Global ‘Gathering’ of tech leaders in Cork set for January as Silicon Valley returns to Ireland

The Irish Technology Leadership Group will gather global CEOs and leading Irish executives in some of the world’s biggest technology companies in Cork in January in a Gathering-themed shindig. The aim will be to help local tech companies and entrepreneurs succeed on the global stage.

Cork’s renown as a technological hub has spread globally. The company has been home to international operations of Apple, EMC, IBM, Trend Micro, Big Fish Games and many more through the year, its reputation for software, hardware, electronics, e-business and wireless technology second to none.

In previous years the ITLG’s ‘Silicon Valley Comes to Ireland’ events were staged in Dublin, Belfast and Limerick and now its Cork’s turn. This year’s summit will be truly global with technology leaders from Europe, China, Russia, India and across the Americas in attendance.

Cork City Council, Cork Chamber, UCC and CIT have partnered with the Irish Technology Leadership Group (ITLG) to bring this international event to Cork event on 21 and 22 January as part of The Gathering 2013.

Confirmed speakers include Craig Barrett, ITLG chairman and former chairman and CEO of Intel Corp.; Barry O’Sullivan, senior VP Cisco; Liam Casey, CEO PCH; James Herlihy, MD Deutsche Bank; Sean O’Donoghue, CTO Madison Square Garden; Rory McInerney, Intel; and Una Fox, VP Disney among others.

Opportunities for entrepreneurs

The event will include ‘fast pitch’ sessions for entrepreneurs, business start-ups and innovative businesses to pitch for investment, a technology showcase, University Challenge award and Technology Leaders Summit as well as a gala networking dinner. Companies should apply now to take part in the ‘pitch-camp’ sessions.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. John Buttimer said: “Cork has strong business links with Silicon Valley and we are delighted to deepen our relationship with US industry leaders while showcasing all that Cork has to offer in terms of a centre of excellence for innovation and commercialisation of new research as well as a great place to invest as a gateway to Europe.

“We are delighted to welcome the Irish Technology Leadership Group to Cork for the Silicon Valley comes to Ireland event,” Buttimer said.

Indigenous companies in the fields of mobile technologies, cloud, biotech and convergent pharma, nanotechnology and renewable energies among others will be invited to pitch their business ideas to the international delegation of investors and seasoned entrepreneurs.�

“We are looking forward to seeing Ireland’s most innovative and disruptive technologies at the ‘fast pitch’ sessions to be held at the Global Technology Leaders Summit in Cork,” said John Hartnett, CEO ITLG.

“Those interested in pitching for investment from the global business leaders and investors should embrace the opportunity of the ITLG Silicon Valley comes to Ireland event and get in touch with us immediately”, Hartnett recommended.

via Global ‘Gathering’ of tech leaders in Cork set for January as Silicon Valley returns to Ireland – Ireland’s business and technology news service – Siliconrepublic.com.