Minister Burke announces €5.7 million funding from the European Commission and Enterprise Ireland for FactoryXChange 2.0 to establish services and supports that will future‑proof Irish manufacturing jobs over a three‑year period, with TisaLabs playing a central role in securing cyber‑resilient digital transformation.

Ireland’s manufacturing sector faces growing pressure from rising costs, global competition, and the urgent need to embrace digital and green technologies. Companies must adopt artificial intelligence (AI), high‑performance computing (HPC), industrial IoT, and robust cybersecurity to stay competitive, compliant, and resilient.

FactoryXChange (FXC) is Ireland and Europe’s leading catalyst for sustainable, human‑centric manufacturing transformation. Led by Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) and supported by 17 expert partners nationwide – including TisaLabs as the consortium’s specialist in industrial IoT security and NIS2‑aligned cyber‑resilience – FXC 2.0 has secured 40% funding (€2.3 million) from the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) programme with match funding of 60% (€3.4 million) from Enterprise Ireland. Over the next three years, the consortium will continue helping Irish businesses move from uncertainty to action by offering up to 100% discounted services and tailored support, harnessing advanced technologies in a way that is ethical, secure, and sustainable.

Manufacturing is the backbone of the Irish economy. According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), the sector directly employs more than 220,000 people and accounts for over 34% of Ireland’s GDP – more than double the European average of 15%. In 2023, goods exports reached €197.25 billion, generating €13.7 billion in wages, €3.03 billion in income tax, and more than €10 billion in corporation tax.

FactoryXChange is coordinated by Karin Jancykova, Senior Programme Manager, Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR), and operates through a national network of 17 partners in digital innovation, AI, robotics, and industrial cybersecurity. Within this network, TisaLabs focuses on securing high‑assurance industrial IoT and edge systems, helping manufacturers safely connect complex machinery to the cloud while meeting strict regulatory demands such as the NIS2 Directive and emerging cyber‑resilience requirements.

Together, the consortium makes advanced digital tools, security expertise, and implementation support accessible to businesses and public sector bodies across Ireland. FactoryXChange 1.0 supported more than 495 Irish enterprises and public organisations to become more competitive in their business and production processes through digital transformation, including pilots that demonstrated how integrated cybersecurity and IoT can turn cyber‑vulnerability into competitive strength.

Speaking about the announcement, Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, said:

“Extending the European Digital Innovation Hub programme in Ireland into Phase 2 ensures that our SMEs will continue to access world‑class digitalisation support. By maintaining this momentum, we are increasing Ireland’s competitiveness and enabling enterprises across Ireland to future‑proof their operations. This continued investment reflects our commitment to making advanced digital technologies accessible for every region and sector.”

FactoryXChange’s funding application received the highest possible score from the European Commission and was awarded the prestigious STEP – Seal of Excellence. This places FXC among a select group of projects recognised for outstanding quality and impact. The award underlines the consortium’s proven ability to deliver and unlock new opportunities for additional support, ensuring that Ireland remains a leader in secure, sustainable, and innovative manufacturing.

FactoryXChange 2.0 will apply the new funding to empower Irish businesses by connecting them with advanced digital technologies, expert advice, and funding to integrate ecological, digital, and societal solutions, thereby fostering sustainable growth and competitiveness. As the dedicated cyber‑security and industrial IoT partner, TisaLabs will deliver integrated security assessments, continuous monitoring, and best‑practice guidance so that new digital capabilities are deployed in a way that is cyber‑resilient by design.

Through a collaborative, one‑stop‑shop approach, FXC and its 17 partners transform digital innovations into practical, impactful solutions that benefit both society and the economy, with a particular focus on enabling Industry 5.0 factories, protecting critical manufacturing infrastructure, and accelerating secure digital transformation.

The consortium is inviting manufacturers and public sector organisations to get involved, access support, and help shape the future of Irish industry.

For more information and to connect with the programme, visit 

www.factoryxchange.ie

To learn more about TisaLabs’ role in securing industrial IoT and edge systems as part of FactoryXChange, visit  www.tisalabs.com