Some good news for the Welsh economy at last

Well done to Dylan Jones Evans and the University of Wales on their new venture, the opening of a Welsh Innovation Office for Welsh start up businesses in ‘Silicon Valley’ in California. Some great news for Wales after yesterday’s shambles in Cardiff Bay.

From Dylan’s blog ‘In a move that will propel innovative Welsh companies into the heart of the American venture capital market, the University of Wales has opened an office in San-Jose, the self-proclaimed ‘capital of Silicon Valley’.

The Irish Innovation Centre (IIC), a launch-pad organisation for Irish start-up businesses in Silicon Valley, has invited the University of Wales to base itself within their company in a nod to a shared Celtic heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.

Together with its affiliate organisation, the Irish Technology Leadership Group (ITLG), the Centre offers a wealth of resources to technology companies making the difficult transition across the Atlantic, including office space, legal and administrative help, conference facilities, and media/PR support.

The support network of the IIC, coupled with its location in Silicon Valley, will present a goldmine of opportunity for Welsh companies wishing to penetrate the US market. The establishment of a Welsh entrepreneurial base in the area could potentially make the US a far less hostile or risky area for Welsh investors and businessman, serving the dual purpose of diversifying and stimulating the Welsh economy.'

The full post is here

What a contrast with the Welsh Government whose actions on the Welsh economy have been non existent following the elections on May 5th.

UPDATE Here's some key quotes from the the Irish Innovation Centre about the partnership, the full press release is here

Professor Dylan Jones-Evans of the University of Wales explains that when he heard about the Irish Innovation Centre, “We thought it was a fantastic idea."

He then wrote about the centre in The Western Mail, praising the centre and wondering why Wales did not have an equivalent.

“Lo and behold I get an email from (ITLG President) John Hartnett saying, ‘we’d be more than happy to share this with our Celtic cousins, and why don’t you come over here and consider whether you’d like an office here for the University of Wales?’ So that’s what we’ve done.
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