top of page
Search

Brewing an Irish Start-Up Powerhouse – Niamh Collins on the Guinness Enterprise Centre’s 25-Year Success

Updated: Jan 15


Podcast Ep. 302

From a rundown brewery warehouse to Ireland’s largest start-up campus, the Guinness Enterprise Centre (GEC) in Dublin’s Liberties has spent 25 years shaping the country’s entrepreneurial landscape. In Episode 302 of the ThinkBusiness.ie podcast, GEC Director Niamh Collins shares how the centre has supported over 1,500 start-ups and become a hub of innovation, collaboration, and ambition.


A Space Where Ideas Take Flight

Every morning, hundreds of entrepreneurs arrive at GEC to work, collaborate, and bring their visions to life. Today, 160 start-ups operate across 95,000 square feet of office space, making the centre a bustling ecosystem where ideas meet execution.

Niamh emphasises that the magic of GEC isn’t just its facilities—it’s the people. Being around other founders sparks conversations and connections that you just can’t replicate on a Zoom call, she suggests. From casual chats over coffee to structured networking events, the centre nurtures relationships that turn challenges into opportunities.


Collaboration That Goes Beyond Borders

GEC actively encourages start-ups to learn from one another through “Meet The Neighbours” events and peer mentoring. This collaborative approach extends internationally, attracting visits from universities and institutions across the US, Europe, and beyond. Many of these exchanges lead to projects that help Irish start-ups expand into global markets.


Supporting Entrepreneurs at Every Stage

GEC has evolved alongside Ireland’s start-up scene, welcoming companies across AI, sustainability, and health technology. The centre supports founders with everything from office space to mentorship, helping them navigate the early struggles of start-up life and scale successfully.

Niamh reflects on the diversity of the entrepreneurs she meets: “Some leave corporate roles to chase their dreams. The passion and determination they bring is inspiring.” The centre’s focus on long-term growth allows companies to graduate when they’re ready—or stay as long as needed to reach their potential.


A Sustainable Model for the Future

Operating as a not-for-profit, GEC reinvests its rental income into upgrading facilities and supporting start-ups. Recent improvements include IT and conference infrastructure, ensuring the centre remains a top destination for founders looking to grow their businesses in a vibrant, supportive environment.


With its 25th anniversary and 1,500th company milestone this year, the Guinness Enterprise Centre continues to attract entrepreneurs eager to create meaningful impact—proving that the right environment, people, and mindset can turn a warehouse into a world-class start-up hub


Listen to Podcast Ep. 302 with Niamh Collins: https://soundcloud.com/thinkbusinessie/episode-302-niamh-collins

 
 
bottom of page