Synergy eBusiness Incubator said, "The ever-changing face of eBusiness presents new and exciting opportunities for our local entrepreneurs and I look forward to working alongside Northern Ireland's future eBusiness success stories.

"SeBI's core strength is in its dedication to working in partnership with the selected companies, through the provision of a comprehensive range of support systems. The Incubator is designed to nurture innovation and creativity, and ultimately achieve global business success."

Barry Hagan, Marketing Director, ICL, said: "As the leading eBusiness services company, ICL recognises the importance of encouraging eBusiness entrepreneurs. ICL with the University of Ulster are committed to facilitating self-help and, through Synergy and now SeBI, we can provide Northern Ireland's ideas-rich individuals with the necessary tools to transform their ideas into profitable business ventures."

The establishment of the Incubator is the first milestone in the evolution of the University of Ulster/BIFHE Springvale Education Village.

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk