GEC 25 Year Impact Report 2026 - Flipbook - Page 16
Global and National Connectivity
Connected Locally.
Positioned Globally.
The GEC operates as a globally connected platform within
Ireland’s wider enterprise ecosystem -linking ambitious
startups and scaling companies to national and
international pathways for growth.
Through a powerful network of strategic partnerships,
trade missions, and university collaborations, the Centre
actively opens doors to global markets, talent, and
knowledge networks. Hosting over 250 events annually,
the GEC serves as a dynamic hub for international
engagement—bringing together founders, investors,
corporates, and ecosystem leaders from around the world.
Central to this offering is the GEC’s expanding
soft-landing capability - supporting both Irish companies
scaling overseas and international startups establishing in
Ireland. Through structured connections with leading
enterprise hubs and innovation centres across Europe, the
Locally Connected
The GEC is part of Smart D8, a collaborative initiative
launched in October 2020 to improve health and
wellbeing in Dublin 8. It connects residents, businesses,
and local organisations, reaching over 18,500 people
within a population of 45,000.
Led by The Digital Hub, Dublin City Council, St James’s
Hospital, and Smart Dublin, the partnership includes
academic, healthcare, and enterprise partners such as
Trinity College Dublin and Health Service Executive.
Each year, Smart D8 selects health-focused projects
through a competitive process, supporting them with
funding and community engagement for a six-month pilot.
Projects are then evaluated for their potential to scale and
deliver long-term impact.
More information: www.smartd8.ie
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UK, and the U.S., the GEC provides a trusted gateway for
market entry, collaboration, and commercial expansion.
These global connections significantly enhance the
visibility, credibility, and growth trajectory of GEC
companies -positioning them to compete, partner, and
scale on an international stage.
