Taoiseach Enda Kenny today launched WAYRA, a new initiative to support entrepreneurs in the tech sector.
Wayra launched in Latin America last year with the goal of finding and nurturing the best technology ideas and talent around the world. It aims to become an accelerator for the development of future ‘Silicon Valleys’ in countries where Telefonica is present.
Launching the initiative, the Taoiseach said:
“Supporting entrepreneurs and providing a stable and supportive business environment is the route to new jobs and growth.
Therefore it is of great significance that Telefónica have chosen to bring their fantastic WAYRA initiative to Ireland following its launch early last year in South America.
WAYRA is an ambitious, innovative jobs incubator project for technology start-ups.
In addition to receiving an investment of up to €50,000, each new WAYRA Academy company will be supported by the WAYRA team with access to technology tools, business mentoring, guidance on how to market their product and on how to access additional funding. “
The Taoiseach indicated how WAYRA is supportive of the goals of the Governments Action Plan for Jobs:
“I very much welcome this investment by Telefonica and Wayra in Ireland. Wayra’s decision is a significant vote of confidence in Ireland and reflects our strong reputation on the international stage. The Wayra initiative, like the Governments Action Plan for Jobs, places innovative businesses right at the heart of the drive to accelerate jobs growth and economic prosperity.”
The Action Plan contains a wide range of measures to support new start up companies while improving the environment for all businesses.
Delivering on this plan will be a major factor in rebuilding confidence and certainty in the Irish economy.”
Concluding, the Taoiseach said:
“With the enterprising spirit being fostered through initiatives such as WAYRA I’m as confident as ever that Ireland will become the best small country in the world in which to do business, and will emerge from these challenging times stronger than ever.”
Ireland is the tenth country in which Wayra has launched. To date it has received over 9,000 submissions and provided financing to 100 startups around the world.
For more information on Wayra, visit
Wayra Ireland.
Watch the MerrionStreet.ie video feature on the launch below...