Athenry News & Views Spring 2026

Athenry News & Views

Inside the Athenry Bía Innovator Campus

By: Jarlath Cloonan

Derek Dunwoody General Manager

companies. Entrepreneurs can arrive with nothing more than a concept and gain access to expertise, training and production facilities that support every stage of development. This integrated support system helps businesses move from kitchen-table experimentation to commercial production and export readiness. The campus spans three purpose-built buildings and includes specialist infrastructure rarely available to small producers including fully equipped production units, culinary training kitchens and demonstration spaces This environment allows producers to refine recipes, test production processes and meet buyers all in one location. Education is central to the campus mission. Training programmes and culinary courses are delivered in partnership with education providers and industry experts. By combining technical skills with business knowledge, the campus equips producers for long-term success.

On the outskirts of Athenry, on the Teagasc Mellows Campus, a quiet revolution in Irish food is underway. It has positioned the town at the heart of an effort to nurture food innovation, entrepreneurship and rural enterprise. Opened in 2024, the campus is Ireland’s first National Centre of Excellence dedicated to supporting start-ups and small food producers. What happens inside its doors is helping to shape the future of Ireland’s food industry from artisan producers to export-ready brands. The Bía Innovator Campus was initiated by Cllr. Peter Feeney and Alan Farrell, two of the three original directors, following the success of the European Region of Gastronomy programme in 2017. Also among the founding local stakeholders were Athenry Community Council and Athenry based GRETB where it serves as an important learning centre. At its core, the Bía Innovator Campus helps food and drink businesses turn ideas into viable products and successful

Being located on the Teagasc campus gives businesses direct access to scientific research and food technology expertise. This link ensures innovation is grounded in evidence-based practices, sustainability and global food trends. The campus also connects entrepreneurs with industry networks, buyers, funding opportunities and European innovation programmes. The Bía Innovator Campus is more than a business centre, it is an economic engine for the West of Ireland. It is home to several companies and entrepreneurs and is expected to support hundreds of jobs and training opportunities. Backed by Galway County Council, Teagasc and regional development partners, the project aims to strengthen rural economies and position the region as a leader in food innovation. Ireland’s food sector is one of its most important industries, and innovation is essential to its future. The Bía Innovator Campus helps small producers scale their

Colm Foley Food Innovation Manager

Mary (Ruane) Somers Facilities Team Leader

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